When shall the different business card printing techniques be used?

It is imperative to have the business cards created using the right printing technique. There are a number of different methods which can be used for printing the business card like screen printing, offset printing, digital printing, foil embossing and some others. The choice of the method depends on its relative merits and demerits as compared to the others, the printing effects that are desired to be created, the order quantity that can be given and also the price considerations.

Offset Vs Digital

Two of the most common methods used are the offset and the digital printing methods. The offset method makes use of the offset presses and the way these transfer the inks to the paper make it deliver good quality of print. All the print that is to be desired to be on the business card is first transferred from the plate to the rubber sheet which is directly pressed to the paper. This method gives a better quality print than the digital method since the print lines and contours are clean and sharp. However, this method is expensive if it is used for the less order quantities.

Digital Printing method of the business cards is best used when you have the low order quantities. The latest technologies has enabled the development of print of the nearly the same quality as that of the offset one. Common persons may not be able to point out the differences between the two. Ultimately the deciding factor between the two methods is not the technology to be used but the number of order quantity pieces which will be ordered.

Other business card printing considerations and precautions

1. Orientation: The personalised cards can be created in the horizontal or the vertical format. Though most of the cards are printed in the horizontal format, many people also opt for the vertical printing.
2. All the things to be printed on the business card, whether text or the graphic design, has to be incorporated within the borders of the card itself.
3. Legibility of what is written is very important aspect. The content shall not be hard on eyes to read. This means that the right size of the font shall be used. It shall not be small in size. At the same time, the nature of colours used shall not mix up with the font colour rendering it unreadable.
4.  Choice of paper: Some of the high end clients might be using the good quality paper. Some of the other companies might prefer the slightly lower grade ones. It does not mean that there is any direct relation between the size of organization and the choice of its paper quality. Too heavy a paper may look highly absurd and unprofessional.
5. Shape and Style: While designs are to be borne on the surface of the business cards, the shape and style are related more to its physical appearance. These can be folded, cut shapely or even made into 3-D styles.