With grand format printing, the size and number can be
overwhelming.
THE DEMAND for high-quality color graphics in larger sizes has risen dramatically as the availability of larger ink-jet printers has increased. How do you decide what kind of ink-jet printer you should purchase?
Classifying Printers
Ink-jet printers are generally classified by the size of the paper they can handle and the type of ink they use. Large format printers are generally defined as printers that can handle roll paper or cut paper sizes like 13x19˝. The ink classification falls into three categories: UV-cured inks, solvent-based inks and aqueous (water-based) inks.
The UV-cured ink printers are used by the sign industry to produce durable outdoor graphics. The solvent-based printers are used primarily by the sign industry because of their outdoor durability. The aqueous ink printers are the same type you may have at home or the office. Let’s take a quick look at these three types of ink.
UV-cured Printers
UV-cured ink-jet printers are designed to produce even more durable prints using a polymer as an ink. After application to the surface the “ink” is cured to a durable solid state. UV printers can print on almost any surface and provide a very durable image.
Prints using UV inks are of lower resolution and can have a distinct dot pattern. Manufacturers are continuing to improve this, but it does remain a concern for certain applications. These printers are great for durable long-term outdoor signage that might have previously been screen printed. The cost of these printers is still high, ranging from about $30,000 to over $250,000. The price of this technology will decrease quickly as this market continues to develop.
Solvent Printers
Solvent-based printers are used for durable indoor and outdoor graphics. Prints are water resistant and more durable to abrasion (vinyl banner printing). The substrate doesn’t necessarily need a special coating like water-based inks. Print quality has improved recently and is approaching near photo quality. Solvent-based printers can do a great job for point-of-sale prints, trade show graphics and outdoor signage.
Solvent printers are more expensive and do require proper ventilation to remove the VOC solvents released by the inks. Some printers are designed to be able to print directly onto stiff, flat surfaces. These “flatbed” printers are used extensively for signage applications. Prices for these printers can range from $10,000 to over $100,000 for more industrial-strength versions.
Aqueous Printers
Aqueous ink-jet printers currently predominate in the large format digital print market. These pigment or dye-based inks have little or no odor, a common concern for operating these in an office or retail environment. They can be configured like an office printer and many have network capabilities.
The print quality can range from photographic (no dots in the image) to very good (looks good from three feet away). Printers range in price from just over $1,000 for the smaller versions to over $30,000 for the top end printers. On average, a 60˝ printer will range from $8,000 to $20,000.
