The evolution of printing is a story of human civilization. As humans have evolved, printing has taken the shape and form that best represents that period of human civilization.

In the 21^st century, digital printing has led the forefront with models like 3D printing, web-based printing, and woodcut printing. Over the last decade, this evolution has progressed faster than ever, giving way to live-sized objects that replace manufactured (OEM) parts.   

The evolution and history of printing is truly mesmerizing. This blog looks at some of the modern printing techniques and their applications in everyday use.

Digital Printing

• Modern printing technique, such as digital printing, allow for quick turn arounds or even print-on-demand solutions for lower volume projects. It involves a quick and effective printing process by doing away with printing plates, but still maintains color accuracy which is important to uphold brand standards. Digital printing also carries environmental protections utilizing plant-based inks and toners which are non-toxic, and are easily recycled to help further reduce carbon footprint.  

Web Printing

• Web printing is a roll-fed printing process which is best suited for efficiency of large volumes and helps organizations and businesses contain costs It is suitable for a variety of materials, such as direct mails, books, newspapers, catalogs, postcards, magazines, newsletters, brochures and mailers.
• With web printing, you can easily upload your files in standard web formats, such as PDF, PNG, or JPEG. The printing process is executed remotely, and the printed materials can be delivered to your desired location. This makes it an efficient and convenient way to manage high-volume printing projects without the need for frequent visits to a print shop.

Offset Printing

• Offset printing is a method of mass production printing in which the images on metal plates are transferred to rollers or rubber blankets and then to the print media. The print media does not come into direct contact with the metal plates, which extends the life of the plates. Additionally, the flexible rubber conforms readily to the print media surface, allowing the process to be used on rough surfaces like wood, cloth or canvas.
• The main advantage of offset printing is its high and consistent image quality. The process can be used for medium, small, or high-volume jobs. Basically, there are two types of printing machines for publication: Sheet-fed offset printing and web offset printing.

Wide Format Printing

• Wide format printing is the process of printing graphics that are too large to be created using printers available to the consumer. Although there is no specific definition of what wide format printing is, any graphic that is at least 24 inches wide can be considered as wide format printing.
• Wide format printing is important because it takes visual communication to a new level, conveying a message in ways that were previously unthinkable. Although wide-format printing is used to advertise products, its importance goes beyond marketing. This type of printing offers a range of visuals to get your message out there. These include banners, wall graphics, floor graphics, window graphics, yard signs and more substrates such as aluminum, wood and fabric, and utilizes hybrid UV inks which have proven to stand the test of time.

Conclusion

As you have observed in this blog, there are various types of digital printing options, each one offering unique benefits. Whether it is producing labels, materials, or fine art prints, versatility and convenience make it the go-to-choice in today’s fast-paced world. As technology continues to advance, digital printing will evolve into new forms of visual expression. Embracing digital printing is not just a matter of staying competitive; it is a gateway to unlocking creative potential and expressing excellence. At Center Copy Printing, we are a family owned and operated business that offer our customers Digital, Web, Offset and Wide Format print solutions, for a competitive price. We work efficiently with our customers providing custom solutions with concierge service.