There are many distinct differences between digital large format printing and traditional litho offset large format printing where large printing plates are created for presses. The fact that there is no printing plate is the first difference. Here are some more:
- There are much fewer chemicals involved
- The setup time is much shorter
- The printing time is much shorter
- The drying time is quicker
- The chance for errors have been seriously limited through digital printing
- Proofing costs and time are shorter
- Overall costs are reduced
- There are fewer health and safety concerns for employees
- Repairs and maintenance time is reduced
Poster Printers Do Not Have To Be Limited To One Function
Poster printers can be competitive doing large format printing jobs. In other words, poster printers can spread themselves beyond a specific area of printing and into large format printing.
They can use poster printing as a “foot in the door” way of connecting with a prospect. If a customer is happy with a print job, they will often have other kinds of printing done.
What determines if a print job should be done via offset print litho or by digital large format printing?
Length of print run, type of paper, type of ink and costs associated are often what determines what kind of press a print job is run on.
Is there a varnish or multiple varnishes needed? Is there a spot colour that just doesn’t work on a digital press? Is budget a concern? Weighing the differences, the costs and the give-and-takes are what usually determine how you can determine where a print job should be done.
Sometimes, it is a comfort factor that will determine where a print job is done. If a customer has had a long-term relationship with a printer and relies on their expertise, they often won’t bother shopping around too seriously as long as the price doesn’t jump too much. There is often an established discount or bonus factor that comes with an established relationship that new printers will not be comfortable with simply because they have not had experience with the customer to know what to expect over the long-term.
For more information regarding poster printers to choose from or on the large format printing method itself, please contact us at Partners Graphic.