What is the difference between digital printing and large format printing?
While large format printing and digital printing are both valid options, they each deal with different size and scale of printed output. Generally, digital print involves shorter print runs for smaller printed items, while large format printing is used to creating oversized products. In this blog, we’re taking a look at both printing techniques in detail.
What is digital printing?
Digital printing is a modern printing method. It differs from traditional printing techniques in that no physical copies of images exist to be printed. As a result, no plates are used in the printing process. Instead, prints are produced directly from digital images stored on data files from a computer or other digital device.
Equipment used for digital printing consists of laser printing presses and printed items produced that are typically smaller in size. Common products digitally printed include office documents and business cards, as well as promotional materials like flyers, posters, newsletters, catalogues, brochures and booklets.
What are the benefits of digital printing?
Digital printing offers several advantages for customers. As no plate making is necessary, the process is cost-effective for small batch print runs and print jobs that have a swift turnaround. Customers can also access Variable Data Printing (VDP), a printing technique that enables customisation of individual printed pieces in a single print run, employing data from a file or database.
What is large format printing?
Large format printing is defined as a digital printing process that uses specialised equipment to create large-scale prints. When commercial printers are not large enough to cope with size requirements of print demands, large format printing is often the best solution.
The cutting-edge apparatus used in large format printing usually includes wide-format printers like flatbed printers and roll-fed printers, but also laminating equipment, large format cutters and mounting and finishing machines.
Large format printing is used in a wide range of commercial applications and is frequently in demand for creating both exterior and interior advertising boards and signage solutions. However, it is also used to create a diverse selection of printed products such as posters, banners, fabric prints and vehicle wraps.
Another popular application for large format printing is refreshing office interiors. The digital printing technique is used to produce custom floor tiles, wall murals and wallpaper.
What are the advantages of large format printing?
Large format printing allows customers to receive printed products of greater size that wouldn’t be possible with a standard printer. It also makes it possible to access printed items using a far more versatile range of materials. Printing is high-resolution and durable, and products can be designed to be weather-resistant so they can be used in outdoor applications for an extended time.
Do you need digital printing or large format printing in Manchester?
Experts in large format printing and digital print in Manchester, at Ainsley Signs we are always ready to help. Reach out to our knowledgeable team of print professionals to find out more or place an order today to access our experience and state-of-the-art equipment.