Large-format printers play a big role in industries that require powerful visuals and oversized prints. From architectural blueprints to retail banners, these types of printers are designed to handle materials far beyond standard paper sizes. Businesses in advertising, engineering, construction, and photography rely on them for professional results, so let’s dive into the topic of large-format printers.
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Definition: Large-format printer
A large-format printer, also known as a wide-format printer, is a printing device designed to produce prints that are immensely larger than traditional office printers. While standard printers handle paper sizes up to A4 paper dimensions or Letter-size, large-format printers can accommodate widths ranging from 18 to over 100 inches.
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Uses
Large-format printing (LFP) is used in many industries and on many materials, such as canvas, fabric, film, vinyl, and specialty papers. For what are large-format printers used for? Let’s look at the list below.
- Banners
- Blueprints
- Building wraps
- Billboards
- CAD drawings
- Construction
- Posters
- Signage
- Vehicle wraps
- Window decals
Types
There are several common large-format printer types, which we’ll delve into below.
Inkjet printers are the most common type when it comes to large-format printing since they’re known for their vibrant prints, which is ideal for indoor and outdoor banners, posters, billboards, and photos in general. Some of the other large-format printer types are using inkjet technology as well.
Solvent printers use solvent inks (like pigment inks), which contain oil or alcohol instead of water to produce a more permanent print. Eco-solvent printers are a greener alternative that uses biodegradable solvent inks.
Applications:
- Banners
- Floor decals
- Outdoor signages
- Vehicle wraps
- Window wraps
UV printers use ultraviolet light to cure ink instantly, which allows for printing on rigid materials like acrylic, glass, metal, and wood. Another advantage is that UV ink creates a durable layer on the surface, which reduces the need for lamination.
Applications:
- Banners
- Exhibition graphics
- Pop-up displays
Latex printers use eco-friendly, water-based inks, which can be used for both indoor and outdoor use since the inks are heat-cured to instantly dry the prints.
Applications:
- Banners
- Canvas
- Signage
- Vehicle wraps
- Wallpapers
- Window graphics
Plotters are specialized large-format printers that are designed primarily for precision line drawings rather than photographic images. While modern plotters often use inkjet technology, traditional plotters used pens to draw lines directly onto paper.
Applications:
- Blueprints
- Maps
- Plans
FAQs
An 11×17 printer is an extended office-size printer that is typically called a Tabloid printer or a Ledger-sized printer. They’re commonly used for brochures, small posters, and architectural plans.
Large-format printers or wide-format printers are designed to handle media that is significantly larger than standard office paper sizes like Letter or A4. They typically print on paper widths (or other materials) ranging from 18 inches up to 100 inches or even more.
A print is generally considered large-format if it exceeds 11×17 inches (Tabloid) or A3 size (11.7×16.5 inches). Typical large-format sizes include:
- 18×24
- 24×36
- 36×48
That depends on your needs. Many people recommend printers like the HP DesignJet series, the Epson SureColor, and the Canon ImagePROGRAF.
