How to choose? “Offset printing” and “on-demand printing”

It has been more than a decade since the prediction that the paperless era would arrive.
In reality, while much of information has indeed shifted to digital formats as expected, printed materials still remain significant and continue to maintain steady demand.

Moreover, supported by the spread of personal computers and graphic software, as well as ongoing technological innovation, the experience of “printing” has become increasingly accessible.
We hope this sparks your interest in the unique appeal that can only be conveyed through physical, tangible materials.

When proceeding with printing, it is necessary to choose a printing method that fits your budget and requirements.
In most cases, the choice comes down to two options: “offset printing” and “on-demand printing.” Here, we will briefly explain the characteristics of both in a way that is easy to understand.

Offset printing is considered the mainstream printing method in modern times and is a type of planographic printing.
It works by transferring ink from a printing plate onto a rubber blanket roller (offset), which then transfers it onto paper (set).

Unlike on-demand printing, which is handled digitally as described later, offset printing requires the creation of an actual thin aluminum plate, making it relatively more expensive.
However, because the paper does not directly contact the plate, there is less wear, enabling high-quality and large-volume printing.
It also offers a wide range of finishing options such as spot color printing, foil stamping, and UV printing, as well as a broad selection of paper types.
In addition, the unit cost per piece decreases as the print quantity increases.

For these reasons, most printed materials found in bookstores—such as mass-produced commercial prints and art books—are produced using offset printing.

On-demand printing does exactly what the term suggests: it prints what is needed, when it is needed, and in the quantity needed.
Because it can handle even single copies, it is widely used for items such as stickers, labels, exhibition posters, and in-store POP displays, and can also be easily used by individuals.

It works by sending digital data directly to a digital printing machine, eliminating the need for plate-making and other prepress processes, which leads to reduced costs.
In addition, because of the properties of the ink, there is no need to wait for drying, enabling very short turnaround times.

In my personal view, I did not actively use it for client work due to characteristics such as a tendency for a distinctive surface gloss in the ink and less precise trimming (where prints may shift slightly to one side).

However, printing technology has been improving rapidly, and these issues appear to have been significantly resolved in recent years.
It is possible that in the near future, on-demand printing may match or even surpass offset printing in quality.
It will be interesting to watch how it continues to evolve.

Suitable for small print runs
• Low cost
• Supports short turnaround times
• Print quality is somewhat lower
• Not suitable for textured or uneven specialty papers

*It is recommended to request print samples from paper manufacturers or printing companies in advance and make decisions based on expected final results.*

How was it?
Printing always involves various conditions such as budget, delivery time, and print quality.
We hope you enjoy considering the balance between these factors and create better printed materials.