Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Printing
If you’re struggling to keep up with the demand for printed goods in your business or if you simply do not have the tools available to print large scale, professional printing services are a great solution.
These premier design and print companies are used widely across the country to quickly print high-quality goods and offer a range of services, from simple poster printing to online branded, DIY products like business cards. When it comes to print-on-demand services, the creative potential, together with stock control, including automated threshold notification, is endless! If this is all new to you, here is everything you need to know about commercial printing.
Different Types Of Printing
First and foremost are the many different types of commercial printing that are available. All printing companies will offer slightly different types of printing, but the best ones will provide:
- Digital printing
- UV printing
- Offset printing
- Large format printing
What Is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is the most common form of printing that is used commercially. It is the process of printing from a digital-based image, such as a photograph, directly onto a media or product. Generally, more economic for low quantity or ‘short run’ work.
What Is UV Printing?
UV printing is a form of digital printing that uses ultraviolet light to dry the ink or adhesives as soon as it hits the material that is being printed onto. This method of printing is fast, efficient, waterproof and colourfast to light. Ideal for outdoor signage.
What Is Offset Printing?
The offset printing technique follows a process in which the inked image is transferred onto a rubber surface before being printed onto the desired material. Offset printing is often favoured because it provides crisp, colour accurate images and is more economic for higher quantity work.
What Is Large Format Printing?
Large format printing is simply printing on machines that can accommodate larger surfaces. These printing machines can print directly onto flat media up to, 1220 x 2440mm and 50mm thick, or a vast array of roll media up to 50 meters in length.
What Online Services Can Be Used In Commercial Printing?
Web-to-print sites are available for commercial users or to the public. Print companies offer public or private online storefronts or catalogues with integrated warehousing and stock control.
Types of Storefront Products
- Static Document – pre-set document enabled for print on demand
- Non-Printed Products – for example, mugs or pens, held in stock for ‘call off’ or same day despatch
- Digital Download – an electronic file (generally PDF) which is available on demand
- Online Digital Design – powered by DirectSmile®, Users can design products using pre-set templates (ideal for branded compliance) or have free rein with many online tools at their disposal
- Ad Hoc Products – where Users can upload pre-set artwork for production
Choosing The Right Materials and Colours
Print-on-demand companies will offer a wide range of colours and materials for you to print with. Choosing the right colours and materials for your job is essential and can be the difference between a successful printing job and a not-so-successful one. At TL Colour, we will always do our best to help you choose the perfect styles, colours and materials for a fantastic result. If you would like to know more about our excellent printing services, you can contact us today.
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