Wednesday 18 December 2013

Opting For Digital Printing That Is Eco Friendly

By Cornelia White


There has been a dramatic revolution in the print process since the introduction of digital presses. No longer does the process require offset presses, toxic chemicals and inks, much paper wastage and hazardous waste disposal. The process has changed from an industrial one to a computerized one and digital printing that is eco friendly takes this one step further with machines and materials designed not to be harmful to the environment.

Chemicals are used to engrave plates with images and text for offset presses. Ink and water are applied to the plate which is mounted on a roller. The plate cylinder offsets the design onto a rubber blanket roller, which in turn transfers it onto the paper. The entire process involves much wastage of resources and hazardous solid and liquid waste and fumes are produced as a by product.

The new technology does not need plates as an image is sent directly to the printer from files compiled using graphics software. This saves time and money. Toxic chemicals do not have to be used and the by products of the process are not hazardous, eliminating the need for special disposal methods. This process works very well for small print runs of items like full color business cards, letterheads and fliers. It allows for more personalization and prevents wastage.

Not all presses offer the same quality of color and clarity. It is important for customers to find out exactly what presses are being used and what they are capable of producing. Some of the newer presses are more suitable for certain applications than others. One machine may be better for a particular job than another, depending on cost, quality and size of a run.

Going green has become such a trend that many suppliers are making this claim. Some have very little substance to back up their claims while others are totally committed to this cause. Online websites of suppliers should offer details about the machines, processes and materials used. This is one way for customers to discern whether their claims are genuine or not.

With digital printing, the ink is sealed to the surface of the paper with oil or wax. Inks used vary from printer to printer. Some use dry toner and others more liquid inks. Some are also far less toxic than others. Petroleum oils are being replaced by less harmful vegetable oils and many suppliers recycle oils. As the demand for less harmful ingredients increases, so quality improves and costs decrease.

The paper used by these printers varies considerably and choice of what paper to use is essentially up to the customer. A customer may select 100% recycled content or a lower percentage. Some of the paper is manufactured with wind generated electricity and is processed chlorine and acid free.

Opting to use digital printing that is eco friendly is just one of the ways in which one can show commitment to protecting the environment. This does not mean one has to settle for inferior quality in any way as great strides have been made with this technology. The best printers with the latest equipment offer quality just as good as offset printers if not better.




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