PRINTING METHODS OF CHILE MEDIA
There are many different printing methods available today, each with its own advantages, disadvantages and uses. Here is a brief overview of all the printing techniques that Chile Media can do and how to tell the difference between them:
Inkjet Printing (your household printer)
What is inkjet printing?
Inkjet printing is the most common type of printer, found in many homes and small businesses. It uses a small inkjet cartridge to spray tiny droplets of ink onto the paper.
How does it work?
The printer head moves back and forth across the paper, spraying ink as it goes. The more passes the printer makes over an area, the darker the image will be.
What are the advantages?
Inkjets are relatively cheap to buy and run and can produce high-quality results. They are also very versatile, able to print on a wide variety of materials including paper, and card stock.
What are the disadvantages?
Inkjets can be slow to print.
When to choose inkjet printers
Its a good choice for printing high-quality documents and photos at home or in a small office.
Digital Printing
What is Digital Printing
Digital printing is the process of printing from a digital image file directly to paper. It was first developed in the early 1990s and has since become the most common way to print documents and photos.
How does it work?
The printer takes the digital file and breaks it down into thousands of tiny dots, which are then transferred to the paper using an inkjet head. It uses fuser fluids with heat process.
What are the advantages?
Digital printing is fast, cheap, and produces high-quality results. It accommodates smaller sizes and offers customized variable printing. It can also be used to print on a wide variety of materials and paper weights. This method is perfect for small quantities, as there is no minimum order quantity.
What are the disadvantages?
Issues with color consistency, limited in color matching, limited finishing options, limited to printing on paper and materials that can run through digital printers.
When to choose digital printing
If you are looking for a fast turnaround time, high-quality results, and low-volume printing on paper no larger than 12×19 inches. Such as brochures, flyers, postcards, etc.
Offset Printing
How does offset printing work?
Offset printing works by transferring an image from a printing plate to a rubber blanket. The rubber blanket then transfers the image to the printing surface. This allows for a more accurate registration of the image on the printing surface.
What are the advantages
More accurate registration of the image on the printing surface, ability to print on a wider variety of surfaces, greater color consistency, more finishing options.
What are the disadvantages
More expensive setup costs, longer turnaround time, uses chemical-based inks which can be harmful to the environment.
When to choose offset printing
When you need large quantity and high-quality printing with a durable finish. Offset printing is ideal for printing on materials such as business cards with effects like spot uv, presentation folders, etc.
Large Format Printing
What is large format printing?
It is a type of printing that uses a large format printer to print large images onto large substrates. These printers can produce prints up to 72 inches wide and any length.
How does it work?
Large format printers use a roll of paper that is fed through the printer. The prints are then cut to size and can be mounted or hung for display.
What are the advantages?
Large format printing is perfect for marketing materials such as posters, banners, and trade show displays. The prints are also very durable and can be used indoors or outdoors.
What are the disadvantages?
Large format printing can be expensive, as it requires special equipment and consumables.
When to choose large format printing
If you need prints that are larger than the standard paper size, such as retractable banners, large signs, etc.
Dye Sublimation Printing
What is dye sublimation?
Dye-sublimation printing is a type of digital printing that uses heat to transfer dye onto a material, such as fabric, metal, or ceramic.
How does it work?
Dye-sublimation printers use transfer paper that is printed with the image. The paper is then placed on the substrate and heated to a high temperature. The heat causes the dye to vaporize and bond with the substrate.
What are the advantages?
Dye-sublimation printing produces prints that are very accurate and have vibrant colors. The prints are also durable and can be used indoors or outdoors.
What are the disadvantages?
Dye-sublimation printing can be expensive, as it requires special equipment and consumables.
When to choose dye sublimation printing
If you need accurate, high-quality prints with vibrant colors, durable and can be used indoors or outdoors. Such as t-shirts, promotional products, 100% polyester material etc.
Laser Engraving
What is laser engraving?
Laser engraving is a process that uses a laser to create an engraving or etching on a surface. The laser beam is focused on the surface and melts away the material, leaving a raised image.
How does it work?
Laser engraving works by using a powerful laser to vaporize the material on the surface of the item being engraved. This leaves behind a raised image that can be seen and felt.
Materials used
- wood
- glass
- metal
- plastic
What are the advantages
- Precise and accurate
- Engraved images are raised and easy to see
- Can be used on a variety of materials
What are the disadvantages
It is more expensive than other printing methods.
When to choose laser engraving
Used for substrates 23×40 inches or less. Will create detailed engravings on uneven surfaces or materials.
Laser Cutting
What is laser cutting?
Laser cutting is a process that uses lasers to cut materials like paper, plastics, textiles, wood and metals.
How does it work?
Laser cutting works by directing lasers at the material to be cut. The lasers vaporize the material and create a gas that melts the surrounding material. This causes the material to be cut.
What are the advantages?
One of the great advantages of laser cutting is its flexibility. Laser cutting machines can be programmed to cut a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for custom applications. Additionally, laser cutters can cut materials of different thicknesses and densities, giving you the ability to create complex designs.
What are the disadvantages?
It requires a high level of expertise, it has limitations when it comes to metal thickness, it can be costly and it generates hazardous fumes.
When to choose laser cutting
Laser cutting is a great choice for materials that are difficult to cut with traditional methods, like metals. It can also be used to create intricate designs or patterns.
Laser Etching
What is laser etching?
Laser etching is a process that uses a laser to cut or engrave a design into glass. It is a popular technique for creating customized gifts, awards, and trophies. Laser etching is also used for industrial applications, such as marking components for identification.
How does it work?
This process uses a high-powered laser to engrave your desired design onto the surface of the glass.
Materials used
Most types of paper, types of fabric, acrylic, chloroplast, etc.
When to choose flatbed printing
If you need to print directly onto large materials. You do not need glue to affix to the substrate. It can also be used to create prints with a high level of detail.
Flatbed LED Printing
What is it?
Flatbed printing is a type of digital printing that uses an image to create a print.
How does it work?
Flatbed printing works by transferring ink from a digital image onto a substrate. The ink is then heated and transferred onto the surface of the material being printed.
Materials used
Most types of paper, types of fabric, acrylic, coroplast, etc.
When to choose flatbed printing
If you need to print directly onto large materials. You do not need glue to affix to the substrate. It can also be used to create prints with a high level of detail.
LED UV Printing
What is it?
LED UV printing is a type of digital printing that uses light to cure the ink onto the material being printed.
How does it work?
LED UV printing works by transferring ink from a digital image onto a substrate. The ink is then cured with light and transferred onto the surface of the material being printed.
Materials used:
leather, wood, acrylic, and many more!
When to choose led UV printing for your projects
If you need promotional items such as golf balls, koozies, golf towels, etc.
Screenprinting
What is it?
Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a material.
How does it work?
Screen printing works by creating a stencil of the image to be printed on the screen. The ink is then forced through the screen onto the surface of the material being printed.
Materials used
Most types of paper and some types of fabric
When to choose screen printing
When you need high-quality printing with a durable finish. Screen printing is ideal for printing on materials such as t-shirts, posters, and mugs.
Conclusion
Chile Media has experience with all of these types of printing and we can help you choose the right printing method. We will strive to ensure a high-quality product. If you have any questions about what printing method is best for your project, please contact us. We would be happy to help you choose the right printing method for your needs.
