The concept of digital printing began when high-speed copiers were introduced with the capability to "scan once, print many." The machine received the data once through a scanner, holding the electronic data in its memory and allowing the printing of multiple copies. The next evolution was electronic submission of the data directly to the copier, bypassing the scanner. The term "Digital Print" is now used to define a printing process based on a method other than Offset Lithography. It tends to be a faster process, and can be cheaper, as there are no costs for film, plates, or chromalins. A typical digital print size is 450 x 320mm (SRA3) with the typical image size being 430 x 308mm. Digital printing uses a 4 colour process or black with it's stock being 90-280gsm in matt, gloss or silk. A typical run would be around about 1-500 prints. Digital printing is used throughout industry nowadays it can be used for brochures, catalogues, broadsheet, leaflets and fliers, newsletters, invitations e.t.c. .
Colour digital printing is more akin to photocopying or computer laser printing than the conventional four-colour printing process: it uses toners rather than ink and the images are created by electrostatically charging fixed plates. The whole system is computer-driven, allowing the design and data to be manipulated or changed on-line.
Digital presses are not yet widely available and you may have to search around to find out which printers have them. The technology represents a significant capital investment and many companies are justifiably nervous about moving into this new market for printed materials: digital presses are not a wholesale replacement for conventional printing; they offer a range of benefits for certain types of work.
Benefits of Digital Presses.
~ Digital printing cuts out a number of stages in the conventional printing process (films and plates). This not only saves time but means that amendments can be made right up to the time the first printed version comes off the press (and just as easily afterwards - ie you can see what one copy looks like and then make adjustments at little or no cost before completing the run).