What is digital printing?

6 January 2025 - Reading time 3 min. - Floris de Bruin
What is digital printing?

Say you want to have a big and beautiful photo printed on a mug. How does that work? Which printing technique do we use for that? After all, there are so many! We do this through digital printing. What is that and how does it work? We explain it to you as simply as possible, so you know how your mugs (or anything else) are printed!

History

To fully understand what digital printing is, it is useful to know the history behind it. It is a relatively modern printing technique. Digital printing was first used in the 1980s, and since the early 21st century it has been a respected and mainstream printing technique. Because it is a printing technique that is still evolving, it is getting better and better and being used by more people.

How does digital printing work?

We explain it to you step by step. First, we prepare the design and then this design is printed and applied to the mug, for example. Then the products go into a heat press or oven and afterwards the products are cooled down. Then it is ready to be sent to you, the customer! Was this too fast? Then we explain it in detail step by step below:

  1. Prepare design

You have the lead in this! By indicating which image, text or logo you would like to print, we prepare a digital proof for you. Is it not to your liking? Then we will adjust it until you are satisfied. This way, you are in control of the printing process, so that the end result will be exactly what you expected. Wondering what to do for a good print design? Read this blog!

  1. Printing and gluing

The next step is to print the design. This is done using transfer paper. The mug should be well clean before applying the paper to the mug. Then it is time to start pasting. In some cases, this is still done by hand; nice craft! Once the stickers/paper are nicely stuck to the product, it is time for the next step.

  1. In the heat press and cooling

The printed product then goes into the press. This is where the print enters the product, using very high temperatures. This keeps the print in place. Once the products come out of the press, it is important that they are well cooled down.

  1. Pack and go

The products are then carefully checked, packed and shipped. Glassware and crockery are, of course, very fragile. Therefore, it is important to take this into account when shipping, to avoid damage.

 

Advantages of digital printing

  1. Lower start-up costs. Starting up a printer is much cheaper compared to another printing machine.
  2. Small print runs. Because start-up costs are low, it is possible to buy small print runs at a reasonable price.
  3. All colours. Because digital printing is 'full colour', you can print all colours. This is ideal.

Feel free to ask about the possibilities! We are happy to help you; contact us here. Request a quote and free digital proof or order right away!