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Large format printers
What are large format printers?
Large format printers have a minimum print width of 17 inches. Some have print widths as large as 100 inches or more. While most printers can only use the standard 8 ½"x11" size paper, large format printers are capable of creating banners and posters. Many make use of the same inkjet technology employed by regular computer printers.
You might also hear large format printers referred to as wide-format printers. Those that exceed 100" in print width are sometimes called super-wide or grand format printers.
Large format printers can handle different textures and types of paper. For instance, a large format printer can print on glossy-coated paper for high-end sales signs. They can also print on materials such as vinyl and satin-finished papers. Instead of individual sheets of paper, large format printers use large rolls of paper.
Who uses large format printers?
You won't find a large format printer in most homes or offices. Rather, large format printers tend to be tools of special trades. Here are some examples of the people and industries that make use of large format printers in their day to day work.
Commercial print shops are some of the biggest users of large format printers. These print shops specialise in creating the signs, banners and posters that businesses use for their advertising. Commercial print shops also turn to their large format printers when customers order displays for trade shows and conferences. Other products offered by commercial print shops through use of a large format printer include floor and vehicle graphics, stickers and flags, which obviously require printers that produce waterproof images.
Graphic artists are another profession that makes constant use of large format printers. Sometimes graphic artists work with advertising agencies to design billboards or wall murals. Large format printers allow artists to work with different mediums and venture out from standard copy paper.
Some photo labs use large format printers for special jobs. For example, a large format printer would be needed if a customer wanted a poster size print of a regular 4"x6" photo.
Architects and engineers need large format printers for their blueprints and plans. The availability of large format printers is especially important when an architect is pitching a design to a client. A vivid, detailed copy of the plans is critical to helping the client visualise the finished product. The printouts are a means of communicating ideas and offer clients a more concrete basis for requesting changes, asking questions or making suggestions.
When construction is underway, large copies of the blueprints are necessary for the foreman to direct and monitor the progress. The copy must be easy to read when the team is actually outside at the construction site.
In today's digitalised world, certain businesses simply couldn't exist without large format printers., which turn out some larger-than-life creations to create art, advertising and every day work aids.
This article was brought to you by Canon New Zealand – Providers of Large Format Printers
