The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing large format printer ink

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How Do I Choose the Right Printer for My Business: A Guide for Business Owners

Selecting the right printer for your business is not an easy thing. If you are reading this article, you are probably considering purchasing a large format printer but you still have a lot of questions. And we understand you perfectly well! A large format printer is a significant investment and you have to ask yourself the right questions to get the best that money can buy and improve your profitability. Establishing your needs – in terms of applications, functionality and performance – is key. In this article, we will walk you through the process of choosing the wide format printer that better suits you.

6 Key Points to Consider Before Acquiring a Large Format Printer

1. What Do I Need to Print?

The first step in choosing a large format printer is to determine the type of output you need and for which usage. Do you need to print banners, signs, garment, posters, wallpapers, murals, vehicle wraps, backdrops, or other types of graphics? Is this output intended for indoor or outdoor use, or both? Each technology has its own capabilities and limitations, so it’s important to consider the specific needs of your business.

There are several different technologies available, each designed to meet specific needs and applications.

• Solvent & Eco Solvent: Printers Solvent printers are popular for outdoor advertising because they use inks that are resistant to fading and weathering. These printers use a combination of solvents and pigments to produce vibrant colors that are durable enough to withstand exposure to the elements. Solvent printers are ideal for producing banners, billboards, and other large-scale graphics that will be displayed outdoors.
• Aqueous Inkjet Printers: Aqueous inkjet printers use water-based inks that are more environmentally friendly than solvent inks. These printers are popular for producing indoor graphics, such as trade show displays, point-of-purchase displays, and murals. Aqueous inkjet printers are also suitable for producing fine art prints and photographic prints.
• UV–Based Flatbed Printers: UV-based flatbed printers use ultra violet (UV) light to cure inks that are printed onto a flat surface. These printers are popular for producing rigid signs and graphics, such as acrylic signs, foam board signs, and corrugated plastic signs. UV-based flatbed printers are also suitable for printing directly onto a wide range of substrates, including wood, metal, and glass.
• Dye Sublimation Printers: Dye sublimation printers use heat to transfer dye from a ribbon onto a substrate. These printers are popular for producing custom-printed fabric graphics, such as flags, banners, and trade show displays. Dye sublimation printers are also suitable for printing onto hard surfaces, such as ceramics, metals, and plastics.
• Latex Printers: Latex printers use water-based inks that are cured with heat and are suitable for printing onto a wide range of substrates, including fabric, paper, and vinyl. Latex printers are popular for producing indoor and outdoor graphics, such as banners, posters, and trade show displays.
  Plotter or Pen Printing: Plotters are traditional printing methods that use a pen or pencil to draw graphics onto paper or other media. These printers are suitable for producing technical drawings, such as blueprints and schematics.

By understanding the different capabilities and features of each type of printer, you can choose the best one for your needs.

2. Selecting the Right Print Size for Your Needs

Another factor to consider is the size of the prints you need to produce. Different printers have different maximum print widths, so it’s important to choose a printer that can accommodate the size of your graphics.

The print size for large format printers can vary significantly depending on the specific model and type of printer. Some common print sizes for large format printers include:

• 60 cm to 110 cm (∼ 24 – 44 inches): This size is suitable for small- to medium-sized prints and is often used for posters, technical drawings and small trade show graphics.
• 160 cm (∼ 64 inches): This size is suitable for standard medium-sized prints and is often used for banners, trade show graphics, backdrops, wallpaper and murals.
• 250 cm (∼ 100 inches): This size is suitable for very large prints and is often used for banners, trade show graphics, backdrops, wallpaper, textile and murals.
• 320 cm (∼ 126 inches): This size is suitable for extremely large prints and is often used for banners, trade show graphics, backdrops, wallpaper, textile, billboards (blue back papers) and murals.

Some large format printers also offer custom print sizes, allowing you to specify the exact dimensions you need for your specific application. Keep in mind that larger printers may be more expensive, so it’s important to find the right balance between cost and capabilities.

3. Speed vs Quality: The Timeless Dilemma

When it comes to selecting a wide format printer, speed and quality are often considered to be conflicting priorities. On one hand, you want a printer that can produce large volumes of prints quickly to meet the demands of your business or clients. On the other hand, you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of those prints in the process. So, how do you find the right balance between speed and quality when choosing a wide format printer?

3.1. What Would Be My Print Volume?

It’s crucial to consider your print volume when choosing your printer. How many prints do you need to produce on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? Higher print volumes may require a more robust printer with higher production speeds.

The speed is, of course, critical if you need to produce a large volume of prints in a short amount of time. And if you want to improve your turnaround times, print speed is definitely a game changer, as well as the time required for the printer to warm up and the time it takes to change ink or media. But what about quality?

3.2. What’s Behind Print Quality?

The importance of quality in prints when selecting a wide format printer cannot be overstated. Quality is a key factor that determines the success or failure of any printing project, and choosing a printer with high print quality is essential to ensure that your prints are of the highest standard.

There are several factors that contribute to the overall print quality of a wide format printer:

To benchmark printers based on these factors, it is recommended to test print samples from each printer and compare them to determine which produces the highest quality prints. It is also advisable to review technical specifications and customer reviews to get an idea of the overall performance of the printer in terms of print quality.

3.3. Need for speed?

High speed does not equal high quality. Higher quality prints typically take longer, so look first at the quality level you desire and then at speed.

Do you require a machine that can razor-sharply reproduce dotted lines such as on technical drawings? Or perhaps you’d prefer a printer with best-in-class color accuracy? The balance between speed and quality will depend on the specific needs of your business or clients. If you need to produce large volumes of prints quickly, then speed may be more important. However, if you are more concerned with producing high quality prints, then you may need to sacrifice some speed in order to achieve the best results.

It’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and priorities when selecting a wide format printer to ensure you get the best balance between speed and quality.

4. Future-Proofing Your Printing Investment

As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to consider the long-term viability of your large format printer. Will it be able to handle the latest printing technologies and media? Can it be upgraded or retrofitted to keep up with changing market demands?

Another important factor that is often overlooked is the availability of spare parts over time. When purchasing a wide format printer, it is important to consider the availability of spare parts for the long-term maintenance and upkeep of the machine. The last thing you want is your printer to break down and not be able to find the necessary parts to fix it.

Choose a reputable manufacturer or supplier that has a good track record of providing reliable spare parts for their printers. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you will be able to get the parts you need when you need them, especially after the warranty period. And before making a purchase, do some research to find out the availability of spare parts for the specific model you are considering. Look for reviews and gather feedback from your peers.

Spare parts availability can vary greatly between manufacturers. Some, such as Roland, Mutoh and EFI, are known to have quick turnaround times and can supply needed spare parts within a week or two. Others, like Mimaki or Chinese brands, may take longer, with a waiting period of up to three months for common spares. It is important to consider this aspect when selecting a printer, as spare parts availability can impact the efficiency and productivity of your business.

5. What Features and Accessories Do I Need?

When it comes to wide format printers, there are a wide range of features and accessories available. Here are some of the most common features and accessories to consider:

• Media handling Solutions: Wide format printers are designed to handle a wide range of media, including paper, vinyl, fabric, and more. Some printers come with built-in rollers or other media handling systems to make it easier to load and unload media.
• RIP software: RIP (raster image processor) software is used to convert digital images into print-ready files. The quality and features of the RIP software can have a big impact on the overall quality of your prints, so it’s important to choose a printer with a high-quality RIP software.
• Finishing options: Many wide format printers offer finishing options, such as laminating, cutting, and creasing, to help you produce professional-grade prints. These options can be especially useful for producing banners, signs, and other promotional materials.
• Ink System: There are two main types of ink systems used in large format printers: tank systems and cartridges. Tank systems, also known as bulk ink systems, are large reservoirs that hold a large volume of ink and are typically used in solvent-based printers. These systems allow the printer to run for longer periods of time without needing to refill the ink as frequently, making them more suitable for high-volume printing. However, they can be more expensive to set up and maintain. Cartridge systems, on the other hand, are easier to set up and maintain, but require more frequent refills and are less suitable for high-volume printing.
• Connectivity: Most wide format printers are equipped with connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, to make it easy to send files to the printer and retrieve finished prints.

6. What’s Your Budget?

Of course, budget is always a factor when purchasing a printer. It’s important to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of each printer to determine the best value for your business. Be sure to consider not just the upfront cost of the printer, but also ongoing maintenance, ink and media costs, and any other associated expenses.

Here are some key factors to consider when determining your budget for a large format printer:

• Cost of the machine: The cost of the large format printer itself will vary depending on the brand, model, and features. You’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase the machine outright or lease it. Purchasing a large format printer can be a more expensive upfront cost, but it can also be a more cost-effective option in the long run. Leasing a printer may have a lower upfront cost, but you’ll need to consider the long-term costs of continuing to make monthly payments.
• Cost of maintenance: Maintenance is an important factor to consider when budgeting for a large format printer. You’ll need to factor in the cost of regular maintenance, such as cleaning and ink system flushes, as well as the cost of any repairs or replacements that may be necessary.
• Cost of consumables: Consumables, such as ink and media, can be a significant ongoing cost. You’ll need to consider the cost of these consumables as well as the frequency with which you’ll need to replace them.

Overall, it’s important to carefully evaluate all of these costs when determining your budget for a large format printer. By considering these factors upfront, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and needs.

Conclusion – Never Compromise on Your Needs

In conclusion, choosing the right printer for your business is a process that requires careful consideration and thorough research. While price is an important factor, it should not be the only deciding factor. Your daily printing needs should guide your decision. It’s important to consider your specific needs and goals, as well as the ongoing costs of operation and maintenance.

Don’t compromise on quality and performance, as these factors will ultimately impact your bottom line. When it comes to choosing a large format printer, it is important to find the right balance between speed and quality. On one hand, you may need a printer that can produce prints quickly in order to meet tight deadlines or handle a high volume of work. On the other hand, you want to ensure that the prints produced are of high quality, with crisp lines, vibrant colors, and a professional finish. There are several factors to consider when finding the right balance between speed and quality, including the type of printer technology, the resolution of the prints, selected media and the size of the ink droplets.

Remember to also consider the full cost of ownership, including the cost of consumables (ink, media) and maintenance, as well as the availability of the spare parts in the long run. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision that will help your business succeed and grow.

Thank you for taking the time to read this white paper. We hope that this buyer’s guide has provided you with the necessary information and guidance to make a well-informed decision about which printer is the best fit for your business needs.

Ready to make a decision?

Now that you are educated about wide format printers, are you ready to make a purchase?

Introduction

Every business has different printing needs. For some, print jobs are mostly internal. If your business has limited oversized print jobs, it makes sense to send the jobs off as needed. But if you regularly print jobs that are over 2 feet wide, you might want to consider a Wide Format Printer. Wide format printers, sometimes incorrectly called Plotters, can print wide in color or black and white on many different types of material. They can print widths of 24” to 60” or more.

Print and design shops use wide format printers for the following:

• Signs
• Large-scale banners
• Textiles
• Custom fabric orders
• Outdoor graphics
• Blueprints

The 360Connect Wide Format Printer Buyer’s Guide will educate you about the following:

• Toner vs. Inkjet
• Configurations
• Features
• Price Estimates
• Maintenance and Service
• Choosing a Supplier

Once you’ve had a chance to review all the information, if you’re ready to make a purchase, we can put you in touch with wide format printer suppliers.

Toner vs. Inkjet

There are two types of wide format printers:

1. Toner
2. Inkjet

Toner wide format printers fuse toner to the paper using heat from a drum to transfer dry toner to the print surface. Inkjet wide format printers spray droplets of ink onto the paper, moving the droplets through a fine mesh head by using heat.

Which is best for my business?

It depends on your industry. Wide format printers are commonly used in graphic design and the AEC (architects, engineers, and construction) industry. Here is a general rule of thumb:

Inkjet

If you work in graphic design, you will likely prefer an inkjet printer because you will be printing a lot of colors. A color inkjet wide format printer can print high-resolution images on various materials in color.

Toner

If you work in the AEC industry, you will likely prefer a toner wide format printer. They are great for computer-aided design (CAD) applications. They’re also faster than inkjet and are better at handling large printing volumes.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of large format printer ink. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

In the charts below, you will find a comparison of printer uses as well as the pros and cons of each type.

Inkjet vs. Toner Application

Toner Pros and Cons

Inkjet Pros and Cons

Configurations

Size
Once you’ve determined if inkjet or toner is best for your needs, next you will want to consider size. Wide format printers come in models that can print the following sizes

• 24”
• 36”
• 44”
• 60”

The most important factor in determining what size printer you need is the size of the materials you will be printing. Wide format printers print on rolls of paper that are up to 300’ long or individual sheets of paper that are fed into it.

For engineering applications, 36” is the standard size. A 36” wide format printer is large enough to handle any construction document thrown its way. When choosing a size for a graphic design company, there is a wide selection. Determine your size based on the type of project you typically print or anticipate printing. For example, if you print large-scale projects, such as huge outdoor banners, there are printers as big as 16’ wide.

Print Quality

Another important factor to consider is the quality of print that you want. All of the following influence print quality:

• Resolution
• Droplet size
• Number of ink cartridges

The resolution has to do with the dots per inch of an image being printed, but more critical than that is the droplet size of the ink. Smaller droplet sizes will mean higher quality prints because there are more passes to achieve full coverage. Also, the more ink cartridges, the higher the quality will be. A 12 ink printer will produce higher quality images than a 5 ink printer.

Request A Sample

The best way to evaluate print quality is to view a sample. Be sure to request that the sample is printed on the same type of paper with the same format you will be using in your office (vinyl banner, blueprint, etc.). Print quality will vary, depending on the type of paper and format. 
Note: Most suppliers will mail you a sample print job on the material of your choice. Be sure to request this before committing to a purchase.

Print Speed

Depending on the type of print jobs you have, speed is another important factor to consider in your buying decision. The speed of a toner printer is measured by how many D size prints it can print per minute. A D size is 24 x 36 inches. It is the most commonly used size. The speed of inkjet printers is measured by how many square feet they can print per hour or minute.

When comparing speeds, take into account what speed you are getting with the quality of the print. Most printers can print faster at a lower quality. If you need high-quality prints, you don’t want to invest in a printer with the fastest speed out there. Decide on the level of quality you want, then consider speed.

• If you print 2,500 D size prints or more per month, you will want a toner printer to keep up with your volume.
• If your print volume is low, an inkjet printer will work for you.

In terms of “printed and ready,” inkjet prints will need time to dry, but toner prints will be ready immediately.

Print Features

Another important factor to consider is the type of print features that are included. Common features include:

• Copying: makes specified number of document copies
• Scanning: scans copy of the document (blueprints, graphic designs, etc.)
• Built-in Accounting: bills print to specific projects or clients
• Built-in Paper Cutter: automatically separates each print from roll of paper
• Multiple Paper Widths: holds more than one size roll at a time to allow for printing of different sized documents
• Media Bins and Catch Trays: automatically sorts and distributes prints without having to supervise the job
• Color Scanning and Color Mark-ups: used for “as built” plans and notations
• Scan and Save: allows you to save and recall your scan job at any time

Consider the needs of your business when deciding which features to include. Some features are designed for very specific jobs that you may never use.

Price Estimates

In the world of wide format printers, you will notice a pretty wide range in price from one printer to the next. This is due to a number of factors (listed below), but keep this in mind:

• Toner printers are more expensive, but last 5 to 10 years.
• Inkjet printers are less expensive, but last 3 to 4 years.

A toner wide format printer will cost you more upfront, but it will save you money in the long-term because it has a longer life span than an inkjet. Also, replacement toner is about 7 times cheaper than replacement ink. Similarly, an inkjet will cost you less upfront, but it won’t last as long as a toner and you will end up having to buy a whole new printer in 3-4 years.

Tip: If a toner printer is too expensive or you don’t have a long-term need, then you might consider an inkjet. If you are looking for the best long-term investment, then a toner printer is the way to go. 

Other factors that affect price include:

• Size
• Resolution
• Accuracy of color reproduction
• Rolls
• Stands
• Installation
• Brands
• Geography

Cost estimates for different brands of wide format printers:

Used Toner Printers

The technology used in toner equipment hasn’t changed much over the years. Since toner wide format printers are more durable and last longer than inkjet printers, there are plenty of used toner printers on the market. If you are looking for a toner printer but can’t quite handle the cost of a new model, a used printer is an excellent alternative. Some suppliers will offer the same warranties and service agreements that they offer with new machines. Used toner printers can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years.

Price of Consumables

Once you’ve paid for your wide format printer, you will still need to purchase replacement parts on an as-needed basis. Ink or toner must be replaced as needed. Ink is more expensive than toner. Other consumables like paper, however, will cost about the same price for inkjet or toner. Some suppliers offer a fixed rate of cost per square foot on paper, toner, and service.

Leasing

If purchasing a wide format printer is not financially feasible, leasing is a great alternative. With a lease, you can get a printer for a low monthly fee. The service and maintenance are included. Most lease contracts allow you to upgrade to a newer model at a low cost. If you are also buying an office copier from the supplier, DO NOT bundle it with the same lease as your wide format printer. The life cycles of the two machines are too different. Also, don’t combine your lease to purchase with the service agreement. You will be tied to that vendor and machine, and the vendor could inflate the service charges from the financing.

Maintenance and Service Agreements

Like most equipment that gets frequent use, wide format printers require maintenance which includes:

• Cleaning
• Inspection
• Replacement parts

Your printer will last longer and run more smoothly if it is well-kept with consistent maintenance. Depending on the service agreement you get from your supplier, it may only cover repairs. Other agreements include things such as toner, drums, replacement parts, and visits from a technician. Ask for details about the service agreement BEFORE you buy.

Whether you decide to purchase a toner or inkjet printer, you will need to periodically download software upgrades. That should be included in your service plan.

A service agreement is usually priced out by printed square foot per month. (Think of it as a service agreement on a car that’s based on mileage). If you aren’t familiar with wide format printing or if your printer will be used on a regular basis, you will want to purchase a service agreement.

Choosing a Supplier

Once you are ready to buy a wide format printer, make sure you choose a reputable supplier who will offer a quality purchasing experience.

Here are some things to consider:

• Customer service
• Technical support
• Hours of availability
• Years in the business
• Expertise
• References

At some point, you will need a technician to service your printer, so you want to make sure you are getting high-quality service. We recommend that you check references to get an idea of how the supplier treats their customers. Pay attention to their knowledge level, their responsiveness to your questions, and their ability to solve problems. If your print jobs are done during unusual hours, find out the supplier’s hours of availability. 

Make sure that you choose a supplier who specializes in wide format printers. There are a lot of suppliers out there who are selling wide format printers, but it’s not necessarily their area of expertise. You want a supplier who fully understands the machine and knows how to resolve any issues that come up.

Ready to make a decision?

Now that you are educated about wide format printers, are you ready to make a purchase? If you fill out our form, we can put you in touch with up to 5 wide format printer suppliers who will give you free price quotes and answer any further questions you may have. There is no obligation to buy.

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