offset vs. digital printing
Offset uses ink rollers and plates — cheaper per unit at high quantities, sharper for fine detail and Pantone matching. Digital uses toner or inkjet — no setup fee, more economical for small runs and variable data.
The break-even varies by product, but as a rule: under 500 pieces, digital is cheaper; over 1,000, offset is. Offset gives you precise Pantone matching (critical for brand colours) and crisper small text. Digital lets you personalise every piece (variable data printing — a different name on each card) and ships faster because there's no plate-making step. zprintz uses Sinalite's digital workflow for most products; offset is available for high-quantity orders on request.