Digital printing is a technology for the direct application of inks to a printed surface without the use of permanent printing plates. Allows you to produce small circulation products in the printing industry.
Photo from an open source Yandex Pictures
The term “digital printing” encompasses technologies that allow the reproduction of text and images in electronic format without resorting to plate processes. The technology of direct application of paints is cheap, which contributes to its increase in profitability.
The scope of full-color printing is in the manufacture of:
- business cards, booklets, leaflets;
- flyers, catalogues, documents, calendars;
- wobblers, stickers, catalogs;
- presentation stands, folders.
Digital printing is widely used in interior decoration and design. This option is indispensable for large-format outdoor advertising printing. Allows you to produce high-quality and eye-catching signs, posters for exhibitions and fairs. Large format advertisements are printed at a resolution of 150-360 dpi. The finished product is laminated to protect against fading in the sun and mechanical damage.
Main types of playback:
- Sheet. Non-contact (laser) method of applying an image or text. Allows you to receive large volumes of products or single copies.
- Roll. Large format transfer based on the principle of inkjet printing. It implies the use of solvent inks that penetrate deep into the printed surface. The roll type of digital printing allows you to create a durable and resistant image that is not damaged by mechanical stress.
An inkjet method aimed at transmitting high-resolution images. Photo printing is performed at a slow speed, producing crisp edges and vibrant colors. The image is printed only on special photo paper.
Equipment
For digital printing, several types of digital printing equipment are used:
- Digital printers (laser, inkjet, magnetic). The best option for fast and high-quality image output to the surface.
- Plotters. They differ from printers in the ability to create large-format printing products.
- Risographs. Complex devices that work on the principle of a stencil. Images are transferred using prints made on a digital duplicator.
- The advantages are cost-effectiveness and excellent image quality.
Digital equipment is used for home use and for printing businesses. Digital printing is applied to special uncoated or coated paper, self-adhesive material and cardboard. You can use material with different textures and spraying (canvas, fabric, film). The only requirement is smooth cut edges and a high degree of smoothness.
Digital printing technology
Prepress includes working with the color range, layout on the printed sheet, and labeling. The exposure of the image takes place in the device itself.
The principle of operation depends on the type of equipment:
- Electrostatic (laser). In the process of image transmission, a drum-photoreceptor takes part, on the surface of which there is a uniform electric charge. Then the exposure process takes place – the laser weakens the electric charge in those places where the drawing or text will be applied. By means of rollers the coloring powder (toner) which is attracted to the electrostatic image moves. The gap zone is highly electrified, therefore it repels the pigment. With the help of a photoreceptor drum, the image is transferred to paper and fixed using high temperatures.
- Inkjet. It involves the transfer of drops of paint through thin nozzles to the area of \u200b\u200bthe material on which the drawing or inscription is applied. The dye is controlled by charged electrodes. When they deviate, the trajectory of the movement of the pigment changes.
- The digital printing method differs from offset printing in the absence of a form for inking. The image is applied directly to the paper without the use of an intermediate material in the form of a rubber sheet.
Digital printing allows you to produce personalized diplomas and certificates. This option is not available for offset printing. You can order printing on non-standard surfaces.
Pros and cons of digital printing
The main advantages of the described technology:
Efficiency. Eliminating the need for a form process allows you to start printing right away without wasting time. This approach reduces the risk of loss of image quality.
Variable data. Possibility of reproduction of multipage documents and separate circulations.
Trial samples. Beforehand, you can make product samples to make sure that the design is correct, the clarity and brightness of the pattern. Changes to the sketch can be made at any time.