A Short Guide To Wide Format Printing

Wide format printers are essential for companies engaged in banner, poster or signage production. Today there are lots of printing devices used in the large format printing industry – this guide gives you an insight into the main types, including reputable brands like Epson Stylus Pro.

Inkjet Wide Format Printers

Inkjet wide format printers suit a variety of uses: desktop, banner and photograph publishing among them. There are a few key features to look for when choosing one. First, pay attention to print speed and image quality – a printer that takes too long to produce one quality picture isn’t necessarily better than one producing lots of good pictures quickly.

Second, check how easy the printer is to use day-to-day, since you won’t want to consult a manual every time you change a setting. Devices such as Epson Stylus Pro printers use specialist UltraChrome ink, valued for its colour gamut and water resistance, giving durable, high-quality prints. Inkjet printers can be used in almost any wide format printing environment.

Laser Wide Format Printers

Laser wide format printers offer a couple of standout advantages: speed and a low cost-per-sheet, making them well suited to producing quality coloured prints. They can seem pricier upfront than other printers, but the lower running cost usually justifies it. When choosing a laser printer, consider print speed, resolution and monthly print volume – modern devices such as Epson Stylus Pro models come with different specifications depending on intended use.

Dye Sublimation Printers

Dye sublimation printers are less common in wide format printing than inkjet or laser, and are better suited to smaller format photo work. While inkjet printers lay down colour as dots that can be seen up close, dye sublimation produces more realistic, continuous-tone images. Inside the printer, a roll of film similar to coloured cellophane carries the four core colours – magenta, cyan, yellow and black – which vaporise onto the media to create smooth colour gradation. Dye sublimation is available on wide format devices such as Epson Stylus Pro printers for printing onto textiles.

Plotters

Plotters are the simplest wide format printing devices, used for drawings, blueprints and simple design banners. Pen and cutting plotters are the most common types today: pen plotters use a pen that runs across the paper leaving lines, while cutting plotters use a blade instead. Inkjet and electrostatic plotters also exist, with inkjet being more widely used since it allows printing onto foil, textile, plastic and paper.

Need Help Choosing a Wide Format Printer?

Not all printers are created equal. If you’re looking to get the most out of your printing needs, Design Supply has been a trusted large format printing specialist for over 35 years, supplying more than 7,000 printers to businesses across the UK. Call our team on 020 7842 1555 or get in touch online for advice on the right printer for your requirements, or a no-obligation quote.