There has been a dramatic revolution in the print process since the introduction of digital presses. No longer does the process require offset presses, toxic chemicals and inks, much paper wastage and hazardous waste disposal. The process has changed from an industrial one to a computerized one and digital printing that is eco friendly takes this one step further with machines and materials designed not to be harmful to the environment.
The offset printing process uses the concept of oil and water repelling each other to produce a beautiful, high-quality print. The rollers distribute ink onto a plate which has been photo-engraved with text and images. The images on the plate are transferred to a rubber blanket, and then applied to paper. This process is a huge consumer of time, energy and resources. Chemicals are used for film and plate making and the whole process is accompanied by liquid and solid waste and fumes, some of which needs special treatment for disposal.
The new technology does not need plates as an image is sent directly to the printer from files compiled using graphics software. This saves time and money. Toxic chemicals do not have to be used and the by products of the process are not hazardous, eliminating the need for special disposal methods. This process works very well for small print runs of items like full color business cards, letterheads and fliers. It allows for more personalization and prevents wastage.
The savings in labor and the ever-increasing capability of digital machines means the quality of this type of print is improving all the time. However, not every press offers the same quality so customers must do some research. For example, some of the older presses may not have the same quality as the newer ones. Newer ones may be designed for specific types of applications and may not be the most cost effective option for a particular project.
It is difficult to choose between the many printers saying that they follow an environmentally friendly protocol. However, reading information given on their online websites gives some idea regarding this commitment. Some printers are more fully committed than others, using only 100% recycled paper, vegetable inks and even ensuring use of economically logistical shipping to reduce their carbon footprint.
With digital printing, the ink is sealed to the surface of the paper with oil or wax. Inks used vary from printer to printer. Some use dry toner and others more liquid inks. Some are also far less toxic than others. Petroleum oils are being replaced by less harmful vegetable oils and many suppliers recycle oils. As the demand for less harmful ingredients increases, so quality improves and costs decrease.
The paper used by these printers varies considerably and choice of what paper to use is essentially up to the customer. A customer may select 100% recycled content or a lower percentage. Some of the paper is manufactured with wind generated electricity and is processed chlorine and acid free.
Opting to use digital printing that is eco friendly is just one of the ways in which one can show commitment to protecting the environment. This does not mean one has to settle for inferior quality in any way as great strides have been made with this technology. The best printers with the latest equipment offer quality just as good as offset printers if not better.
The offset printing process uses the concept of oil and water repelling each other to produce a beautiful, high-quality print. The rollers distribute ink onto a plate which has been photo-engraved with text and images. The images on the plate are transferred to a rubber blanket, and then applied to paper. This process is a huge consumer of time, energy and resources. Chemicals are used for film and plate making and the whole process is accompanied by liquid and solid waste and fumes, some of which needs special treatment for disposal.
The new technology does not need plates as an image is sent directly to the printer from files compiled using graphics software. This saves time and money. Toxic chemicals do not have to be used and the by products of the process are not hazardous, eliminating the need for special disposal methods. This process works very well for small print runs of items like full color business cards, letterheads and fliers. It allows for more personalization and prevents wastage.
The savings in labor and the ever-increasing capability of digital machines means the quality of this type of print is improving all the time. However, not every press offers the same quality so customers must do some research. For example, some of the older presses may not have the same quality as the newer ones. Newer ones may be designed for specific types of applications and may not be the most cost effective option for a particular project.
It is difficult to choose between the many printers saying that they follow an environmentally friendly protocol. However, reading information given on their online websites gives some idea regarding this commitment. Some printers are more fully committed than others, using only 100% recycled paper, vegetable inks and even ensuring use of economically logistical shipping to reduce their carbon footprint.
With digital printing, the ink is sealed to the surface of the paper with oil or wax. Inks used vary from printer to printer. Some use dry toner and others more liquid inks. Some are also far less toxic than others. Petroleum oils are being replaced by less harmful vegetable oils and many suppliers recycle oils. As the demand for less harmful ingredients increases, so quality improves and costs decrease.
The paper used by these printers varies considerably and choice of what paper to use is essentially up to the customer. A customer may select 100% recycled content or a lower percentage. Some of the paper is manufactured with wind generated electricity and is processed chlorine and acid free.
Opting to use digital printing that is eco friendly is just one of the ways in which one can show commitment to protecting the environment. This does not mean one has to settle for inferior quality in any way as great strides have been made with this technology. The best printers with the latest equipment offer quality just as good as offset printers if not better.
About the Author:
Read more about Opting For Digital Printing That Is Eco Friendly visiting our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment