Wide format printing is one of the most cost-effective ways to transfer, record, and communicate information to a large audience. From the worlds biggest brands to small businesses the demand for wide format graphics for advertising, promotions, POP/POS, events and displays is always increasing.
But now a days the wide format printing is not only limited to the traditional signage, the non-traditional applications and substrates such as glass, wooden doors, PVC, wall covering, blinds are also being produced by large format inkjet printers. With the ability to print on almost any surface, the wide format printers creates endless possibilities.
According to a report “Large Format Printer Market was worth USD $8.7 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD $11.4 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4% from 2019 to 2025.
All you need to know before buying a wide format printer
Choosing a wide format printer that is solid, reliable, and versatile, in short a printer that can do it all for your business, you need to ask yourself these three basic questions:
- What is the right the right printing platform?
- What are the key factors to consider after choosing the right platform?
- What are the other factors influencing the final buying decision?
Choosing the right platform
Now that you know the capabilities of a wide format printer and the range of application it can offer, now is the time to match the application range to a printer platform. Below are the wide format printing platform available
- Flatbed Printers: Flatbed printers are capable of printing on a wide variety of materials such as photographic paper, film, plastic, PVC, acrylic, glass, ceramic, metal, wood, leather, etc. cure, or polymerize them.
- Roll-to-roll printer: A roll of flexible material is fed into the machine and an uptake reel rewind the graphics. They are ideal for signage applications such posters, banners, backlit and also capable of producing a variety of decorative applications such as wall coverings, blinds, canvas etc.
- Hybrid printer: These printer are capable of printing on both rigid and flexible materials. Hybrid printer offer the ultimate versatility and flexibility, these printers are ideal for those who want to offer their customer a wide variety of applications.
Ask yourself:
- Do we need to print on rigid or flexible media or a mix of both to meet the customer need?
- How much flexible versus rigid work will we do?
- Does the printer handle the material we need it to print?
- What are the pre and post printing steps require that may add cost and time.
- What ink formulation does the printer uses?
Key factors after choosing the right platform
Once you have decided the right printing platform for your business, the next step is to look at some of the key factors which will decide how effective the printer will be for your business.
- Versatility: You should always invest in a printer that gives you maximum versatility, so that you can always ready for entering new markets and tapping new revenue opportunities.
- Productivity: It is always important to consider the print volume you want your printer to produce. There are printers which are designed for high-quality printing but are not suitable for large volume printing and some are built as production printers that do not compromise quality over speed.
- Sustainability: It is highly advised that you should invest in a printer that meets the health and environmental guidelines. Government now a days implementing certain regulations and mandating industries to adopt environmental friendly printing techniques.
Other factors influencing the final buying decision
There are few other things to consider before you make the final buying decision. It is important to choose a wide format printer service/solution provider that can provide the right mix of print capability, productivity, service, support and value.
Always consider these:
- Space/Storage
- Service and support
- Training
- Consumables
- Power consumption
Wide format – In conclusion
The wide format printers has allowed the user to:
- Easily enter new markets
- Print on array of application
- Gain new customers
- And open the world of new revenue opportunities
The wide format is now becoming more and more affordable and an investment in the entry level printer you can eliminate the need of outsourcing and open yourself to new markets and business which makes it easy to achieve a relativity fast positive ROI.
Maximize your portfolio with Pixeljet® digital UV printers
Expand your reach and add more value to your business. The UV technology used in the Pixeljet® UV printers is capable of printing on almost any media. It can print on glass, wood, PVC, ACP, Ceramic tiles, acrylic, decorative applications, and many more. Pixeljet® UV printers have opened up a whole new dimension of opportunities and revenue options.
