At Smart Inc our team have almost 20 years of experience working with businesses across the UK, from printing to design and so much more. As one of the premier providers of commercial printing in Hertfordshire, Essex & London it’s safe to say we know what we’re talking about when it comes to print – find out more about the most common types of commercial printers below. 

 

Types of Commercial Printers

Different types of commercial printers have different benefits, and businesses will often choose the preferred printer for each project based on quality of the print, volume required and overall cost-effectiveness. Not sure what printer type is best suited for your next project? Let the Smart Inc team guide you through your options below.

Offset Printers

Offset printers are widely used in commercial printing due to their ability to produce high-quality prints at a low cost for large quantities. This technology involves transferring an inked image from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then onto the printing surface.

Offset printing is ideal for producing materials like brochures, magazines, books, and catalogues. It delivers sharp, vibrant prints and handles various paper types. This method is known for its speed and efficiency in producing large runs, making it cost-effective for bulk printing.

Digital Printers

Digital printers have revolutionised commercial printing by offering short run capabilities and quick turnaround times. Unlike offset printers, digital printers don’t require plates, making them perfect for smaller quantities and customised prints.

They’re especially effective for producing leaflets, labels, newsletters, and posters with accurate colour reproduction. Digital printers support variable data printing, allowing for personalisation of each print. They’re also more suited to printing on demand, reducing waste and saving costs.

Large-Format Printers

Large-format printers are the most go-to choice for producing high-quality, large-scale print media such as banners, signage, posters, wraps, and tarpaulins. These printers handle widths ranging from 19″ to 64″.

Ideal for advertising and promotional materials, large-format printers offer high-quality printing with vivid colours and fine details. They’re extremely versatile and can print on various substrates, including vinyl, fabric, and paper, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are often chosen for their high-quality output. Commercial-grade inkjet printers are capable of handling high-volume printing with great precision, making them an excellent choice for printing colour illustrations, artwork, and photos.

Inkjet technology uses tiny droplets of ink to create images and text, producing vibrant prints with rich, dense colours. These printers are suitable for various types of paper and other materials, making them ideal for producing brochures, leaflets, and labels.

Laser Printers

Laser printers are popular in commercial settings due to their fast print speeds and sharp text output. They use a laser beam to produce high-quality, cost-effective prints, making them suitable for office documents, newsletters, and labels.

Laser printers utilise toner instead of liquid ink, which means prints are dry and ready for use immediately. Excellent for high-volume printing, they can effortlessly handle large workloads while providing consistent quality.

Screen Printers

Screen printers are primarily used for printing on textiles, including T-shirts and tote bags. This method involves creating a stencil (or screen) and applying layers of ink on the printing surface.

Screen printing is often favoured for its ability to produce long-lasting prints with dense, opaque colours. It’s highly effective for printing on various substrates, such as fabric, glass, and plastic, making it versatile for many commercial printing services.

Specialised Printers

Specialised printers cater to specific needs within the commercial printing industry. These include photo printers, which deliver high-quality prints with excellent colour accuracy for professional photographers and creatives.

Other specialised printers handle tasks such as 3D printing or printing on unusual materials. These technologies enable high-quality, customised prints that meet unique demands, such as product prototypes or bespoke promotional items.

 

Choosing the Right Printer for Your Business

Finding a printing method to meet your requirements

First, you need to understand your business’s printing requirements. This includes the finish that you want, the size of the print, the speed of turnaround time that you need, and more.

Then, you need to evaluate the volume of printing that you need. For high-volume printing, laser printers are often more efficient. For lower volumes, an inkjet printer will do the job nicely.

Next, you should think about your budget. As with all other areas of running your business, cost and efficiency play a big part in identifying the right printer type for your next print campaign.

 

If you’re not sure where to begin with the above areas then get in touch with the Smart Inc team at info@smart-inc.co.uk or on 01992 410 960 and our print management team will guide you to the right decision for your business.