Digital vs Litho: Which is Right For Your Commercial Print Job?
Choosing the right print process for your business materials isn't always straightforward. With numerous options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed – particularly when deadlines are looming. At Scarbutts, one of our most frequently asked questions is: what's the difference between digital and lithographic printing, and in which circumstances should you use each one? In this blog, we explain the key distinctions to help you decide which is strongest for future print jobs.
Digital and lithographic printing have stuck around for good reason. While offset lithography has been the workhorse of the commercial print sector from as far back as the 18th century, digital presses burst onto the scene to solve the problems that litho simply can’t handle – mainly pace of production and smaller runs that don’t require set-up costs.
But here’s what’s interesting: despite all the predictions about ‘digital taking over’, there remains a firm place for litho print in the modern market, and, at Scarbutts, both are still highly in demand. That’s because each method excels in different situations. The key is understanding which one will save you time, money and achieve the print quality your organisation requires.
As its title implies, this technique uses computer-to-press files that transfer directly to substrates – such as paper, cardboard or fabric.
We use state-of-the-art HP Indigo digital presses that deliver excellent standards that can rival litho print.
With our digital printers, the benefits are vast, and comprise:
Key examples of where digital dominates for commercial businesses include:
Alongside our HP Indigo, we also use the Scodix Ultra Digital Enhancement for projects that require a more luxurious, tactile appeal. This digital enhancement technology can create foiling, embossing and dimensional effects that are widely used for certificates, high-end event programmes, luxury printed stationery and end-of-year report covers.
Together, the speed, customisation and short-run cost-effectiveness of digital are key drivers for time-sensitive briefs and targeted activities.
An offset wet ink printing method, litho transfers ink from a metal plate to a rubber blanket, then onto the final surface.
Our litho processes use environmentally-conscious approaches with aluminium plates that require no chemicals and use minimal amounts of clean, fresh water. In addition, our metal plates are recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Lithography printing is commonly chosen for several reasons:
Litho is often used in commercial applications for a range of printed products, such as:
With litho, the economics of scale, colour accuracy and material versatility all play a key role for large-volume printing needs.
After 60+ years in the industry, we’ve learned that for the majority of customers the digital vs. litho printing question generally comes down to three factors: how many items you require, if every version must be identical and how quickly you need them. When you answer these considerations, the optimal method will become much clearer.
Let’s see how they can play out in some real-world scenarios:
Your product or service launch is in 48 hours, and you’ve just realised you need an extra 200 promotional flyers for an event.
With the key challenge being timeframes, digital means we can get production underway swiftly, and your 200 leaflets will be ready within a matter of hours.
You’re rolling out 5000 professional brochures for multiple offices nationwide and all need to adhere to strict brand guidelines.
Pantone spot colours will match your guidelines and all 5000 copies will be exactly the same.
You want to send out 1000 customised direct mail pieces, each with the addressee’s name, photo and a tailored message to suit their history with your company.
Using VDP, our HP Indigo digital printer executes this perfectly, creating each unique piece while maintaining high quality standards.
You’ve been asked to print 3000 annual reports on premium paper stock with a special matte finish, and the budget is tight.
While setup may seem high initially, it's divided among 3000 prints. Plus, offset lithography handles premium paper and matte finishes beautifully.
If you’re still unsure which route is best for your project, contact a member of our team today, who can assess your specifications and advise on the most cost-effective solution that will meet your priorities and budget.
Choosing to work with Scarbutts Printers connects you with the full spectrum of print expertise offered by the Meliora Group. With a knowledgeable workforce that understands diverse operations, delivers reliably and brings together the technical capabilities of three specialist providers, you gain all the advantages of a large-scale printer – with the care and reliability of a close-knit team.
Whether it’s complex packaging, time-sensitive documentation, standout marketing material – or perhaps a combination of all three – our close partnership with Delga and CSP means you leverage best-in-field expertise, without the hassle of managing multiple suppliers.
To find out more, get in touch below.