Digital printing is a relatively recent phenomenon in the centuries-old printing tradition. Its rise has come about largely as a result in the rapid improvement in computer technology and the explosion of personal computer use. In effect, digital printing is taking digital images and printing them onto a surface (generally paper).
Plate-less printing
One of the key ways in which digital printing is distinguished from other printing methods is that it's effectively printing without a printing plate. Most forms of professional printing require the use of some manner of printing plate that is inked, and then that ink is transferred to the physical printing surface. Digital printing involves the direct application of ink to the surface.
Equipment
Digital printing doesn't require expensive or extensive printing equipment. Printing a document or image from a program on a home or office computer on a standard inkjet or laser printer is digital printing. Any printer that can directly accept digital data and print is sufficient.
Cost
Digital printing is significantly less expensive than other forms of printing for individual or small runs due to the very low setup costs for ink, paper and equipment relative to professional printing. Digital printing remains more expensive for most large-scale printing runs.
Applications
Digital printing is commonly used in the print-on-demand industry, personal printing needs (home, student, small business), and for some corporate printing needs (usually in-house).
Program Developers
There are many programs available from Kodak Eastman, IBM, HP and Xerox for commercial-level digital printing.
Tags: Digital printing, printing needs, printing plate, professional printing
