Wide Format 101

Unlike desktop printers and high-speed copiers that typically only print on paper as large as 11 x 17 inches, wide format printers can handle much larger mediums. In general, these devices can print on material from 17 inches to over 100 inches wide. Wide-format printers come in three varieties: roll-to-roll, flat-bed, or hybrid, the latter being a combination of the former two technologies. Roll-to-roll printers utilize rolls of flexible media that are fed through the device and printed on. Flat-bed devices print directly onto rigid materials loaded into the device. Hybrid printers include both technologies, enabling users to print onto both flexible and rigid substrates. Roll-to-roll printers offer more versatility in the media it can print on, while flat-bed devices are generally faster at completing jobs. Hybrid printers offer you the best of both worlds.

In addition to versatility in the size of the materials you can produce, wide format printers also offer you tremendous flexibility in the materials they allow you to print on. These devices can print on a wide variety of substrates, including paper, canvas, vinyl, textiles, wood, and PCV.

A Plethora of Possibilities When It Comes to Printing

You would be amazed by what you can create with a wide format printer. Businesses commonly utilize them to produce promotional materials such as posters, point of purchase displays, trade show graphics, labels, and outdoor signage. Artists, photographers, and other creatives can find great success using wide format printers to produce fine art prints, giclee prints, photo prints, and limited edition runs of their original work. You can print your own murals, blueprints, banners, vehicle wraps…there’s so much you can create with a large format printer at your disposal.

For example, you might want a company picnic banner to display your logo and contact information for the event. Banners and outdoor signage are also great ways to announce sales or an opening day event. Create backdrops for the prom or fashion show using an image of the school mascot, your designer label, or another graphic element in a repeat pattern. If you’re a photographer, you can create photo canvas prints by printing on canvas and then wrapping it around a custom wooden frame. Likewise, as a fine artist, you can produce affordable canvas prints and keep the original painting.

You can create all kinds of décor, such as wall decals and murals using vinyl as a substrate. Decorate your office and inform your customers with high-quality graphics printed in-house. It’s easy to create eye-catching graphics for a retail business to promote sales, closeouts, or anything else you want to promote. The best part is that it’s easy to change out wall decals when you’re done with them, and you can use them more than once. Static window clings are a similar way to advertise by creating a large display and placing it in a storefront window. You can display colorful designs and images and replace them with the seasons.
When it comes to what you can create with a wide format printer, you’re limited only by your imagination.

Is Wide Format Right for Your Business?

Large format printing jobs can be expensive, especially if you do it infrequently through a printing shop. However, big, beautiful graphics, displays, and colorful text can create an impact and build brand recognition that any business needs. If you have a need for banners, posters, signage, maps, or any of the other materials we’ve discussed, having your own wide format printer would bring down the costs of these jobs compared to outsourcing them to a print professional.
There are some industries in which wide format printers are essential equipment, such as construction, architecture, engineering, and graphic design. Regardless of your industry, wide format printers can expand your business capabilities and introduce new possibilities. For example, theaters and concert venues can create show posters for promotion, and banks can use banners and signs for advertising interest rates.

Wide-format printers are excellent solutions in the retail sector as well. In-store graphics, point of purchase displays, and signage that hang throughout your location are excellent ways for retailers to use wide format printers. If you are a vendor that takes part in trade shows, you can use large prints with repeating graphics of your logo to showcase your company or product and create pop-up displays with your logo and eye-catching text and graphics that will surely draw attention to your booth.
If you’re considering your need for a wide format printer, first think about how often you’ll use one. If you print large format items more than once or twice a year, it’s probably worth the investment. After all, you have to pay for the prints one way or another. Just make sure you have enough room for the device in your workplace, as a wide format printer won’t fit on one of your desks!

If you have questions or want to learn more about how a wide format printer can benefit your Ohio business, contact Modern Office Methods today.

Consider Your Priorities

How do you plan to use your wide format printer? Various uses can have a sizable impact on equipment selection:

• Starting a new business that requires large format printing
• Branching off to a different market with varying requirements of printing
• Upgrading to a more modern printer with more features
• Purchasing additional printers to cope with rising demand or produce different material

Also consider your level of experience with handling large format printers, as well as your current printing processes.

Consider Your Requirements

Do you need a printer that can easily handle vinyl banners? Does your business specialize in creating indoor signage? Understanding your business’s specific needs and requirements can help narrow down the search for a wide format printer.

Consider Who Operates It

Ease of operation should also be an essential consideration, regardless of whether you’re operating the printing equipment yourself or enlisting others to manage printing workflows. Your vendor can provide initial training to help you and your employees become more familiar with the machine while providing technical support as needed.

Consider These Factors

There are plenty of other factors to think about as you look for a large format printer, including the following:

• Image quality – Consider image clarity and other factors that impact the final product.
• Speed – In addition to print speeds, also consider the amount of time needed to send and process jobs at the machine.
• Flexibility – Additional features and upgrades can enhance productivity while extending equipment longevity.
• Floor space – Consider the amount of space needed for ordinary printing tasks along with maintenance and upkeep.
• Cost – Factor in the cost of the printer itself, ink, other consumables, and service.

Buying a wide format printer for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. Contact us today to discover your options and benefit from our services.

Wide Format Printer Brings Faster Printing Times

Speed is one of the most important benefits of a wide format printer. Most wide-format printers can produce up to 15 large posters per hour. Imagine having the freedom to create large, graphics-rich marketing materials and have them in hand in a matter of minutes. Without a wide format printer, you’re at the mercy of the local print shop. You have to deal with their turnaround time, and someone has to drive over and pick it up. That is time wasted compared to printing your own in just a few minutes.

Increases Printer Quality

Since they’re almost always used for graphics and images mixed with text, wide format printers are engineered to print text and graphics with stunning clarity. Compare that to a temperamental inkjet printer where only one or the other looks good, or an office MFP where image quality is often diminished. With quality like this, you may find yourself printing stuff in a larger format just for the increased clarity.

Easier Access to Materials

Another benefit of owning or leasing your own wide format printer is access. Consider two scenarios. First, we’ve all been there: the project looks one way on screen but turns out another way once printed. This is annoying when you’re printing out a report or simple memo, but it’s a real problem with large-format materials if you don’t have your own printer. Your first look at a massive marketing banner is the finished product your vendor delivers. If it doesn’t turn out as expected, you could be out of luck. With your own printer, you can produce prototypes yourself and get it just right.

Second, consider the inevitable rush jobs. Something unexpected happens, and you need a new banner in 2 hours. Without a wide format printer, you’re left begging your vendor to move heaven and earth to get it made, and you’re probably paying huge rush fees. With your own printer, there’s no drama at all. Just print and go.

If you’re ready to enjoy these benefits in your business, contact Modern Office Methods today to find the right wide-format printer for your needs.