Do you have an upcoming printing project? Are you trying to find the right printing method that will give you the best results?
In the printing industry, there are several different methods you can use to complete your printing projects. Screen printing and digital printing both have a lot to offer in terms of reliability and convenience, but what is the difference between the two?
This article explains what techniques each printing method uses along with its strengths and weaknesses. For personalised advice, contact our team at Gorilla Print today.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a form of printing that uses a screen, also known as a stencil, to apply an image to a substrate. The stencil is usually made out of a mesh material, with sections blocked out to create an image. This is so that the ink can be pressed through the mesh and onto the printing material underneath it.
The process of applying the ink to the print is done in layers. One colour is applied to the stencil at a time and then pressed into the substrate. This process is then repeated until the image is complete.
Screen printing has been used for hundreds of years. Its origins can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt and was adopted in the 1880s for commercial pattern printing. With such a rich history, the screen printing process has had years to be refined and is still in use today.
The Advantages of Screen Printing
There are several advantages to screen printing. One of the main ones is that it is incredibly versatile. Due to the flexibility of the screens, it can be applied to several kinds of surfaces and substrate materials. It can be used on fabrics and apparel, plastics, metals, wood and even glass. Likewise, it can be applied to different surface shapes including mugs, bottles, printing t-shirts and more.
Similarly, one of its stand-out features is its vibrancy. Due to the thickness of the applied ink and the layering, colours are more vivid. If you are looking for a way to make your image stand out, screen printing might be the right option for you.
Furthermore, screen printing is often a more cost-effective option for large runs. If you have a single design but need a large quantity, screen printing will likely require a higher set-up fee but cheaper overall costs.
The Disadvantages of Screen Printing
Despite its strengths, screen printing also has several drawbacks worth considering. For instance, due to the style of printing, designs cannot easily be changed. If you notice a design error part way through, you will likely have to restart the entire process for higher costs.
Similarly, though the ink application allows for greater vibrancy, it also comes with the chance of running or smudging. This can make your image look messy and hard to read. Likewise, poorly applied ink may result in unsightly cracks appearing over time or shortly after production.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a simpler form of printing. To start the process you only need to send a digital image to a printer and it will begin. The printer will likely use either powdered or spray ink to apply the image directly to the substrate material. This process cuts out the need for additional screens, separating the ink from the substrate.
Though this method is not as old as screen printing, it was developed in the 1990s, so it has been in use for decades. It is a well-used and extremely common form of printing, as digital printers are even regularly used in people’s homes.
The Advantages of Digital Printing
Digital printing has several strengths that make it an ideal choice for many different printing projects. Digital printing offers a lot more detail when printing images. Likewise, it is extremely easy to edit and customise images to suit your needs. As long as you can adjust a digital image, you can quickly and conveniently begin printing.
Similarly, it is a much faster process than screen printing and is a cost-effective option for short runs as there are no additional set-up fees. Likewise, it can be applied to a range of materials. These include textiles, paper, banners printing, signage, and canvas, as well as different objects such as mugs.
The Disadvantages of Digital Printing
While digital printing is incredibly convenient, longer print runs can be more expensive. As you are paying the same cost per unit across the board, digital printing becomes more costly for larger batches.
Likewise, there are several drawbacks when it comes to the ink. Though images are often more detailed they are not as vibrant as screen printing and they fade faster over time. This means that if you have a darker substrate base, digital printing may not stand out the way you would like.
Similarly, you must follow the constraints of the printing device. For digital printing, this often means they have limitations on how large a print can be, restricting your project.
Making The Right Choice
Each printing method has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Digital printing offers unique personalisation opportunities and incredible detail, but it may fade over time. Screen printing creates vibrant images that can be applied to almost any surface, but it often comes at a higher cost. It’s important to take all these considerations into account when making your decision.
If you’re ready to start printing, reach out to our expert team at Gorilla Print. With our experience, we’ll ensure the quality of your printing project. Don’t hesitate to contact us and benefit from our expertise.