There are several different methods of printing, each suiting different applications and need. While the introduction of digital printing has changed the way we reproduce images and text, it has not rendered the older methods redundant but rather improved the quality through technology. Of course, cost is always a consideration and when it comes to large print runs, there are many different cost-effective options. Our UK Print Management service means we match the right print process for the right job.

Photolithography printing is most commonly referred to as offset or litho-offset, and involves a modification of lithographic printing know as planographic printing. In this method a rubber-covered cylinder is placed between the printing cylinder and the impression cylinder, thus creating an offset. Essentially this is technological development enables an increased printing speed without compromising quality and, significantly, reducing the number of impressions required to reproduce full-colour copy. Off-set lithographical printing is widely used to meet quantity and quality demands where detailed colour refinement is important.

By contrast, digital printing prints directly onto the substrate using digital imaging, thus eliminating film or plates. It has the advantage transferring a fresh image to the substrate on each print, making it useful for printing one-off or variable images. This method has brought printing into the home and office, making it practical to print small amounts, where cost isn't a major concern. Digital printing has also greatly enhanced the reproduction of high-resolution graphics and has, overall, revolutionised printing methods, particularly the Lambda process. This is the latest in state-of-the-art digital technology for producing continuous-tone panels, resulting in the most visually spectacular images and graphics on the market today. A sophisticated method of photographic reproduction and laser technology ensures a crisp finish and we recommend this 'high-end' process for some applications.

Despite the new digital technology, Screen printing is still a viable option for many print jobs - bill-board, point of sale and vehicle graphics are just some of the applications this method of printing is suitable for.

We work closely with a wide number of different printers who specialise in each of these methods or a combination thereof, ensuring our clients receive the most cost-effective solutions, and the widest possible choice of options to satisfy unusual or demanding print jobs.

Contact SR Print Management for further UK Print Management advice and a fast, online quote.