Photograph.com.sg - Digital Print

Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital based image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large format and/or high volume laser or inkjet printers. Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods but this price is usually offset by the cost saving in avoiding all the technical steps in between needed to make printing plates. It also allows for on demand printing, short turn around, and even a modification of the image (variable data) with each impression. The savings in labor and ever increasing capability of digital presses means digital printing is reaching a point where it will match or supersede offset printing technologies ability to produce larger print runs at a low price.

Process

The main difference between digital printing and traditional methods such as lithography, flexography, gravure, or letterpress is that no printing plates are used, resulting in a quicker and less expensive turn around time. The most popular methods include inkjet or laser printers that deposit pigment or toner onto a wide variety of substrates including paper, photo paper, canvas, glass, metal, marble and others. Consumer and professional printers such as inkjet or laser printers use the most common examples of digital printing.

In many of the processes the ink or toner does not permeate the substrate, as does conventional ink, but forms a thin layer on the surface and may in some systems be additionally adhered to the substrate by using a fuser fluid with heat process (toner) or UV curing process (ink).

Digital printing methods of note

Fine art inkjet printing

Large format inkjet printers have been developed over the last two decades that use dye based inks or archival, lightfast pigment based inks that can be applied to a variety of traditional media including smooth or highly textured watercolor paper, prepared canvass, and various textiles. This has allowed for the creation of accurate series reproductions of 2 dimensional artworks. It also allows for the output of digital art of all types as finished pieces or as an element in a further art piece. This type of digital printing is commonly known as Giclee, Digigraph, and other coined or trade names.

Digital laser exposure onto traditional photographic paper

Digital images are exposed onto true, light sensitive photographic paper with lasers and processed in photographic developers and fixers. These prints are true photographs and have continuous tone in the image detail. The archival quality of the print is as high as the manufacturer's rating for any given photo paper used. In large format prints, the greatest advantage is that, since no lens is used, there is no vigenetting or detail distortion in the corners of the image. (wikipedia)

read more - about photography

Applications & Consideration

Accessories of Digital Camera

Advantages and Disadvantages