A Comparison of Traditional and Digital Approaches

There are many different ways to set up a printing center. Our discussion here will be in the context of Africa.

Things to consider:

• Objective
• Budget
• Human Resources
  • Operating
  • Maintaining
• Political Situation
• Supply Chain

While there are many different types of printing, we will briefly talk about the two most commonly used in our context: offset and digital printing.

Offset printing is a traditional approach to printing large quantities economically. This technology usually involves transferring the image to be printed from metal plates to a rubber blanket and then onto paper. The process of printing includes producing aluminum plates with the image to be printed, installing the plate on the cylinder, adjusting the mix of the ink and other fluids, and setting up other aspects of the press. Then there is the process of cleaning up the ink after the job is finished so it does not dry in unwanted places in the machine. Because of the time and cost involved in all of this setup and cleanup, it is more efficient to print smaller jobs with a small digital press.

Digital printing uses digital techniques to create images on paper or other surfaces. Common methods include laser and inkjet printing.

A common printing method is offset printing.

• The cheapest way to produce large quantities

• Typically requires more power, a bigger building, and more staff
• Create plates for each ink color
• Setting up the press takes time
• Ordering and shipping from another country takes time

• Collates automatically
• Variable Data Printing
• A minimal setup can be run in a small room by one person.
• Small, on-demand runs

• Prices are somewhat higher