**The print industry. Where to begin! **
You’ve no doubt been bamboozled in the past with words and phrases like CMYK, short-run, 4/4, pantone, two colour and spot UV. Well forget all of that for now. The first thing you need to know about print is the two main printing processes, digital and lithographic.
Differentiating between the two will ensure you’re getting the best quality print, fit for purpose, in the most cost-effective way.
In jargon-free terms it goes a little like this…
Digital
Lithographic
Low volume (up to approx 500)
High volume
Full colour
CMYK + Pantone colours – perfect for colour matching for consistency and corporate colours
Maximum sheet size 330.2 x 482.6 mm
Small and large format
Can only print on up to a 350gsm board
Can print on a variety of thicknesses and stocks
Cost effective when printing small quantities
The biggest cost comes with setting up plates, which is why bulk prints can save you money
Quick turnaround time
Longer turnaround due to plat making and proofing time sales
Useful for short runs such as personalised direct mailers
Certain superior finished are only available for lithographically printed items