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The rise of digital techniques in printing

Digital printing, done directly from digital files usually on an inkjet or laser printer, has been one of the biggest movers in the industry in recent years. Printing research group Smithers Pira has predicted that it will account for 20.6% of the print market by 2018, compared to 9.8% in 2008.



Usually done in small format, digital methods lend themselves especially well to business printing. This includes items like digital business cards, envelopes, signs, and letterheads.



One of the main boons of digital printing for business is that it cuts costs; not only because of the lack of printing plates, but also because items can be printed to order, resulting in much less wasted paper. There are several methods used in digital printing, including dye sublimation, which is often used for proofs, and thermal wax, which is used in transparencies.



Digital printing is a good example of the way in which traditional print and modern media have come together. With a study from the Pew Research Center last year showing that 15% of Americans do not use the internet or email, printing online information on postcards or in brochures is an excellent way to ensure that this important demographic is not overlooked. Direct mail is a highly effective form of advertising, with industry statistics showing that almost 80% of advertising mail is read by households.



Digital printing’s popularity can only continue to grow, especially when business need to economize while still marketing their products and services to the maximum.