How Does Digital Web Inkjet Compare with Offset for Short Runs?

Offset remains efficient for long runs of a stable title because the cost of plates and make-ready is spread across many copies. Digital web inkjet becomes more attractive as run length falls or the job changes frequently.

Digital presses print directly from a file, so there are no plates, ink-key adjustments or minimum run quantities. A printer can produce a short run, stop, and switch to a different title without a long set-up.

For reprints and low-stock replenishment, digital production avoids holding a large inventory. The file can stay in the workflow and copies can be printed when needed.

Many printers use both technologies: offset for long, stable runs and digital inkjet for short runs, versioned editions and titles that cannot justify a plate change.