The Shift from Offset to Digital

Of the many factors to consider when creating a book – size, quantity, and color requirements to name a few, it’s especially vital to give attention to the process behind it. Recent trends indicate a shift toward digital production from offset, a decision rooted in cost models, reduction of warehouse space, and time-to-market. 

In short, offset production involves the use of printing plates while digital production doesn’t. A minor difference? Nothing could be further from the truth. Knowing the difference and understanding what it means for your individual project(s) can greatly reduce costs while maximizing your savings.

An offset printed book bears the brunt of paper, ink, platemaking, and even cleanup costs, whereas a digital printed book is off the hook from charges related to platemaking. For long-run, high-volume projects, offset production presents a worthwhile solution, with its associated expenses ultimately worth the investment. The upside to digital printing, however, was welcomed firstly by educational printers and short-run specialists, leading to a steady increase the use of digital presses between 2010 and 2022.*

*Book Manufacturers' Institute, Trends in Book Manufacturing, 2022

To learn more about Bradford & Bigelow's offset and digital solutions, schedule a meeting with us today.