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Digital and offset printing are the two most common commercial printing technologies in use today, making one of the most common questions, “Which one do I use for my project?”. We’ve outlined below the need-to-know information that will help you determine which process is best for your project.

Digital

The process: Digital printing applies the toner colors or liquid inks (typically CMYK) in a single pass.

Advantages

Smaller quantities

  • A print quantity of under 1000 units is typically well suited for a digital press.

Faster turnaround

  • Little set-up required.
  • Cost effective

  • Prints lower quantities at much less cost.
  • Variable data

  • Can print variable text or images where each sheet off the press is unique in some specific way.
  • Disadvantages

    Larger colour variability

  • Pantone colours are created using CMYK & other colours.
  • Limited choice of media

  • Can accomodate a smaller variety of paper stocks.
  • Offset

    The process: Offset printing uses separate plates for each ink colour and sequentially transfers each colour onto the page.

    Advantages

    Larger quantities

  • A print quantity of over 1000 units is typically well suited for offset printing.
  • Pantone (Spot) colours & varnishes

  • Accurate Pantone colours as plates are filled with Pantone inks or ‘spot colours’
  • Fluorescent & metallic inks.
  • Spot or flood varnishes.
  • Cost effective

  • Prints higher quantities at much less cost.
  • Larger media variety

  • Rough or heavy papers, cloths or specialty papers.
  • Disadvantages

    More time consuming

  • Set-up, maintenance & drying time required.
  • Finishing time

  • Requires drying time.
  • Testimonials

    Our whole company loves you guys, we always talk about how prompt, happy, thoughtful and detail oriented you all are. Thank you so much for everything. I really can’t think of how you could improve. You are magical elves!!!
    eta landscape architecture

    Still unclear on the best choice for your project?

    No problem—give us a call and we would be happy to outline specifically how each process will apply to your project.

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    “McKenzie is always eager to respond and help. Great customer service as always!”
    Smart Design Group

    McKenzie

    Senior Account Manager

    McKenzie joined the TR team with a solid foundation of experience in the print industry. His career began in production, where he developed his skills in maintenance, operations and finishing. Quickly recognized for his talent, initiative and charisma, McKenzie was promoted to Production Lead. At the helm of the production team, he proved a natural leader and infected the team with his positivity and work ethic.

    After building his knowledge leading the production team, McKenzie progressed into the Sales department, honing his sales skills under the leadership of Carla Duncan and TR’s customer focused approach. His natural penchant for customer service and dedication to quality assurance proved an ideal fit for the TR sales team where McKenzie now functions as Account Manager.

    Never one to rest on his laurels, McKenzie enhanced his knowledge with sales courses at BCIT and can regularly be seen applying his skills throughout the shop. Don’t be surprised to find him supporting the finishing department, assisting clients at the front desk, or onsite ensuring installations surpass customer expectations.

    Also goes by: Mac

    Interesting fact about McKenzie: he can be found on Wikipedia

    Best described in three words as: loyal, funny, and stubborn

    Cannot live without: his back massager

    Quote to live by: “When you look at someone through rose-coloured glasses, all the red flags just look like flags” – Wanda the Owl

    “Bruce has always provided excellent customer service.”
    InterCAD Services Ltd.

    Bruce

    CAD & eProject Manager

    When you meet Bruce you automatically know he is a seasoned professional in the reprographics industry. Starting out as a driver for Hughes Owens Printing in 1978, he eventually transitioned to Trimen Blueprinting where he acted as a reprographics technician for 13 years. With the onset of the digital era in 2000, TR Trades hired Bruce as CAD Manager. Since then he has been an invaluable asset to the company and anyone who has questions regarding CAD plotting. When Bruce is not overseeing others in the CAD department, he spends countless hours troubleshooting client issues, unearthing customer print errors, and providing eProject software support. He is regularly looked to for printing advice by both coworkers and clients.

    Bruce is also well versed in troubleshooting onsite issues and participating in client presentations, having assisted Carla and TR sales staff in many client meetings. If you’re looking for a history lesson on the print industry or if you want to optimize your drawings for print, you’ll want to call on Bruce. Many may not know, but Bruce is a musician at heart! He originally studied engineering and math, eventually realizing it was not the career path he wished to pursue. Following this, Bruce went on to complete both a music program and a piano technician program through Douglas College. During his spare time, you’ll find him creating music or acting as a vocalist in several bands. When he is not playing the guitar and recording music, you can find Bruce tinkering around on one of his computers or watching hockey.

    Also goes by: Stretch

    Best described as: Humble

    Favourite place in Vancouver: Minnekhada, Coquitlam

    Guilty pleasure: Audio software

    Favourite TV show: Hockey

    Ideal meal: Mac & cheese (with ketchup)

    Cannot live without: Music

    Carla Duncan

    President

    Having worked in the family business since before she can remember, Carla has a natural talent for helping clients reach their printing goals. Always an advocate for education, Carla completed the Marketing Management course at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and then obtained a degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University with a double major in Management Technology and Human Resources. And all of this is in addition to sales and marketing courses at BCIT!

    Combining her extensive education with a lifetime of experience, Carla is a driving force behind the success of TR Trades. On a daily basis, she can be found anywhere in the shop, always striving to enhance client satisfaction. Her familiarity with our systems, equipment, and services make her uniquely capable of ensuring clients benefit from every possible way that TR Trades can help businesses grow.

    Favourite place in Vancouver: None. She would rather be off the grid camping!

    During her free time you can find her: riding her atv or dirtbike, camping in the wild, fishing off the West Coast, fishing in a river, or in her garden.

    Ideal meal: steak and double stuffed potatoes

    What gets her motivated in the morning: coffee and coming to work!

    Contact Me

    “If you’re looking for an alternative option to your current print supplier, please call my cell at 604.376.7803. I would love to speak with you about how we can help your business.

    604.736.4571 x 121