NKOTB: Step by Step Digital Label Printing is Growing

What a process! Offset vs Digital

When embarking on your journey of discovery into label production, it’s important to find the most suitable print process for the labels required. There are many variables that dictate the printing method. These include the type of labels; the length/size of the print run; the lead-time; the finished artwork and the available budget. Generally, two main printing processes are bandied about in the industry, Lithographic (Offset) and Digital Label Printing and historically both have their pros and cons.

Digitally printed and cut labels.

Offset - the old guard

Offset printing is widely regarded as the ‘conventional’ label printing method. Basically, a flat positive image is ‘offset’ onto a flexible plate which presses against the print substrate. Ink rollers provide the ink, whilst the non-printed areas attract a water-based film which keeps them ink-free.

Traditionally, offset printing has been utilised for textured or uncoated prints and detailed images/text and is best suited to long/large print runs, mainly because of the high cost and the time involved in the initial plate set-up.

The new digital kid on the block

Alternatively, Digital label printing is relatively new and in a short amount of time has proven its worth in a rapidly changing industry. In digital printing, toner (deposited onto a substrate) forms a thin layer on the surface which is further adhered using fuser fluid and heat. Digital Presses employ a CMYK process along with additional inks to increase both accuracy and vibrancy when matching to PMS Colours.

Digital label printing – a world of opportunity!

At Next Labels, Digital printing on our HP Indigo 6900, offers cost-effectiveness and freedom! Requiring minimal set-up; providing extremely fast turnarounds (within 3 days) and involving less manual labour, this process is highly suited to small print runs or larger runs with multiple SKU’s. With new technologies such as HP’s Mosaic and Collage, we can incorporate variable data, hyper-personalisation and security solutions into your designs. Any perceived concerns about ‘so-called’ higher cost-per-metre charges are completely ‘offset’ by the efficiency and flexibility of production.

Digital printing seems set to soon equal and overthrow lithographic printing’s traditional monopoly on delivering viable larger print runs.

Learn more by clicking here or email us at hello@nextlabels.com.au or drop us a line on (02) 8622 5500.