Business

Wide Format Printers Shopping Considerations

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Wide-format printers are a gem; from marketers, construction, and manufacturing industries, to mention a few fields, they up the processes efficiency. The innovative technology used in the wide-format printing process continues to revolutionize different sectors, supercharging their operations. Wide format printing companies popularity keeps skyrocketing by the day owing to the many benefits they deliver. Whether you are running a printing company or looking for a printer to manage in-house operations, you’ll find a range of machines capable of meeting your needs. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Wide-format printers can handle many needs, but each has its limitations. As such, while shopping, you need to consider some factors to ensure that you pick the best printer. Here are some pointers that can set you on the right track.

Evaluate your needs

Wide-format printers can print on varying materials and managing different sizes. They’re suitable for many applications, but each model has specifications that determine its capabilities. As such, evaluating your needs is essential to ensure you pick a matching that’s best suited for your output. The primary categories you can choose from include;

  • Indoor signage
  • Sign and graphics like car stickers
  • Murals and wall coverings
  • Fine art
  • Textile and apparel prints
  • Photography and fine art
  • Vinyl banners, to mention a few

While evaluating your needs, ensure that you consider the print speed, especially if your workload is demanding. You can sort the options and pick a wide format printer that can efficiently manage your operations with your needs in mind.

Print material

Wide-format printers aren’t restricted to paper. You can print on a range of surfaces, including textile, wood, plastic, metal, and acrylic, to mention a few. As you consider the material, the ink is the top highlight that’ll help you pick the best printer. From the materials, you’ll know the best type of ink that’ll facilitate the quality that your operations demand. See if the ink type you intend to use is compatible, ensuring that you pick a printer according to your needs. Apart from the ink, also consider the size. Your material size will help establish if the wide format printer is capable of matching the operation. With the different sizes and limitations, you might buy a printer only to realize that it is not as “wide” as you need.

Space

Wide-format printers, as the name suggests, are large. The sizes are different, and following your available space, you can pick the best-suited option. Factor the operation space, especially noting that some release VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This means that if placed in a packed office space, the operations can be hazardous. Consider the placement, ensuring that the printer can fit in with enough maneuvering space.

Cost

While consulting your budget, don’t just consider the purchase price. You have to factor in the ongoing costs, including ink, materials, maintenance, and skills needed to operate the machine, among others. Picking the cheapest that marks most boxes on your checklist can seem like the best option, but in the long run, it can cost you a lot more.

A wide format printer is a great addition to your organization. With the above pointers, you are a step closer to narrowing the options and picking a machine that’ll facilitate smooth operations in your premises.