Printing :: Methods of Printing :: Types of Paper
Methods of Printing
Offset Printing::Offset Printing refers to a printing process where ink is spread on a metal plate with etched images, then transferred to an intermediary surface such as a rubber blanket, and finally applied to paper by pressing the paper against the intermediary surface. Offset printing is the best solution for printing large volumes (over 1000) of high-quality documents. Although the equipment and set-up costs are relatively high, the actual printing process is relatively inexpensive. We have two 28 x 40 and one13.39 x 18.2 offset presses, in our headquarters facility.
Digital Printing ::
Digital Printing refers to processes that can produce printed sheets directly from a computer file, without going through some intermediate medium such as a film negative or an intermediate machine such as a plate-making machine. Digital printing is a good option for printing smaller quantities, as the set-up costs are generally lower while the per piece cost is generally higher. We have Docutech Docucolor and IGen for digital printing.
Dot Graphics offers both Offset printing and Digital printing. The quality of both processes is excellent, but some of the physical limitations of each process can affect your price.
| Offset Printing (Printing press that uses ink) | Digital Printing (Digital printer that uses toner) | |
|---|---|---|
| Prints on a wide variety of paper types and sizes. | Offers a narrower choice of paper stock and sizes and less flexibility with bleeds (when a picture extends to the edge of the page) and binding. | |
| Provides good control over registration on front-and-back printing. | Is more difficult to control front-to-back registration. | |
| Provides excellent color control, but CMYK or PANTONE color model and good quality graphics are required. | May have trouble matching a specific spot color, but most digital printers compensate for RGB color models and poor quality graphics. | |
| Makes file preparation critical, especially when the publication has graphics and multiple colors. | Makes color preparation less critical because the publication is printed as a composite piece rather than as separations. | |
| Requires extensive prepress, plate, and setup costs, so printing small quantities can be expensive. | Requires few setup costs, so you can print whatever quantity you need, even one copy. | |
| Prints large quantities economically. | May cost more per unit on a large print run. |
As we offer both printing processes, we are able to offer a wider array of pricing options based on your budget.
Types of Paper
Bond paper ::Originally a cotton-content writing or printing paper designed for the printing of bonds, legal documents, etc., and distinguished by superior strength, performance and durability. The term is now also applied to papers such as letterhead, business forms, social correspondence papers, etc.
Chipboard ::
A paperboard used for many purposes. It is normally made from a paper stock with small thickness.
Cotton fiber ::
Paper that contains 25% or more cellulose fibers derived from cotton linters and cotton or linen cloth cuttings.
Cover paper ::
Any wide variety of fairly heavy plain or embellished papers, which are converted into, covers for books, catalogs, brochures, pamphlets, etc. Good folding qualities, printability, and durability characterize it.
Offset paper ::
Paper designed for use in offset lithography. Important properties include good internal bonding, high strength, dimensional stability, lack of curl, and freedom from fuzz and foreign surface material. Used on both sheet-fed and web presses. This is commodity offset.
Paperboard ::
One of the two subdivisions of paper. The distinction is not great, but paperboard is heavier in basis weight, thicker, and more rigid than paper. All sheets 12 points (0.012 inch) or more in thickness are classified as paperboard.
Specialty ::
Grades of paper and/or paperboard made with specific characteristics and properties to adapt them to particular uses. Also refers to grades made in a given mill that are not the primary products of that mill.
Text paper ::
A paper of fine quality and texture for printing. Text papers are manufactured in white and colors, from bleached chemical wood pulp or cotton fiber content furnishes with a decked or plain edge, and are sometimes watermarked. They are made in a wide variety of finishes, including antique, vellum, smooth, felt-marked, and patterned surfaces-some with laid formations. Designed for advertising printing, the principal use of text papers is for booklets, brochures, fine books, announcements, annual reports, menus, folders, etc.
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