Digital printing

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Part of the series on the
History of printing
Woodblock printing 200
Movable type 1040
Intaglio 1430s
Printing press 1454
Lithography 1796
Chromolithography 1837
Rotary press 1843
Flexography 1873
Mimeograph 1876
Hot metal typesetting 1886
Offset press 1903
Screen-printing 1907
Dye-sublimation 1957
Phototypesetting 1960s
Photocopier 1960s
Pad printing 1960s
Laser printer 1969
Dot matrix printer 1970
Thermal printer 1970s
Inkjet printer 1976
3D printing 1986
Stereolithography 1986
Digital press 1993
Frescography 1998
v • d • e

Digital printing is the reproduction of digital images on a physical surface. It is generally used for short print runs, and for the customization of print media.

The process differs from lithography, flexography, gravure, and letterpress printing in several ways:

  • Every print can be different, because printing plates are not required, as in traditional methods.
  • There is less wasted chemical and paper, because there is no need to bring the image "up to colour" and check for registration and position.
  • The ink or toner does not permeate the substrate, as does conventional ink, but forms a thin layer on the surface and may in some systems be additionally adhered to the substrate by using a fuser fluid with heat process (toner) or UV curing process (ink).

Because there is less initial setup, it is useful for rapid prototyping, and cost effective for small print runs.

Digital Printing is used for personalized printing, or variable data printing (VDP or VI), for example personalized children's books, which are customized with the specific child's name and images. Print on Demand (POD) systems also use digital printing, for short run books of varying page quantities, and binding techniques.

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