How will you get it printed? Even if you know that flexography, offset litho, and dye-sublimation are all different printing methods, you may not know which one is best for your particular project. While there may not be hard and fast rules for when to use a specific printing method, these general guidelines may help you narrow your choices.
Personal / Low Volume: When you only need a few copies of a flier or few dozen business cards, desktop printers - both inkjet and laser - may be all you need to consider. Although some individuals and businesses may have color laser printers, for color printing an inkjet printer is most common in the home or small office.
Proofs: Even when using commercial printing processes freelance designers and small business owners will want to produce some proofs beforehand. Desktop Inkjet and laser printers are suitable for proofing text and general layout although not for precise color proofing. Color lasers are often used to produce high-resolution color digital proofs. Dye-sublimation printers are favored by some graphic designers for high-end proofing.
Books, Newsletters, Brochures, etc.: Offset lithography is the most commonly used commercial printing process for the bulk of desktop publishing on paper requiring high volume mass production. Print projects such as glossy magazines and brochures with spot color or full color photographs will most likely utilize offset printing. Xerox Docutech digital printing, is another lower-cost option for b&w or color short run projects with a quality comparable to high-quality laser printing.
Business Cards, Letterhead: In addition to offset printing, engraving may be used for fine letterhead.Thermography is often used in place of the more expensive engraving process to produce raised printing. Less commonly, letterpress may be used.
Envelopes, Labels: Offset litho, flexographic printing, and gravure printing are all possible choices when the quantity and quality required exceeds the capabilities of a desktop printer.
Paper, Plastic, or Foil Packaging: Both flexography and gravure printing may be used for things such as paper and plastic bags, milk cartons, disposable cups, and candy bar wrappers.
Signs, Posters, Fine Art Prints: In addition to offset printing, Screen or silkscreen printing -- popular for t-shirts -- works for many other non-textile projects including signs and posters. Various digital ink-based printing methods, including inkjet, are also options. Stochastic printing as well as Photogravure may be used for fine art prints.
Wedding Invitations, Formal Announcements: Although engraving is still used, thermography may offer a less expensive alternative.
