Direct-To-Plate Printing versus Digital Printing
Direct-to-plate and digital printing have been used by people
for a long time now in printing low quantity but full color
printing jobs. This full color but low quantity type of prints
are the ones done in CMYK. Since many printing companies have
quotas in thee print jobs that they cater to, these types of
printing have become most useful for those works that fell below
the required quantity. These types of printing are created to do
just that. What is the difference between these two?
Direct-to-plate printing is also known as the computer-to-plate
printing. This printing does just that, from the computer
directly to the plate. In the traditional printing, film is
produced to the image setter and then to a metal printing plate.
The plate then goes on to the press and used to make the printed
material. In direct-to-plate printing, the printing plate comes
directly from the computer file which does not anymore utilize
the use of a film. The production of films has been known to
cost a lot money and consumes time even in the printing of small
quantities only. That is why this type of printing became
popular especially for those who want to save time and money in
producing low quantity projects. The only weakness
direct-to-plate printing has is that in not using films while
processing prints, you cannot anymore check or proof-read these
prints before printing. You can only get a digital proof that is
close to that of the film proof but not exactly of the same kind.
Digital printing is considered as closer to color photocopying
than to printing. In digital printing, the prints are made
directly from the computer file without using films or plates.
This method is best useful in printing lower quantities and
customized prints compared to those of the direct-to-plate
printing. As with the first type of printing, this can only
print in CMYK files. Just like in photocopying, you get to pay
the same price for the same quantity. Digital printing is the
most effective way in having quality prints in the most
affordable way. This printing style can even give photocopying a
stiff competition in getting it in colors.
There are more ways of full color printing now that is best
capable to the kind and the need that people have in printing.
With these technologies, printing is made more affordable and
easier to do. It is now up to the people to decide which is best
suitable for their printing needs. They only have to pick their
choice.
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