--- title: What is a Digital Printing Press? description: Unlock the potential of modern printing technology by understanding the ins and outs of digital printing presses. image: https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2025-Header_What%20is%20a%20Digital%20Printing%20Press.png --- [![Gordon Flesch Logo](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Logos/GFC-2021-Logo_Blue.svg) ](https://www.gflesch.com/) **Number 1 Canon®** Independent Dealer in the U.S. **Number 1 Lexmark™** Independent Dealer in the U.S. [CLIENT PORTAL](https://einfo.gflesch.com/einfo/Gateway/Login)  |  [LOCATIONS](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us#locations)  |  [EVENTS](https://www.gflesch.com/events)  |  [CONTACT ](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us) |  [CAREERS](https://www.gflesch.com/careers) [![FREE ASSESSMENT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2259185/d975359c-4073-49ee-9a07-aea2dabf5a9f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2259185/d975359c-4073-49ee-9a07-aea2dabf5a9f) Search gflesch.com Open Menu #### [Hardware](https://www.gflesch.com/hardware) #### [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/managed-print-services) [![ImageCARE](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/GFC/Website/Logos/ImageCARE_logo.svg "ImageCARE")](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-is-imagecare) #### [Managed Voice Services](https://www.elevityit.com/managed-voice-services) #### [Managed IT](https://www.elevityit.com/) [![Elevity](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elevity/Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png?width=165&height=61&name=Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png "Elevity")](https://www.elevityit.com/) #### [Who We Serve](https://www.gflesch.com/who-we-serve) #### [The GFC Difference](https://www.gflesch.com/the-gfc-difference) ![GFC team after bike 4k](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Page-Images/Careers/13937955_732396103564956_2200806867025572720_o_600x400Web.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=13937955_732396103564956_2200806867025572720_o_600x400Web.jpg "GFC team after bike 4k") Explore opportunities to join one of the country’s largest independent business technology providers! 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[![Ted McLeod avatar](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ted-McLeod_2021_LinkedIn.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=Ted-McLeod_2021_LinkedIn.jpg) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/author/ted-mcleod) [Ted McLeod](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/author/ted-mcleod) 04/01/2025 ![CMYK ink colors featured on a white background](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2025-Header_What%20is%20a%20Digital%20Printing%20Press.png) [**Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press) [**LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press) [**Email ](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20great%20blog%20post%20from%20Gordon%20Flesch%20Company,%20INC.&body=Check%20out:%20https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press) Production printing used to mean large presses and long lead times for printing projects. But in recent decades, this has changed to include another option. [Digital printing presses](https://www.gflesch.com/production-printers) have transformed the printing industry, offering the ability to produce shorter-run projects in a faster and more streamlined manner. Wondering if a digital printing press would make a great addition to your printing fleet? Here’s what you’ll need to know in order to make an informed decision: - [Understanding Digital Printing Presses](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press#Understanding1) - [Key Differences Between Digital Printing and Traditional Printing](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press#Key2) - [Cost Considerations of Digital Printing](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press#Cost3) - [Limitations and Strengths of Digital Printing](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/digital-printing-press#Limitations4) Once you unlock the potential of a digital printing press, you’ll be empowered with new possibilities for innovation and efficiency within your printing projects. --- **RELATED: **[The Best Commercial Printers for 2025](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/best-commercial-printers-2025)  --- ## Understanding Digital Printing Presses Digital printing presses are advanced machines that print digital-based images directly onto a variety of media. Unlike traditional printing methods, which require the creation of plates, digital printing uses electronic files, such as [PDFs](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-to-scan-multiple-pages-into-one-pdf), to produce the desired output. This process is incredibly versatile and allows for [on-demand printing with minimal setup time](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/offset-vs-digital-printing). In addition, these type of presses are ideal for small to medium print runs and can handle a wide range of materials, including paper, [cardstock](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/printer-paper-stock) and some even print on fabric. The technology behind digital printing has evolved significantly, offering high-quality prints with sharp details and vibrant colors. It's a game-changer for businesses that need quick turnaround times without compromising on quality. ## Key Differences Between Digital Printing and Traditional Printing When comparing digital printing to traditional methods, several key differences stand out. Traditional printing, also known as offset printing, involves transferring ink from a plate to a rubber sheet and then onto the printing surface. This method is cost-effective for large print runs but requires significant setup time and cost for creating custom plates. In contrast, digital printing eliminates the need for plates, making it more economical for short to medium-sized print runs. Digital printing also allows for easy updates and modifications to the print job, offering greater project flexibility. ## Cost Considerations of Digital Printing One of the main advantages of digital printing is its cost-effectiveness for smaller print runs. If you need a limited number of copies, digital printing is generally cheaper than traditional methods. This is because digital printing does not require the creation of plates or extensive setup, reducing both time and material costs. However, for large-scale projects involving tens of thousands or even millions of printed pages, traditional printing is more economical. The initial setup costs are offset by the lower per-unit cost as the volume increases. Therefore, businesses should carefully consider the size of their print job and choose the method that offers the best balance between cost and quality. ## Limitations and Strengths of Digital Printing While digital printing offers many advantages, historically it has some limitations in regards to color reproduction. However, recent advancements in digital printing technology have significantly improved color quality, making it a viable option for most projects. It's important to [discuss your color needs](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/g7-color-management) with a skilled print professional to determine the best method for your specific requirements. One of the standout features of digital printing is its speed and efficiency. Because there is no need for plate creation or other lengthy setup processes, [digital printing jobs can be completed quickly](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/large-volume-printing-projects). This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that need fast turnaround times. Additionally, digital prints are ready for finishing almost immediately after printing, as the drying time required for traditional inks is not necessary. ## How to Gain a Competitive Advantage in Production Print Gordon Flesch Company can help you make the most of large format and digital press technology. With the assistance of our in-house Digital Production Analysts, you’ll discover the value of innovative new technology for increased productivity, automation and accuracy. Ready to take the next step? Learn how you can overcome the top five production print challenges by [downloading your complimentary copy of our infographic](https://www.gflesch.com/overcoming-production-print-challenges).  [![Overcoming-Top-5-Production-Print-Challenges_Campaign-Banners_Blog-InLine](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2259185/interactive-173359361540.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKUk1xb8L1qIqYQHBsZVuB6Nrp94%2BRSADVqvT8n%2FYev%2BneUwBxJYY%2BsbAWR4dx9FlSWxyi2U4JSEABfKql%2F6RtVVGDAqp9eDxG%2Fz%2BSr7eM5COE2ntXm5sTCsgw3GbM3StChpAAHXZFx9nc0WTt%2BrNITdn6Xb5KKufKna4bcByvZKtPIW9MC5mHgoLVr%2Bc%2F6vI6oi%2BlXtqheKytdIc9B0B%2Bq&webInteractiveContentId=173359361540&portalId=2259185) ## You may also like these posts about: **Production Print** [![Marketing materials and color charts on a table with the hands of staff pointing out items of interest during a meeting](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2026-Blog-Header_Printed%20Marketing%20Materials%20for%20B2B%20Companies.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/printed-marketing-materials-b2b-that-work) [Production Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/production-print) ### [Printed Marketing Materials for B2B Companies: What Actually Works](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/printed-marketing-materials-b2b-that-work) 05/21/2026 | 4 min Read [![Man pointing at the word ](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2025-Blog-Header_How%20Poor%20Print%20Quality%20Impacts%20Brand%20Perception.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-poor-print-quality-impacts-brand-perception) [Production Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/production-print) ### [How Poor Print Quality Impacts Brand Perception](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-poor-print-quality-impacts-brand-perception) 01/15/2026 | 3 min Read [![Teacher passing out printed pages to students 2](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2025-Header_What%20Does%20Collate%20Mean%20When%20Printing-1.webp) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-does-collate-mean) [Production Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/production-print) ### [What Does Collate Mean When Printing?](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-does-collate-mean) 03/18/2025 | 4 min Read [← Should I Buy a New Printer or Fix My Old One?](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/buy-a-new-printer) [** ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog) [How Much is a Smart Board? →](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-much-is-a-smart-board) [![GFC-2021-Logo_White](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Logos/GFC-2021-Logo_White.svg "GFC-2021-Logo_White")](https://www.gflesch.com/) 2675 Research Park Drive Madison, WI 53711 800.333.5905 [CLIENT TOOLS](https://www.gflesch.com/customer-support) © 2023 Gordon Flesch Company. 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