Once you’ve determined that a wide format inkjet printer is just the leverage your business needs to take production up a notch or break into a new industry, it’s time to start the search for the right brand and model.
Here are a few key questions to ask first:
What Are Your Printing Priorities?
Will this be your first large format or are you a veteran inkjet printing pro? Your current process could have some impact on your future printing goals, so first determine if you are:
- Looking to upgrade your current printer – The setup you have now is probably lacking some of the modern technologies that could really help with streamlining production and enhancing image quality. Upgrading to a newer model might be the way to improve your operations.
- Adding to your production – The machines you currently have may be performing fine, but getting an additional printer to help with a different type of material or project would really take your business to the next level.
- Purchasing your first wide format machine – If you’re transitioning from outsourcing your printing, starting a new business or branching into a different market, investing in a wide format printer will be your first step toward total control.
What Will You Be Printing?
Next, you should know exactly what type of materials you’ll need to print. This will narrow down the options you have since different brands and models are built specifically for certain types of applications. For example:
- Mimaki’s UJF-7151 is the pinnacle of precision and quality for direct printing on plastics, metals, wood, acrylic and more.
- Brother’s GT-381 is the leader in direct to garment printing, specializing in quality and performance.
- Mutoh’s VJ-1638WX printers create high volume, quality prints on fabrics, like flags, soft signage and more.
- Epson P9000 is designed for photographic, fine art and commercial proofing applications.
The material you need to print on will dictate the ink that’s right for you, which will then tell you what printer options are available. That means that if you already have printers that require certain types of ink, you should check if it will be compatible with your new machine.
Where Will the Printer Be Located?
Industrial wide format printers are not small, desktop-friendly devices. They are often much larger machines that are designed for production purposes and require an adequate amount of functional space.
Depending on the type of printer that’s designed for your needs, there may be volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during printing that can make having a seat in a close proximity of the workflow uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.
Also consider your office. Do you have a small setup on the fourth floor in a busy downtown area, or a giant warehouse in a suburban, spacious location? Your office is going to impact the delivery and functionality of the printer, especially if you already have others onsite. Make sure you don’t jump into a purchase that might not even be compatible with your environment.
What’s Your Need for Speed?
Think about how often and how much you will be printing. A base model may be fine if you don’t need a quick turnaround, but you may want to opt for a more advanced model for high-volume printing at faster speeds.
Keep in mind if you’ll be printing small, poster-size prints or large billboards. The size of your substrates and images will narrow down your options since every printer has different size limitations.
Who Will Be Operating the Machinery?
Are you going to designate one person to run the workflows or will everyone on your team be contributing? There will be a learning curve with each brand and model of machine. Making sure you have operators that will be able to effectively care and maintain the equipment is crucial.
Purchasing a printer from a dealer that provides in-depth initial training and ongoing support will help you get settled with your new equipment, especially if it’s your first inkjet printer. So make sure you select a provider that will be there for if you run into any issues.
There’s definitely a lot more to consider before investing in a wide format inkjet printer, especially when you take into account the cost of the equipment. Before you start shopping around, download our eBook for more helpful insights and advice to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
