Basic Facts Relating To Sustainable Digital Printing

By Lana Bray


Digital printing is a way of creating images on various media, images that are digitally based. Compared to other methods, this format is much more expensive. It is usually done professionally using ink jet printers or laser. The good thing about sustainable digital printing is that plates usually involved in similar processes can be avoided to reduce the overall cost.

The sustainable form allows for image creation on demand. This can be achieved in a short period of time and it is fairly easy to make modifications so as to meet personal needs. Plans are underway to incorporate the advances in technology in image production. Consequently, users will be able to get offset printer services particularly in mass production.

For a long time, this industry has recognised five major techniques; stencil, planographic (offset lithography), recess, relief and digital. Offset lithography is the transfer of an image from the plate to the paper through an intermediate. Relief printing involves letterpress and flexography. The main feature of photographic production is the use of flexible plates made from rubber.

Although the absence of plates may be an advantage in a way, it may also be a disadvantage in some other aspects. For instance, the finesse of the final image is usually lost. In digital technology, the materials commonly used include metal, canvas, marble and photo papers as templates for deposition of pigment or toner. The downside of this toner is that it does not usually penetrate the printer paper like typical ink but forms a thin film on the media.

Artists have the option of linking their computers directly with the printer. This is what is commonly referred to as fine art digital ink jet printing. It has a huge advantage in that artists have the ability to customize the final output to fit their preferences. The other strength of this method is that various outputs are produced and these are either are finished or require some form of modification. The main disadvantage compared to offset printer services is that mass production is more expensive.

A new technology termed uses paper that is sensitive to light and laser to imprint images with the help of photographic developer processing. With this technique, there is continuity of tone in the image details. In addition, there is no distortion in the edges of the image since no lens is used.

Many techniques often require that fabrics are pre-treated with some chemicals before they are used. Urea is one of the most frequently used chemicals. It helps in the creation of more vivid colours. Its main downside is the fact that a lot of carbon dioxide is produced during the steaming stage. Sustainable options use a special kind of foam in place of the urea and hence are more eco-friendly.

Digital printing is applied in many areas including desktop publishing, advertising, print on demand and fine art. Variable data printing employs the use of print files which are data based to personalize large amounts of printed material. Photographs can be modified in terms of colour and retouch. Based on the pros and cons of various techniques, sustainable digital printing can be obtained.




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