Wide format printers are something of a new kid on the block in the office print environment. Once relegated to a narrow set of industries and specific uses, they’re enjoying widespread adoption across the business world today. Whether printing posters at larger sizes or high volume runs, wide format printers are as versatile as they are powerful.
Likewise, this speed and versatility mean that they’re often the device which professional printers use for print jobs which businesses commonly outsource. However, businesses can save both time and money by investing in a quality wide format printer. Printing any of these jobs regularly? Bringing a wide format printer under the organization’s roof may be the next best move forward.
1. High-Quality Graphics.
Wide format printers have a major advantage in their ability to spin off high-quality graphics effortlessly. Although it is possible to print high-end visuals on A4, or standard computer paper size, the dimensions naturally limit what looks good. In contrast, when it comes to graphics, bigger truly is better.
Likewise, since wide format printers typically use a roll of paper rather than a ream of cut sheets, they have more versatility in the types of graphics printed. Wide format printing often features in print jobs such as:
● Posters and displays.
● Advertising material and signage.
● Vinyl wraps for vehicles.
● Signage.
2. Unparalleled Legibility and Precision.
Wide format printers deliver a much higher degree of legibility and precision than their smaller counterparts. Why? Most wide format printers use laser printing technology, which is naturally suited towards better legibility. When combined with the larger paper sizes, wide format printing becomes ideal for print jobs which require lines or instructions printed flawlessly. Some examples of jobs include:
● Blueprints.
● Schematics.
● Maps and charts.
● Architecture mockups.
3. Large Quantity Runs.
Wide format printers are efficient, even when they print graphics intense jobs. While a powerful multifunction printer may be able to print 60 pages of text per minute, a wide format printer can produce 15 crystal clear posters per hour. Imagine trying to do that with a smaller inkjet.
However, the ability to run intense jobs rapidly also means that wide format printers excel at printing large quantity runs. Consider an in-house wide format printer if the following types of print jobs are frequently outsourced:
● Invoice batches.
● Books or manuals.
● Tabloids or newspapers.
● Direct mail marketing materials.
Benefits of In-House Printing
Companies often choose to outsource their printing for several reasons. For example, it makes sense to outsource printing the monthly newsletter rather than tying up an office printer for several hours while doing it in-house. However, when such outsourced jobs become a normal part of the company’s printing needs, it may prove advantageous to bring the printing under the organization’s roof. In particular, companies which regularly print any of the types of jobs mentioned would benefit from investing in a wide format printer. There are many advantages to doing this, including:
1. Flexibility and Convenience.
The ability to print on demand constitutes one of the biggest advantages of an in-house wide format printer. Say goodbye to waiting for the professional printer to have time to print a job. With an in-house printer, it’s much easier to print exactly what is needed, when it’s needed.
2. Increased Confidentiality.
Professional printers have a vested interest in making sure that their clients’ data remains secure. However, at the end of the day, outsourcing printing still means sending potentially secret information outside the office walls. It’s a security risk, no matter how secure or trustworthy the printer might be. In contrast, in-house printing eliminates this security risk entirely.
3. Better Control.
Direct access to the printer means better control over the print job itself. Companies with an in-house wide format printer enjoy the ability to customize print jobs to a much higher degree. Likewise, it also means less time spent waiting for mockups or samples to be delivered.
4. Cost Awareness and Savings.
Like other printers, a wide format printer represents a significant investment for a company. However, purchasing one outright can prove more cost-effective than regularly outsourcing printing jobs. Bringing printing in-house eliminates expenses such as shipping, extra services, markups, and unnecessary additional printing.
Do Better Business With an In-House Wide Format Printer
Wide format printers have become more mainstream in office printing as companies recognize their benefits across a variety of jobs. Today, many companies which have traditionally outsourced certain types of printing are choosing to invest in an in-house wide format printer in order increase their control, security, and costs associated with the type of printing these devices do. Companies which regularly print jobs which require high-quality visuals, unparalleled legibility, or are recurring and high-quantity runs would benefit the most from investing in a wide format printer.
Doing Better Business helps companies of every size develop a more effective in-house printing infrastructure. Contact us today to discuss what we can do for you.