Buying a Wide Format Printer? Factors You Should Consider

 Is your old wide format printer becoming archaic? Are you thinking about getting one for the first time? A wide-format printer is a must-have if your company regularly produces large-format media. These printers can handle a wide range of printed media, including banners and trade show graphics, as well as posters, murals, and wallpaper in widths up to 100 inches. Finding a printer that can tackle these feats is no easy task.

A printer is a significant investment, and you must be sure that it will meet your needs both now and in the future. So, if you're considering adding or upgrading a large format printer to your printing operation, here are some key factors.

Quality

It is a no-brainer that print quality is the most crucial factor when choosing a wide-format printer. Three important factors go into consideration:

Resolution: Resolution refers to a printed image's number of dots per inch (dpi). However, a higher resolution does not automatically translate into better images. Lower-resolution printers equipped with advanced technology can sometimes offer better printing than higher-resolution printers with inferior technology. 

Droplet sizes: Droplet sizes influence the quality of a print job. The size of a droplet is typically measured in picoliters. A picoliter is approximately one trillionth of a liter. However, the general rule for droplet sizes is that the smaller the ink picoliters, the better the print. The print looks better because of the print job's higher resolution and overall quality.

Ink cartridges: The number of wide format printer pigment ink cartridges simply refers to the variety of ink colors available. Basic printers have five colors, mid-level printers have eight, and high-end printers have twelve. If you are into printing colorful print banners, posters, trade show graphics, wallpapers, and murals, a high-end printer with more cartridges will give you access to more options, while a basic primer is perfect for architectural and engineering drawings. 

Make sure to run sample prints when weighing your options. Use the same material you intend to use, including blueprint paper and vinyl banner stock or fabric. Because printer performance varies by material, seeing a printed sample is essential. 

Speed

The speed with which your printer can print documents determines its capability. Prioritizing speed is critical if your company wants to improve its efficiency.

Commercial print jobs frequently rely on speed as much as accuracy and aesthetic clarity. More speed equals more efficiency. However, remember that speed often comes at the expense of overall print quality.

Cost:

When it comes to cost, consider both the initial investment and the ongoing expenses. Toner printers tend to be more expensive up-front, but they have a longer lifespan (5-10 years). Inkjet printers are less expensive to buy, but they only last for 4 years on average.

In terms of ongoing costs, you'll want to keep an eye on how much wide format printer pigment ink

the printer consumes. Replacement toner is usually around 7 times cheaper than replacement ink. So, while inkjet wide-format printers may have a lower initial cost, they need to be replaced more often than toner printers. Also, to enhance the longevity of your machine, it is best to buy ink from reputed ink manufacturers in the USA. 

You'll also want to avoid getting stuck with an inexpensive machine that requires a lot of maintenance just to keep it running.

Size:

When choosing a wide-format printer, think about the size of the documents you need to print. The right size will depend on the size of the materials you use. Most wide-format printers can print on rolls of paper up to 300 feet long or on individual sheets fed into the device.

These printers usually work with 24 to 60 inches wide documents, with the most common sizes being 24, 36, and 44 inches. There are also custom printers designed for outdoor banners and other large projects, called grand-format printers. These can handle documents that are 72 inches wide all the way up to 16 feet wide.

Another factor to consider is how much space you have for the device in your office. Many models that accommodate larger dimensions are meant to be used on a stand or even on a tabletop. Choose accordingly.

Support

When it comes to office equipment, having reliable technical support is crucial. When choosing a supplier or servicer for support, make sure to consider their response time and customer service. Downtime can be costly, so you'll want to ensure you get the best possible service.

As a business owner, it's essential to understand your large format printing needs. You should find a printer that can handle your current needs but also can grow with you. This will save you time and money in the long run. Thanks for reading!