Litho Vs Digital Printing
Two of the most popular technologies are litho (lithography) and digital, both serving the same purpose of transferring images onto surfaces. There are significantly different processes and applications with these printing technologies, and both have their advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Lithography (litho) explained
The term "lithography" is derived from the Greek words 'lithos' (stone) and 'grapho' (to write), and dates back to the late 18th century - in those days there was a reliance on flat stones for printing, with the process involved several steps including image preparation, ink application, and printing. These days flat stones have been replaced with metals such as aluminium and other recycled metals.
Digital print revolution
The late 1980s saw the introduction of the first digital print technology, with commercial presses following on in the early 1990s. From this time, digital printing has advanced quickly, ushering in a new era of efficiency and versatility, its key features are:
Quick and efficient - with no need to create plates, the image can be printed directly from the computer, to the printing machine and onto paper, fabric, or other materials.
Variable printing - the print can be customised with different text or images without interrupting the printing process, therefore making it invaluable for marketing materials or personalised products.
Cost-effective - short print runs are cost-effective due to quick set-up times and waste reduction.
View our quick guide to printing techniques here
In a nutshell: Litho Vs Digital
We’ll always be here to advise and guide you to make the right choice, but generally choosing the print technology will very much depend on the specific requirements of the project. Balancing budgets, environmental responsibilities, and project briefs can be quite a challenge.
For large-volume print jobs, Litho printing is an excellent choice as the cost per unit will decrease with higher quantities. Its ability to reproduce intricate details and vibrant colours makes it a preferred choice for high-quality publications, packaging, and marketing materials. Historic techniques have been replaced with waste-reducing techniques, and the introduction of recycled plates and vegetable inks is improving the environmental impact of this process.
On the other hand, digital printing, with no need for plates, reduces waste and carbon footprints, relying on electronic files and on-demand printing to minimize paper and ink usage. While environmentally friendly with water-based inks, it still consumes energy, and its efficiency for long-run, high-volume print jobs may be a concern.
Get in touch for a quote or further advice on your print project.