You may have heard of wide format printing and how it’s become a common solution for businesses of any size. In addition to printing architectural drawings and construction plans, more and more companies are taking advantage of this versatile technology to create rich, high-quality color materials for their advertising and marketing efforts. Such large and powerful pieces enable businesses to bring their messages to life and stand out from their competition. To help you better understand this technology and its benefits, here are some important things to know about wide format printing.
How does it work?
Essentially, wide format printing isn’t much different than the typical digital printing process. Using large nozzles, the wide format press lays down toner directly to the material that is being printed on, also known as the substrate. This application process is fast, just like standard printing, and allows for the creation of high-quality prints and photographs in a reasonable amount of time.
What type of printer is used?
Large format presses come in two varieties, flatbed printers and roll-to-roll printers. Roll-to-roll printers, the more common of the two types, print on flexible media that comes on a roll, which is trimmed or adhered to a rigid substrate after printing. These devices handle substrates such as paper, film vinyl, and durable fabrics. Flatbed printers are fed rigid substrates that the device then prints directly on. They accommodate substrates such as plastic, aluminum, wood, and glass. In addition, there are also hybrid wide format devices that offer both flatbed and roll-to-roll capabilities in a single printer.
What can I create?
Wide format printers provide you with a great deal of versatility when it comes to print jobs. In addition to common large paper print jobs such as blueprints, these devices are typically used to create materials such as signs, banners, posters, wall and floor graphics, tradeshow signage, stickers, labels, and point-of-purchase displays. The possibilities are almost limitless when you have a wide format printer at your disposal.
Why do I need my own device?
Not all businesses need their own wide format device in-house, but if you commonly print jobs such as those mentioned in the previous paragraph, you’ll certainly benefit from having one. For starters, you’ll save money per print by doing it yourself as opposed to outsourcing your jobs to a print shop. You’ll also eliminate the hassle of having to run back and forth to pick up proofs and printed jobs. Perhaps most importantly, you won’t be at the mercy of someone else’s schedule and will be able to print on-demand when you need to, ensuring you meet your deadlines. Not to mention, the editing and revisions are a breeze when you’re in control of the process.
Wide format printing technology is a solution increasingly embraced by businesses, and having your own device in-house affords you freedom and flexibility. If you’re interested in learning more about wide format printers or pricing a device for your organization, contact Golden Gate Office Solutions today.
