Sheetfed Offset, Web Offset, Digital : Defining Crossover Points

Sheet size: A printer can impose more images up on a half-size offset sheet than on almost any sheet for a digital press, meaning that an offset press may prove more productive than a digital machine for a given number of impressions. This gives the advantage to offset over the shorter run.

Turnaround time: Because there is no makeready on a digital press, the technology is well-suited to rush jobs, for which printers can charge a premium. In larger quantities, the premium can justify digital's higher cost per piece vs. offset.