The right timing becomes quite essential when you must complete a bulk printing order. You want the job done faster but with the same level of quality. So, you develop a question about what method you should choose— Screen Printing or Digital Printing?
You might be interested in adding your brand to custom clothing or matching something with modern trends. But when it comes to the best Screen Printing Services in Buffalo, NY, people have different viewpoints.
Some say that screen printing is best for bulk, and some believe digital printing is because it offers speed.
Therefore, in this blog, we’ll explore, discuss, and compare both services and evaluate which one helps save you more time for bulk orders. Moreover, this blog will help you get a clear idea of what fits best for your needs.
What is Screen Printing?
It is one of the popular methods that’s been used around for many years. It usually works by pressing the ink through the stencil onto the surface you want to print on.
For instance, paper or fabric.
Furthermore, this method is great when creating long-lasting and bold designs for large orders.
How Does It Work?
First, a stencil is created on a fine mesh screen. It helps block specific areas. Next, the ink is pushed through the open parts of the screen onto the material. This process is repeated for each color within the design, making it perfect for bold and simple patterns.
Advantages of Using Screen Printing
This process produces bright, vibrant, and durable colors that don’t fade easily. Although the overall cost might be higher, as you print more items, it becomes cheaper.
This procedure is versatile, working on many different surfaces, such as plastic, paper, fabric, and even metal.
Limitations
Everything has pros and cons. The initial setup, like creating stencils, can take some time. But once it’s done completely, it’s more cost-effective for larger orders.
It’s a great choice for bulk orders that require bold and simple designs. Moreover, it’s a versatile option.
What is Digital Printing?
Now, it’s more like a modern method compared with the previous one we talked about. It uses digital files like images or PDFs to print directly onto materials. Unlike older methods, like screen printing, it usually doesn’t require a lot of setup or stencil usage.
According to the research listed by Transparency Market Research, the digital printing market size will achieve a valuation of USD 54.4 billion by 2034. Furthermore, it will also exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% between 2024 to 2034.
How Does It Work?
It works by sending a digital file directly to a printer. The printer uses either laser or inkjet technology to print the design directly onto the material.
This process doesn’t require screens or plates and is quite fast.
Advantages of Digital Printing
There’s no need for special setups—stencils or screens. Such a thing saves time efficiently. You also get very detailed designs with vibrant colors.
Another benefit is that you can easily make updates and change the design without any hassle. But just like in screen printing, it also has some limitations.
Let’s understand about it below.
Limitations
For big bulk orders, such a style can take a bit longer than the other one. It comes with a high cost per print when compared with screen style. Moreover, it’s not that versatile and cannot print on many different surfaces.
So, digital printing is usually great for small detailed order that sometimes requires quick turnarounds.
Speed Comparison For Bulk Orders
So, when it comes down to delivering bulk orders, speed is everything. However, every technology has its speed to complete orders.
Let’s examine how production time, setup time, and other factors affect the print job.
Setup Time
In screen printing, the setup takes longer to prepare screens, stencils and align everything before you can start the procedure. However, in digital, it can be quick since you just need to upload the overall design and start the process.
Production Time
When it comes to comparing production time, screen printing can easily handle large volumes with efficiency. Once the screen is ready, it’s a lot faster for processing big orders. On the digital side, each item is printed one by one.
Such a thing makes it slower, which can be a major drawback for prints.
Design Complexity
Screen printing can create simple designs with fewer colors in speed. During complex designs, it may take some time to set up. Digital printing is great for complex designs. But it still takes a lot of time to print colorful items.
Order Size
It’s more efficient for larger orders on screen. The setup cost is spread across multiple prints. If you’re looking for smaller orders, then a digital one is preferred. It’s because the process gets slowed down eventually by the time.
Machine Quality
Within the screen print, the high-quality machines speed up the process. Only the complexity lies in the setup factor.
Talking about digital, the machines can print faster with more detail but they may struggle during the bulk orders.
Which is Better For Bulk Orders?
Therefore, printing orders are something that usually takes in either a few or bulk orders.
To help you make a better decision, we have explained and concluded which one is best and for what purposes below:
Screen Printing
If you’re looking for screen printing services in Buffalo, NY then it is the best choice. It can print thousands of items quickly with minimal problems. It’s best, easily prints, and affordable for bulk. You can use it for simple designs.
Digital Printing
It is great when you don’t need many items. It is good for smaller batches. It’s perfect if you’re looking for heavy custom work. For large orders, it takes a lot of time for each item to complete.
Bottom Line
Therefore, from all the above, we conclude that screen printing is a better option if you have a large order with simple designs. Moreover, if you mostly have small orders that require custom designs then digital printing is a good one.
For the best screen printing services, contact Route 75 Imprints experts today. The brand also offers embroidery, packaging, custom labeling, and more. Contact us today for more information!
