Benefits of CMYK digital printing: Everything You Need to Know

When deciding on a production method for your packaging, it's crucial to understand your brand's requirements. These could include the number of units you need, the delivery speed, and the importance of design details.

Traditional Printing Methods: Limitations and Challenges

Traditionally, the highest quality of packaging is created through a process known as Offset (or Lithographic). This method, similar to what you would see in a magazine, uses solid block PMS PANTONE colour matches to achieve ultra-smooth and high-quality results. However, this process has its limitations.

Offset requires a large initial investment, with minimum orders starting at approx. 2000 units to offset the setup costs. Additionally, orders using Offset have a longer lead time starting from around 3 weeks. This process is popular among established brands who are buying in bulk (or regularly), as it provides a more cost-effective ROI in the long run. However, it restricts brands that don’t have the cash flow to justify the investment.

The Rise of CMYK Digital Printing

Thanks to technological advancements, a new solution that’s fast becoming brands’ preferred choice of production is available. This is called CMYK digital print, a method that all of our online orders are produced with.

What is CMYK Digital Print?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) - the four inks used in most color printing. This colour model is a subtractive model, meaning the added colors absorb light, which is then reflected off the surface. The CMYK process is a method of printing colour by using four inks—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. A majority of the colour spectrum can be achieved with just these four colors.

Why Use CMYK?

Simply put, CMYK digital is the best method of production available to accommodate sustainably printed, short to medium run packaging requirements in quick turnaround times at cost-effective prices. No longer are you held to high minimum orders and restricted to artwork usage. With digital printing, you can order from as low as 1 unit using any design you choose without any set up fees.

CMYK vs. RGB

It's important to note the difference between CMYK and RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour modes. RGB is an additive colour model used for digital screens, while CMYK is a subtractive model used for printing. When preparing a file for digital printing, it's crucial to convert your file to the CMYK color mode to ensure color accuracy.

The Benefits of Digital Printing

Digital printing has advanced so much that when compared to Offset, the differences are nearly impossible to spot to the naked eye if the design has been set up correctly for the CMYK process. Here are some of the key benefits of digital printing:

• Small Order Volumes: Unlike other printing methods, digital printing allows you to order in small volumes, eliminating the need to purchase unnecessary units and helping to reduce waste.
   
• Cost Efficiencies: With digital printing, you can skip all setup costs associated with production set up and order as many units as you need to suit your budget.
   
• Fast Turnaround Times: Digital printing offers speedy turnaround times. Because there are no set up involvements, your packaging can be printed, packed, and at your door before you know it.
   
• No Set-Up Fees: With digital printing, you’ll never pay a design-related fee again. It’s simply the process of printing PDF files directly to the material surface.
   
• Freedom with Design: With digital production, you can design your box however you want with no limitations and expect stunning results in return.
   
• Sustainability: Digital printing not only offers a wide range of advantages from a customer point of view, but it also provides many eco-benefits over traditional production methods.
   
• Prototyping: With digital printing, you can produce printed prototypes much quicker and at far less of a cost. You can trial this through our online store by purchasing as little as 1 unit using your brand’s design.

The Future of CMYK Digital Printing

As technology continues to advance, the benefits of digital printing will only increase. With its ability to provide cost-effective, high-quality prints in small volumes, digital printing is set to become the standard in the printing industry.

In conclusion, the evolution of digital printing has made it a preferred choice for many brands. Its benefits, such as cost-efficiency, quick turnaround times, and design freedom, make it a viable option for businesses of all sizes. So, whether you're a small business looking to print your first batch of custom packaging or an established brand looking to switch to a more sustainable printing method, consider digital printing for your needs.

Ready to elevate your brand experience? Visit our online store to get started.