kwikdruk

Kwikdruk is a term used in the printing industry to describe rapid, on-demand printing services, typically characterized by short turnaround times and small to medium print runs. The term is especially common in Dutch-speaking regions, where it is used both descriptively and as a brand name by several print shops. Etymology: Derived from kwik (quick) and druk (printing).

History: With the advent of digital printing in the 1990s and 2000s, kwikdruk gained prominence as a service model enabling same-day or next-day production, bypassing the longer makeready required for offset printing. In some markets, kwikdruk has become a generic term; in others, it remains a brand identifier for local quick-print shops.

Process and capabilities: Involves prepress work, digital presses, fast proofs, variable data printing, reduced makeready, online ordering, and on-site finishing. Common outputs include business cards, flyers, posters, brochures, and small-format banners.

Advantages: Speed, flexibility, lower initial costs, and waste reduction; accessible to individuals and small businesses.

Limitations: Unit cost higher for large runs, color consistency challenges, limited substrate options compared to offset, and may have constraints on complex bindings; not ideal for very high-volume campaigns.

See also: digital printing, quick printing, on-demand printing.