Digital printing and screen printing are two unique processes with advantages and disadvantages. These are the differences between digital printing and screen printing. Understanding the variations in these two methods can help you decide which approach is best for you.
How Digital Printing Works
Digital Printing works much like your standard inkjet printer at home. An image is loaded to a computer and then printed to a digital printer. Rather than using plates or screens, digital printing replicates an image through a series of ink dots applied to your design. These tiny dots come together to make up your image. If you’re looking to print on folding carton packaging, digital printing is a great option.
Advantages of Digital Printing
Digital printing has quite a few advantages for your designs. The cost is one of the key differences between digital and screen printing. Digital printing is the cheapest option for most projects, and can be a great solution if you want to cut costs. Screen printing has trouble with intricate designs, so digital printing is also the best option if you are trying to create an image with fine detail or photo-realistic qualities. Digital printing is much faster than screen printing, as the thin ink requires less time to dry. Digital printing is also cheaper and easier to change periodically than screen printing, as you won’t have to design new screens each time you want a new design.
How Screen Printing Works
Screen printing involves the use of unique screens to create a stencil. Each color you add to your design requires a separate screen. Screen designs are layered on top of one another until you achieve the desired print.
Advantages of Screen Printing
Screen printing has a few advantages over the digital process. Screen printing inks allow for more vibrant and bold colors than some digital methods can achieve, so screen printing is a great call if your image is bright. While screen printing is generally a more expensive option, the cost difference could be negligible for a larger job. Screen printing is also a versatile process, as you can use it to print on fabric materials. Screen printing is an excellent choice for a t-shirt without a complex design.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is screen printing and digital printing are two very different processes. If you’re looking for the most vibrant colors in your printing, screen printing may be the best bet. However, if you’re looking for low costs, easy changes, fast turnaround, and fine details, digital printing may be the best choice for your project.
If you’re looking to print your next project digitally, we use the advanced Landa Nanography® printing process that offers impressive uniformity with thousands of versatile color options. This cutting-edge technology is among the best in the industry, so your packaging will be in good hands. Create a striking new packaging design with us today!
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