Digital Printing Opens Up New Opportunities In Graphic Design

Digital Printing
Digital Printing 


History and Evolution of Digital Printing

Digital printing first emerged in the early 1980s as a means of producing short-run projects like brochures and flyers. The technology allowed designers and print shops to print on-demand without the high plates and setup costs associated with traditional printing methods. Early digital printers used inkjet and laser toner-based systems to produce text and images on paper. However, the quality was inferior to offset lithography.

Through the 1990s, digital printing technology advanced rapidly. New printheads with higher resolutions and improved inks delivered sharper text and smoother gradients. Large format inkjet printers entered the market, opening up new applications for posters, signs, and displays. By the late 90s, digital color quality rivaled that of offset for most common print jobs. This spurred wider adoption of digital printing by both commercial printers and in-house print shops.

Advances Over the Past Decade

The Digital Printing has seen tremendous advances over the past decade. Inkjet technology continues to improve ink quality and expand the range of substrates that can be printed on. New aqueous, solvent, UV-cured, and latex inks enable digital printing on paper, plastic, metal, fabric, and more. Continuous feed inkjet engines deliver higher speeds for transaction and production printing.

At the same time, toner-based printers like laser and LED have increased resolutions and evolved to support full-color output. Systems like the HP Indigo can produce short-run color jobs with the same look and feel as offset for a fraction of the plates and setup cost. Wide format inkjet and toner systems allow designers to print banners, displays, vehicle wraps, and backlit signs up to 64 inches wide.

New Workflow Opportunities for Graphic Designers

All these advances have opened up exciting new opportunities for graphic designers and their clients. With shorter turnaround times and lower minimums, designers can provide faster mockups, prototypes, and iterations early in the creative process. Clients making last-minute changes aren’t punished with premium rush fees.

Designers can also expand their services. Print-on-demand personalized products are booming thanks to digital. Designers can create customized designs, merchandise, packaging and more using variable data printing. Photographers print portfolio books, calendars and cards on their own printers. Sign designers proof designs digitally before installing large format pieces.

New Tools and Techniques

Contemporary design software and workflows are optimized for digital printing. Platforms like InDesign support multi-page PDF previews, variable data, and color management for accurate proofing. Online designers can embed dynamic templates for personalized postcards, invitations and more. Large format printers connect directly via PostScript drivers for tiling banners and murals.

Designers can also experiment with new techniques only possible using digital printing. Spot varnish, foil stamping, scent integration, die-cutting and embossing add dimensions that offset cannot replicate. Even simple techniques like mixed paper stocks or non-rectangular sheets expand the boundaries of physical design. The digitization of prepress has streamlined the transition from file to printed piece.

Environmental and Business Benefits

From an environmental perspective, digital printing is much more efficient than traditional lithography which requires solvent-based inks and toxic chemical processing. Most digital inks are water or VOC-free. Wide format inkjet can print directly onto recyclable banner materials like PVC-free scrims and films. Some printers also collect and filter ink waste to reduce toxic runoff.

For print businesses, the move to digital expands service offerings and profit margins. Profit per square foot grows for POP displays, mockups and short-run projects. Streamlined one-step printing eliminates outsourcing of plates and prepress. As budgets remain tight, digital helps printers better support design studios of all sizes.

The continued evolution of digital printing technology presents exciting creative possibilities for both graphic designers and their clients. New techniques and applications deliver inspiring avenues for visual communication and promotion. Combined with streamlined workflows, significant environmental benefits and expanded business opportunities, digital represents the future of the printing industry. With creative experimentation, the full potential of on-demand, personalized printing has yet to be unlocked.

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