Screen printing or digital printing: when to choose one or the other
Among printing techniques there are two that often appear to be particularly similar, and many times the decision to choose for one or the other is determined only by print volumes and overall cost.
However, there are substantial differences that are important to know as the drivers of choice may also be others. Let us start by highlighting some important differences.
Screen printing
Screen printing is a technique that uses a matrix of fabric or canvas stretched over a metal frame. With the help of a squeegee, color is spread, which penetrates the matrix by going on the material to be printed.
For an authentic result, especially with certain inks, screen printing is the best choice.
The advantages of screen printing are definitely the convenience on large volumes, the very high quality in flat-color graphics and images, and the sophistication and customization of colors.
One disadvantage, if it can be called that, is the need to set up a dedicated facility for screen printing; this represents a fixed cost. Consequently, when there are few prints to be made, it is more cost-effective to choose digital printing.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a printing system that uses digitally created files in different formats and uses machines that can print on different types of materials such as PVC, paper, Plexiglas, and wood.
Excellent in the case of multicolor photographic images or where shading is needed. Advantages include cost-effectiveness for prints that do not require excellent quality, i.e., in all those situations where value for money also satisfies the customer for the final cost, making the technique competitive.
Digital printing is ideal for making samples or short runs.
Disadvantages, however, include large quantity orders of the same subject, which are no longer as convenient. Also, because the source file is a digital format, the final color on the material may be slightly different.
Which one to choose?
First of all, print volumes will have to be evaluated as they prominently affect the choice of technique to be used. In the case of large volumes, certainly screen printing is the most convenient, while for low (or single) volumes, digital printing is preferred.
However, other factors besides cost must also be considered because, while this certainly has its value, it may not be the only element to be considered.
Another criterion to evaluate is the final quality you want to achieve and how important are the feelings you want to convey to the final customer with your print. In this case, screen printing allows you to achieve excellent final qualities that also have particularly “warm” physical characteristics, unlike digital printing, which tends to be much “colder.”
At SAC screen printing, we accompany you in making the best choice based on your needs and according to the results you want to achieve.
We have been engaged in INDUSTRIAL SERIGRAPHY for over 50 years, and our products are all created and tested in our R&D laboratory and manufactured directly in our factory.
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