Digital printing being offered by most printing services is a somewhat new technology that started in the early 1990s. It is quite different to conventional lithographic processes, in the sense that it doesn’t rely on a new, separate plate for each job. Everything is copied in a single run. So, now that you at least know what digital printing is, let’s dive a little deeper and learn more about this ultra-reliable and convenient technology.
The process
An image is sent electronically to your device, via files like a PDF or PSD. Your device, which could be either an inkjet or dry toner, will receive this information and commence copying the image onto the chosen material. The ink does not permeate the substrate, but merely forms an ultra-thin layer on the surface of the material. A fuser fluid, which is used in toner devices or a UV curing process, which is used in ink machines, are able to ensure that the image adheres to the substrate.
The benefits
There are many advantages of using digital printing devices in your home or in your business. Firstly, it is really easy to install the devices and relevant equipment, meaning set-up is rapid and stress free. On top of this, there is minimal waste. The only thing that you need to keep well-stocked is your material, which for most businesses, will just be regular copy paper.
Digital printing methods also allow you to improve the speed at which your published materials enter the marketplace. During times of high demand or exposure, you can simply up your copying runs to ensure that your flyers, brochures or sales offers hit the market at a time that will maximize your return on investment and lengthen their effect. It also means that you can modify your images in a cheaper manner. Overall, you’ll find that your per-unit costs will fall dramatically, since duplication is so simple without any variations. Digital printing can also save you a lot of time. No longer will you have to slave away manually creating plates for each image or reapplying ink yourself.
Furthermore, digital printing produces great, high-quality images, particularly when compared to older methods. No matter how convoluted your image may be, your device will be able to reproduce that image in high-resolution. This is perfect if you’re a business owner who needs perfect, polished business cards, flyers, glossy brochures or catalogues. You’ll find it’s much easy to sell a range of televisions if your flyer is filled with amazing, high quality photos that accentuate the opulence of your products.
Where is it useful?
Digital printing is really good for piloting or test marketing. What does this mean? Simply, you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a new billboard or brochures with designs or colour schemes that haven’t been tested in the marketplace. You want to be able to gauge how effectively your marketing materials will fare in the workplace. Are they effective in converting customer awareness into sales and repeat purchases? In essence, digital printing methods allow you do short runs to evaluate your marketing materials and make any necessary changes.
It is also useful if you want to build and improve customer engagement, particularly if you are wishing to personalise your offerings. Moderations are easy, meaning a simple package or letter can be quickly altered to make the consumer fell special or unique. Not all of your customers are going to want the exact same thing, so you will need to tailor your packaging and style in order to create the allure of differentiation. This could go a long way in building long-term customer loyalty and improving your relationship marketing strategies.
