In this digital age, it might be easy to assume that traditional, physical print has lost its edge. However, statistics from the Direct Marketing Association reveal a different story: Direct mail achieves a 4.4% response rate, compared to email’s meager 0.12%. Let’s delve into the world of commercial printing and explore seven types that your business can leverage.
- Digital Printing
Digital printing is a modern method that prints directly from a digital-based image to a variety of media. It ensures high-quality prints and quicker turnaround times. Businesses using digital printing can easily modify images and texts, perfect for personalized direct mail campaigns or customized promotional materials.
- Offset Lithography
Offset lithography is a common and flexible printing technique, where an inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. With its capability to print on flat surfaces like paper, cardboard, plastic or even wooden materials, it serves industries such as publishing and packaging.
- Flexography
Flexography is predominantly used for packaging and labels, best suited for high-volume orders. The fast-drying process of flexography makes it ideal for companies requiring quick packaging solutions.
- Gravure Printing
Known for its high image quality and speediness, gravure printing is best utilized for long runs – magazines, catalogs, or high-quality postage stamps. The cost might be on the higher side, but it’s justified by the exceptional quality and durability of the results.
- Screen Printing
From T-shirts and banners to glass and wood, screen printing’s versatility makes it a go-to choice for designs requiring high levels of vibrancy. Businesses aiming to create impactful marketing tools can use this method to their advantage.
- Letterpress Printing
Harkening back to the traditional days of printing, letterpress offers an elegant, embossed feel. It’s perfect for invitations, business cards, or any print needing a touch of sophistication.
- Large Format Printing
As the name suggests, large format printing is all about big, bold prints. It’s the number one choice for billboards, banners, wall murals, and trade show graphics. Businesses seeking to make a big impact should look no further.
Before diving into any of these commercial print methods, a crucial stage that must not be overlooked is the pre-press process. This process involves steps like proofreading, creating a mock-up, adjusting images and texts, making plates, and more. Effective pre-press work ensures that the final printed product is error-free and matches your expectations.
Notwithstanding the dynamic nature of digital media, commercial printing brings a unique tangibility to your communication efforts. It offers sensory experiences— textures, vibrant colors, even smells—that digital simply can’t replicate. Moreover, a study from Millward Brown affirms that physical media leaves a deeper cognitive impression than digital.
Commercial printing, therefore, offers an array of options to effectively convey your business narrative—be it through direct mail campaigns, business cards, product packaging, or large-scale advertising. As a business, pinpointing the right type of print method tailored to your requirements can reap substantial rewards.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. Knowing and understanding these seven types of commercial print methods can add another layer of substance to your business communication. Influence your target audiences on multiple sensory levels, and watch your brand story unfold in definitive, unforgettable print.
