In the fast and techno-innovative society of Dubai and UAE, it was needed to bring fast and modern technology solutions for printing needs as well. While running a business or brand when you come to printing, often a comparison draws; digital versus offset printing. Digital printing is being widely used by individuals and businesses due to its speed, cost effectiveness and versatility. Offset requires time but both have their own specialities.
Shaheen Advertising is also a digital printing company. We have seen Dubai and UAE business’s campaigns either small or big level full fledged, come to life and are successful through Digital printing.
Here in this blog we will help you to understand exactly what digital printing is and different ways. How different printing and packaging products like brochures or clothes both can be quickly printed and customized by digital printing. What machines are being used for this printing process and how different processes are done
What is Digital Printing? Definition Guide
In contrast with traditional printing which involves proper set up time of physical plates and then transfer ink to printing media, Digital printing is modern-high tech printing in which digital pictures or designs are printed directly onto the paper or any other printing material through laser or inkjet technology. Just like home based printers, digital printing is done on a big scale but with more options and details.
Digital printing is ideal in a fast paced society like Dubai, where any urgent printing or packaging need can be instantly fulfilled through digital printing, for example you need same day designed and printed poster. Digital printing allows variation in design and no big cost for a small number of prints as well.
So key features of Digital printing is;
- No preparation time time like plates or screen, can be directly printed through digital files.
- Small scale printing with no additional cost.
- On demand printing.
- Can be customized like qr codes and product codes.
How the Digital Printing Process Works
The digital printing process is simple but requires attention to small details.
- The first step is to prepare a design file like we make design in adobe illustrator and export the file to that format which is printer friendly as well. For example file in PDF or vector format. And keeping in check the small details like bleed, color and resolution.
- The second step is Rastor image processor is for printer machines that your design file will be converted to printable data.
- The third step is printing on material which is done through controlled nozzles and electrostatistic transfer. Digital printing involves different types of printing like uv, laser etc and printing method is chosen according to material.
- As printing is done, the next process is finish, lamination, coating, and trimming so that print is durable and long-lasting.
Types of Digital Printing & Machines
As discussed in process as well, Digital printings vary according to material like on which thing printing is going to be done for example clothes, cups, cardstocks, wood, etc. so type of digital printing is chosen according to material and quality. Here are Five main categories of Digital printing;
Inkjet printing; Just like its name inkjet printing involves ink spray directly onto the paper, canvas or vinyl. And it can also be done at home through printers at small scale.
UV/Laser printing; is fast and clean and involves toner powders and engraving. It involves engraving on plastic, cardstocks, fabrics and paper as well. UV and Laser are different but come into the same category. Laser involves toner power while uv is done on flatbed like wood, metal.
Digital press printing; The printing for large quantity printing like; promotional campaign, booklets, business cards, brochures.
Dye/sublimation printing; This printing process is mainly done on fabric where heat is used to transfer dye on fabric or synthetic material. Popular examples are custom T-shirts and merchandise.Digital Embroidery is also now being done in printing companies as it just needs a design file and computer controlled machines to do embroidery on fabric, this type of printing is done for fashion but uniform embroidery, apparel are popular in this category.
Benefits of Digital Printing in dubai
Just like traditional printing, there are also pros and cons of digital printing but here in this blog we will look at Benefits of Digital printings;
- No setup time like plates in traditional printing so time saving and less costly as well. As it doesn’t require much time so the same day or next day printing is possible.
- Digital printing is more cost friendly than traditional printing as there is less wastage because a small amount of badge can be printed. Now in ink there is also an option for environment friendly ink as well.
- Prints can be customized for change on short notice.
- High resolution printing due to modern tech machines and cost is less due to technology.
In a fast society like Dubai; flexibility, customization and speed makes things successful and this is what Digital printing is all about.
Is Digital Printing Sustainable?
Modern technology in the printing industry has been evolving on principle like environment friendly and sustainability. We have seen that Digital printing machines waste much less as there is no setup material etc.
Shaheen advertising uses machines which require less heat and recycle inks can be used.
As there printing can be done on the same day on demand so there is less wastage.
File Preparation & Best Practices for Digital Printing
Instead of plates setup like in traditional printing, digital printing involves file preparation and it has steps which need to be followed so that the process is flawless and there are no delays.
Here are steps and precautions need to followed while preparing a file;
- Create design or upload the image
- Remove any imperfection like extra background, color or crop the image to desired design.
- Resize to largest area which will be printed without losing quality
- For resolution use at least 300 DPI
- Always set color mode to CMYK which is printer friendly.
- Don’t forget to add 3 mm bleed to all sides of prints to avoid trimming and cutting issues later on.
Once these precautions are met and the file is ready to send to your printer for the final product, however, always ask for samples before order and before bulk production.
How Shaheen Advertising Does Digital Printing
Shaheen Advertising has years of experience and high technology machines with its experts. We have been in the printing business for over two decades. If you need promotional material, brochures, backdrops, packaging solutions and anything related to your business need we can help you with digital, fast and reliable options.
We have Latest Equipment like Hp Latex, Roland and high quality with reliable colored printing material which can bear the Dubai and UAE weather. From the initial stage where you need design or you come with your design to finish and lamination options, Shaheen Advertising is there to guide and help you throughout the process.
FAQs
What is digital printing and how is it different from offset?
Digital printing is where your design can get directly printed from the printer just by a command and you don’t need much set up time. Here the important step is to prepare the design file with all the precautions like 3mm bleed, CMYK color mode and printed friendly file.
While in Offset printing metal plates and ink roles are used where to set these up a time is needed for preparation. As it is time consuming and costly so it is best for bulk order, while digital is quick and time effective so small order can also be accommodated in digital printing.
What digital printing machine is best for banners vs brochures?
For banner printing the recommended machine is Hp Latex and as banners are outdoor printed material and need durability the UV flatbed printers work best.
As brochures need attractive visuals, sharp colors and text so, high speed laser and inkjet pressing printing is best.
How do I prepare files for digital printing (resolution, color profile, bleed)?
For resolution the minimum is 360 DPI and less than that won’t work well. Always change your color mode to CMYK, as it is printer friendly. Lastly, don’t forget to add 3mm bleed to your design so that cutting complications can be avoided.
Can digital printing handle metallic or specialty substrates?
Yes through UV printing, the metallic and rough surface material can also be printed on. For example on Wood, metals, steel mugs, glass.
How long does digital printing last outdoors in Dubai’s sun and heat?
It depends upon sun exposure if it is out in the sun or just hot weather of Dubai and UAE, the normal UV printed and with lamination digital prints are durable for up to 3 years.
What are the disadvantages of digital printing?
Digital printing is quick and even in a day we can get our desired design and brochures in our hand but it is compatible for offset printing. Secondly offset printing has better pantone matching ability so its a drawback of digital printing.
