What is the difference between digital and litho printing?

Digital printing is the reproduction of digital images, both text and illustrations, onto a range of normal papers. It can be differentiated from litho printing in many ways, some of which are the foillowing;

In theory every impression made onto the paper can be different, as opposed to making several hundred or thousand impressions of the same image from one set of plates, as in traditional litho methods. In practice publishers have exploited this feature to economically produce very short print runs even down to one personalised copy.

The toner does not absorb into the paper, as does conventional litho ink, but forms a sealed layer on the surface. Modern toners give the appearence of litho printing in terms of density and sharpness.

It generally requires less paper and chemicals to print short runs as there is less wastage during the set up stage. More efficient use of paper is both environmentally favourable as well as being highly cost effective for both printer and publisher.

In terms of finished printed result toner based printing systems now offer comparable quality to litho in both mono and full colour print.