Digital printing
Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a
digital based
image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large format and/or high
volume laser or inkjet printers.
Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods but this price is usually offset by the cost saving in avoiding all the technical steps in between needed to make printing plates. It also allows for on demand printing, short turn around, and even a modification of the
image (variable data) with each impression.
The savings in labor and ever increasing capability of digital presses means
digital printing is reaching a point where it will match or supersede offset printing technologies ability to produce larger print runs at a low price.