Things You Need To Know About Working With Large Format Printers
Large format printing is used in many ways, and printers like the HP Designjet T1600 can quickly produce prints that are large enough for signs, banners, and posters. The printers used are very specialized, but often they can use used with any computer and many software options to create highly detailed digital prints that are durable and can be used indoors and out.
Large Format Printing
Any large format printing starts with a high-resolution file created to be transferred to the printing. Because the banners, signs, and other things printed are so large, using a file that is too small will typically distort the print, and it will not look good on the substrate.
Working with a graphic designer to ensure you have a large enough file for your needs is a good option. The file can be created large enough to go right to the printer when the design is complete. Larger printers like the HP Designjet T1600 can print products extremely large, and when set up to use rolled substrates, the length of the banner, sign, or graphic can be extremely long.
In most cases, the substrate will pass through the printer bed where the ink is applied, and UV lights are used to cure the ink quickly so that the substrate can be rerolled without damage to the print.
Printing Materials
Large format printers like the HP Designjet T1600 can use a variety of materials to print on. Banners may use vinyl or cloth, while signs are often printed on heavy paper layered for strength. Some printers on the market will print on wood, metal, and plastics, but these are often specialized units used for very specific workflows.
If you are only interested in printing one of two specific materials, you can look for prints that specifically handle the size and type of material you need for the jobs you will do. These printers are larger, so you need to ensure you have space for them in your work area. It is also important to remember that the print substrate also needs to be able to feed out of the printer and be viewed and checked before you can accept it.
A large area with a work table and space for the printer, computer, and some storage is often best, but take some time to research the requirements for any large format printer that you are considering and the accessories you may need to go with it. While printing rigid materials is possible with some machines, feeding them in and out of the printer can require even more space on either side of the unit to allow for a straight, clear path for the material to flow through.
If you're interested in purchasing a large format printer, contact a supplier—such as Mei Computer—near you today!