Large format printers are designed for printing professional graphics and technical drawings at sizes over 24 inches wide. They are an indispensable tool for architects, engineers, construction professionals, graphic designers, photographers, fine artists, and others who need to print posters, banners, signage, maps, CAD drawings, photography, fine art reproductions, and more on a large scale. When choosing the right large format printer for your needs and budget, there are several key factors to consider.
Types of Large Format Printers
The two main types of large format printers are:
- Inkjet printers – Inkjet large format printers work similarly to standard inkjet printers but on a larger scale. Inkjets propel tiny droplets of ink onto the media to build up the image. They are capable of producing professional quality output at relatively fast speeds. Inkjet printers use aqueous inks that dry quickly and are inexpensive to operate.
- UV flatbed printers – UV flatbed large format printers print directly onto rigid media like PVC, acrylic, wood, and more up to 2″ thick. The media lays flat on a movable print bed while UV-curable inks are applied. UV inks instantly cure and bond to the material using strong UV lamps. Flatbeds can print direct to virtually any rigid or thick material.
Key Specifications
Here are the most important specifications and features to consider when selecting a large format printer:
- Print size – Maximum print width determines the biggest print that can be produced. Standard widths are 24″, 36″, 42″, 50″, 60″, and larger.
- Media handling – Thickness range, flatbed size, and roll support determine what types of materials can be printed on.
- Print resolution – Higher DPI resolutions produce sharper detail and image quality. Photographic output requires resolutions over 1200 dpi.
- Print speed – Speeds range from 10 sq ft/hr for high resolution photographic prints up to 500 sq ft/hr for fast draft mode.
- Ink technology – Aqueous, solvent, eco-solvent, UV-curable, dye, pigment. Ink chemistry impacts image quality, durability, and costs.
- Connectivity – Standard interfaces like USB, Ethernet, and WiFi enable printing from various devices.
- Operating costs – Ink and media usage is the main operating cost. Models with more efficient ink systems have lower long term costs.
Top Large Format Printer Models
Here is a comparison of some of the best large format printers across different price ranges and specifications:
| Printer | Type | Max Print Width | Media Handling | Resolution | Speed | Ink Technology | Connectivity | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF TM-305 | Inkjet | 24″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 15.4 sqm/hr | Pigment | USB, Ethernet, WiFi | $1,295 |
| HP DesignJet T650 | Inkjet | 24″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 41.7 sqm/hr | Pigment | USB, Ethernet, WiFi | $1,745 |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 | Inkjet | 44″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 33.6 sqm/hr | Pigment | USB, Ethernet, WiFi | $1,999 |
| HP DesignJet Z6810 | Inkjet | 60″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 140 sqm/hr | Pigment | USB, Ethernet | $11,995 |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 | Inkjet | 60″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 159 sqm/hr | Pigment | USB, Ethernet, WiFi | $5,995 |
| Roland VersaUV LEC2-300 | UV Flatbed | 30″ | Rigid media up to 6″ | 1440 x 1440 dpi | 9.3 sqm/hr | UV-curable | USB, Ethernet | $16,995 |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 | Inkjet | 44″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 25.2 sqm/hr | Pigment | USB, Ethernet, WiFi | $3,995 |
| HP Latex 570 | Inkjet | 64″ | Sheets, Rolls | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 74 sqm/hr | Latex | USB, Ethernet | $18,670 |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100S | Inkjet | 44″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 33.6 sqm/hr | Pigment | USB, Ethernet, WiFi | $2,995 |
| Epson SureColor SC-P7500 | Inkjet | 44″ | Sheets, Rolls | 2880 x 1440 dpi | 7.1 sqm/hr | Ultrachrome HDX | USB, Ethernet, WiFi | $5,995 |
| Roland LEF-300 | UV Flatbed | 30″ | Rigid media up to 3″ | 1440 x 1440 dpi | 6.5 sqm/hr | UV-curable | USB, Ethernet | $32,995 |
Main Uses
Different large format printers are designed for specific applications:
- CAD and GIS printing – Technical drawings, maps, schematics. Require fast print speeds and paper handling.
- CAD and GIS printing – Technical drawings, maps, schematics. Require fast print speeds and paper handling.
- Signage and graphics – Banners, vinyl stickers, posters, POP displays. Need bright, durable inks.
- Fine art and photography – Gallery wraps, limited editions, photo enlargements. Demand high resolution and color accuracy.
- Packaging and prototyping – Labels, boxes, concept models. Wide format adds visual impact.
- Textiles and fabrics – Flags, soft signage, decorative textiles. Require special ink for flexible materials.
Key Considerations
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting a large format printer:
- Your primary printing applications
- Printing resolution needed
- Maximum print width and thickness
- Desired print speeds
- Types of media and inks required
- Workflow and device connectivity
- Running costs and total cost of ownership
- Manufacturer reputation and service support
- Ease of operation and maintenance
- Size and footprint limitations
Recommendations
For most small businesses and home offices, a 24″ to 44″ aqueous inkjet model like the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-305 or PRO-4100 offers the best combination of affordable upfront cost, excellent print quality, low operating expenses, and reliability. These printers handle both cut sheets and rolls, produce vivid and accurate graphics using pigment inks, and have user-friendly operation with an LCD screen and integrated print management software.
For photography studios and designers needing a wider color gamut and higher print resolution, the 44″ Epson SureColor P7500 is an excellent choice despite the higher price. It can achieve gallery quality professional prints up to 2880 dpi, and uses advanced 10-color Ultrachrome HDX pigment inks for an ultrawide color range. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 is also a top choice for photography and fine art reproduction.
Businesses with higher volume needs are served best by printers like the HP DesignJet Z6810. Its 60″ width enables oversized banners, signs, and technical drawings. It prints extremely fast up to 140 sq ft/hr in draft modes. For rigid materials like acrylic, wood, and metal up to 2″ thick, UV flatbed printers like the Roland VersaUV are the way to go for direct printing, but have a higher cost.
No matter your specific needs and budget, there is a large format printer available that can take your business or creative work to the next level with professional quality oversized printing. Carefully weigh the key factors and options to choose the right model for maximum productivity and stunning prints.
Conclusion
Investing in a large format printer opens up a whole new world of printing possibilities to businesses and creatives for displaying visual designs, artwork, signage, and graphics on a grand scale. With their ability to print over 24 inches wide on a huge variety of media types, today’s high quality large format printers are indispensable tools for architects, photographers, retailers, trade show exhibitors, and anyone needing bold, attention-grabbing visuals.
By taking the time to understand the different categories and key specifications of large format printers, buyers can zero in on the best model to serve their workflow needs and maximize their return on investment. Consider printer width, resolution, speed, media handling, ink technology, connectivity, operating costs, reliability and serviceability to make the right purchase decision.