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What’s New in Digital Print?

Mon, 15 May 2017

Digital print has changed dramatically over the last 13 years that we have been in business. The quality, speed and accuracy have all improved beyond what we could have imagined. Our first digital colour machine was a Xerox DC12 which printed up to 12 pages per minute (ppm). In reality, it was more like 2ppm! Now, we have a Xerox J75 which prints up to 75ppm and there are digital presses available that will print nearly 200ppm.

Double-sided print in the past was much harder to accurately align and back up (registration) and we regularly had to deal with skewed sheets and colour variances across the sheet. These issues have all been rectified over the years so in some cases, it is now difficult to tell the difference between digital and litho printed pieces without the aid of an eye glass.

New hardware means that the following techniques are all possible using digital technology and are therefore perfect for short runs and variable data campaigns:

Longer sheet capabilities

traditionally limited to SRA3 size (320mm x 450mm), now many digital presses offer a longer sheet of 700mm or more, allowing a greater choice of digital products e.g. 6pp A4 leaflets

Digital foiling

raised foil but no deboss in the back of the sheet
high gloss finish
no die required reducing set up costs
great registration making it perfect for intricate designs
various substrates available - paper, board and plastics such as polypropylene and PVC

Spot UV varnish

both flat and high-build (raised) options available
no films or screens required reducing set up costs
excellent registration
brilliant tactile effects can be created by adjusting the polymer height
various substrates available - paper, board and plastics such as polypropylene and PVC

Digital white ink

white ink can now be printed digitally in varying levels of opacity for versatile effects
can be printed on to coloured papers & boards
white ink on to white board creates a delicate and stylish finish
sheet size available up to 900mm long
Ideal for distinctive invites, greeting cards, seasonal mailers and much more

We are excited to see how digital print will evolve in the next decade!

Written by Nicky Peebles 09/05/17