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Considering a New Wide-Format Printer? Here’s What You Need to Know

Wide-format printers—often referred to as large-format printers (LFPs)—are essential for businesses that need to produce high-quality prints on materials that are at least 18 inches wide. Whether it’s for engineering blueprints, marketing banners, or educational posters, wide-format printers offer unparalleled versatility and quality. If your business frequently outsources large-format printing, you might be missing out on significant benefits that come with investing in an in-house wide-format printer.


A woman looks at her printed photo from a Canon wide format printer from ABM


Industries That Benefit Most from Wide-Format Printers

Wide-format printers are particularly valuable in industries with high-volume, large-scale printing needs:

  • Engineering and Architecture: Perfect for CAD drawings, GIS maps, and 3D renderings.

  • Interior Design and Construction: Ideal for printing room designs, site plans, and customized wallpapers.

  • Marketing and Advertising: Essential for producing banners, posters, vehicle wraps, and trade show graphics.

  • Education and Institutions: Used for printing complex charts, graphs, maps, and campus advertisements.

  • Manufacturing, Automotive, and Transportation: Suitable for printing maps, presentations, and facility layouts.

  • Healthcare and Entertainment: Great for producing large-scale graphics for hospitals and theaters.


When to Invest in a Wide-Format Printer

Deciding to invest in a wide-format printer is a significant decision, but it comes with substantial benefits such as fast turnaround times, high production capacity, and enhanced security for confidential documents. If your business’s large-format printing needs are high, the investment can eventually lead to lower overall printing costs compared to outsourcing. Print shops often charge more for their services than what you would spend on in-house printing, making wide-format printers a cost-effective solution as your printing demands increase.


Blueprint copies printed from a wide format printer from ABM

Why Choose a Wide-Format Printer Over a Regular Office Printer?

  1. Print Size: Wide-format printers can produce much larger prints than standard office printers, which are typically limited to smaller paper sizes.

  2. Print Media: These printers are versatile, capable of printing on various materials beyond paper, such as canvas, wood, tile, or glass. Whether you need to print on rigid or flexible surfaces, wide-format printers can handle the job.

  3. Print Quality: Wide-format printers offer superior print quality, with higher resolution and more precise details, ensuring your prints are of the highest standard.


Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Large-Format Printer

Choosing the right wide-format printer for your business involves evaluating several factors:

  1. Functionality: Determine your primary printing needs. Do you require just a printer, or do you need a multifunction device that can also scan? Consider the types of materials you’ll be printing on and whether you need advanced features like fine line production or color accuracy.

  2. Color Options: Decide if you need a printer that can handle both color and monochrome prints. If your business primarily prints technical documents, a black-and-white printer might be more cost-effective. However, for marketing materials, a color printer offers more flexibility.

  3. Print Speed: Print speed varies, especially between draft mode and high-quality mode. Consider the time it takes for the printer to warm up from sleep mode, especially if you frequently print smaller jobs.

  4. Cost: Beyond the initial purchase price, factor in ongoing maintenance costs and the cost of consumables like ink cartridges and toner. Consider partnering with a vendor like ABM that offers service and maintenance packages, so you’re never caught off guard by breakdowns or supply shortages.


Unlock New Possibilities with Wide-Format Printing

Large-format printing is a powerful tool that opens up a world of new opportunities for businesses. By bringing wide-format printing in-house, you eliminate the costs, delays, and inconveniences associated with outsourcing. If your business relies on high-quality print products with stunning graphics, a wide-format printer from American Business Machines can be a game-changer.


Have questions or need advice on the best printer for your business? Contact American Business Machines today or give us a call at 1-877-YES -ABM1. Let us help you find the perfect wide-format printing solution.



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