Screen VS Digital Printing

What’s the BEST option for your large format printing?

To answer this you’ll want to consider a number of factors including:

Choose on the merits of image needs, durability… and budget.

Its true that screen printing and digital printing are two popular methods used to produce high quality materials. Lower volumes, personalized images with a crisp image are well suited for digital printers.

Screen Printing is budget friendly

Generally, screen printing method is usually always lower cost method than digital when producing more than 100 units of a larger format. That because the equipment costs and maintenance, process costs and inks are usually lower overall. Lower overheads mean lower cost. Consumable environmentally friendly inks are very efficient during the printing process versus digital chemically engineered plastic cartridges or ink boxes. Production speeds of screen printers are generally faster, especially in larger format deadlines. Getting on press is faster now too as Strada utilizes efficient digital colour separation methods and direct to screen technologies.

Quality Image – Think application

Higher quantity coupled with large size really lends itself to the screen-printing format. When coupled with direct-to screen imaging technology, the printed image result is also amazing highlighting vibrant rich colours. When adding special spot colour sparkle effects or clearcoat varnish effects (like dripping water on a cold drink), then screen print is your clear choice.

Size & Substrate Does Matter

Large format, heavy ink coverage, multi colour, high volumes, thick substrate – all perfect for a screen-printing application at Strada Printworks. Typically, digital print methods have size, production speed and substrate limitations. No roll-to roll transfer to substrate needed, so bring on the corrugated or coroplast or styrene.

Durability – Screen Inks Image Long Lasting

Screen inks are engineered & developed with UV protections making them more resilient when exposed to destructive UV light. Digital printing inks have real issues defending itself to these UV rays, thus progressively, sharp images will fade in these light conditions.