Frankly Speaking: Paper is Part of the Process
If you've been following the printing world—and if you're reading this column we've got a hunch that you have—you know that advances in digital printing have transformed the technology from the world of the small-run to a viable print-on-demand option for publishers of all sizes and stripes.
But don't be fooled: Digital and offset lithography remain quite different beasts. As such, the process choices you make for one won't necessarily translate to the other. And while offset processes present a fairly consistent set of choices, digital printing is schizophrenic by comparison: It can use dry or liquid toner, or inkjet using water, solvent or UV. It all depends on the printing system that will be employed and there are now about 40 systems you can select from. And that all depends on what system your printer of choice is using.
- Companies:
- Canon U.S.A. Inc.
- HP
- Xerox Corp.
- People:
- Frank Romano
Frank Romano is Professor Emeritus at RIT School of Media Sciences.