What is Digital Printing and How Do Digital Printing Services Work?

There are two different types of printing services we use at WDM, with the traditional method of litho still available with us. However, we also offer digital printing services, which can be a much cheaper and faster alternative depending on your requirements

What Are Digital Printing Services?

To understand how digital printing services work, we must first look at what it is. Digital printing is a newer process involving complex computing telling the machine how to create the image on paper. The digital printer will then analyse an image and print it directly onto your chosen surface. 

Digital printing services are the most common form of printing today, due to the crispness and consistency of the finished print.  

How do Digital Printing Services Work?

The process of digital printing services is different to that of litho printing, which uses wet ink and transfers the same image via printing plates. Digital printing services offers a different approach by assembling the images ready for print from a complex set of numbers and formulas. These images are captured from pixels, and the digitalised image is used to control the deposition of ink, toner and exposure, to replicate the image you would like to print. 

The most common digital printers are inkjet or toner based. Inkjet produces your image by mapping out minuscule droplets of ink onto your chosen paper surface before creating an image. Using a toner – a fine, plastic-based powder – printer produces dots smaller than that of the Inkjet and comes out already dry. 

Advantages of Digital Printing Services

Digital printing services refer to the modern method of printing, which boasts many benefits for a consumer. 

Digital Printing Services Saves Time

A great advantage of digital printing services, if not the biggest, is that by using plates they are much faster than traditional methods. With digital printing, you are only required to upload a high-res file of your chosen image, and the printer will do the rest. This is a much faster turnaround and benefits your direct mail marketing campaign process.

Digital Printing Services Offer Customisation

The digital printing process is also well-suited for personalised direct mail marketing. Variable printing is available with this type of process, allowing for each piece of direct marketing, whether that be a flyer, leaflet or brochure, to be unique.  

Today, it has become a commonly accepted marketing practice to think of your customers as individuals, and personalisation is unrivalled when it comes to digital printing. 

Digital Printing Services Deliver Less Distortion of Images

Digital printing services can provide higher quality prints from lower resolution images, too. Digital technology has significantly improved from the first printer of its type, and due to its non-contact printing process, this allows for less distortion of images. The finish of the print is typically sharp and precise, whereas litho printing offers a softer finished product. 

Digital Printing Services Offer More Development

With the surge in the popularity of digital printing the desire for this type of printing process is constantly undergoing development. As digital printing services become faster and more cost-effective, it is worthwhile adapting and improving in line with the developments. Other advantages to digital printing are that it requires less human intervention, and communication has a higher turnaround. 

Digital Printing Services Are Cost Effective

As you would expect from a faster and more efficient process, digital printing services are able to run cheaper than traditional forms of print. With digital  It is only required to print as much as you need, whereas with litho there is a minimum amount. It’s also faster to set up, ideal for a small printing job. 

At WDM, We Do More to help you and offer digital printing services, along with litho printing. To speak with one of our experts about your printer needs, just give us a call.

Digital Printing Services FAQs

What file formats are accepted for digital printing?

We can handle any Microsoft or Adobe files. 

Microsoft – word, excel, publisher, powerpoint. 

Adobe – PDF, photoshop, illustrator, indesign. 

We can also work with any data file that is delimited – text, CSV. 

Can I get samples before placing a large order?

You can receive a personalised sample pack by filling out a form by clicking through to the following page. 

Do you offer 24 hour turnaround on Digital Printing Services?

Yes, we do! We can do quick turnarounds for Digital Printing Services in high quality colour and mono.