| LARGE-FORMAT INKJET PRINTING: PROS AND CONS |
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Large-format printers handle commercial and consumer printed products that require, due to their size, machines larger than the standard desktop printers located in most offices and homes. Most of these are inkjet printers (as opposed to laser).
Large-format printing can be divided into three categories:
- Technical printing - architecture drawings, computer-aided drafting, construction blueprints
- Production printing - signage, event banners and posters, exhibition announcements
- Fine art printing - reproductions of paintings, drawings, professional photographs, digital art
These days, most companies requiring large-format printing send their orders out to dedicated printing companies. For businesses who don't print large-scale items on a regular basis, this is much more cost efficient than purchasing their own expensive, heavy, floor-standing printer.
Different printer and ink types are suited for different purposes, and it is the responsibility of the printing company to determine which style best suits the customer base they are targeting. The following chart offers information and a pro/con comparison of the primary types of inkjet printers on the market today.
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SUMMARY
At KeenART Media, we use aqueous Epson inkjet printers to create beautiful, high quality photographic and fine art prints on canvas, various papers, even satin fabric! This article considers both aqueous and other types of inkjet printers.
The following is a brief list of the latest printers from the primary manufacturers of the four types of large-format printers discussed in this article.
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| INKJET PRINTER COMPARISON
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Aqueous |
Solvent |
Latex/Resin |
UV Curable |
| ABOUT |
These printers use water-based inks and make up more than 3/4 of inkjet printers on the market. |
Solvent-based rather than water-based, these industrial printers are commonly used for outdoor signage. |
Newest option for inkjet printing, inks are water-based with a latex or resin component which requires heat to set the inks. |
UV-curable printers come with a built in UV light which cures the inks completely before the printed sheet leaves the printer. Free radical and cationic inks exist.Fine art, indoor banners and signs. |
| PROS |
- Inks are not harmful to the environment
- No toxic fumes from ink, so no special ventilation required
- Good color gamut; uses as many as 12 different colors (CMYK, light light black, light cyan, etc)
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- No protective top-coat is required because inks "etch" into the surface
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Often less expensive than other types
- Eco-solvent inks solve toxicity issue.
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- Completely odorless so no ventilation required
- As durable as solvent inks
- Prints on most surfaces
- High resolution output
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- No change in ink consistency, so printheads less likely to clog
- Media does not need to be coated
- Durable enough for outdoor use
- Can print on cardboard, glass, or wood
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| CONS |
- Substrates (paper, etc) must have a special ink-receptive coating so ink will adhere
- Inks and papers are more expensive than other types
- Not generally suitable for outdoor signage.
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- Inks have a strong smell and are toxic, requiring good ventilation with use
- Colors are often less bold than water-based inks
- If lamination is required, problems can arise from lack of complete drying.
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- Built-in heaters require more energy consumption than other types
- Certain media may warp or buckle due to the heat required to cure the inks.
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- Inks have shorter shelf life and must be stored in steady temperature
- Color gamut is not as high as other types, but advancements are being made
- Difficulty remaining adhered to flexible media such as vinyl.
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| USES |
Fine art, indoor banners and signs. |
Commercial signage, outdoor advertisements, outdoor artwork |
Indoor and outdoor signage, fine art |
Indoor and outdoor signage, some artwork |
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For more information on types printers and ink, check out our article on Printer Ink Types.
If you have questions about any of our services or products, don't hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist with answers, advice, or suggestions.
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