5 Things to Know About Large Format Printing

Large format printing is becoming a widely used process for all sizes of businesses to use for their advertising and marketing materials. One of the most substantial benefits of printing large format is the ability to print large pieces to allow graphics to come to life and get your company message to stand out from your competitors. To utilize large format printing for the most significant benefit to your company, there are some vital things to know about the large format printing process.

1. How the Large Format Printing Process Works

The printing process for large format printing is very similar to that of digital printing, which makes it an ideal process for full-color items. The press will lay down toner through the use of large nozzles. The ink is directly applied to the product, which creates a much more authentic feel than mounting printed pieces to substrates. The printing process is quick like digital printing and has the ability to produce high-quality images and photographs.

2. What Types of Printers Are Used for Large Format?

Large format printing presses are often either flatbed printers, roll-to-roll printers, or a combination of both. In a flatbed printer, a substrate will be placed on the bed, which will act as a carrier to propel the material through the printer. During the printing process, the UV light hits the liquid ink and turns it into solid ink on the chosen substrate. Flatbed printers are great options for those who are looking to print directly on thicker or less traditional substrates.

A roll-to-roll printer is often used to print items such as banners, canvas, or printed pieces on flexible materials that will come on rolls. The roll of material will be loaded on one side and be carried through the printer where it will be re-rolled onto another uptake roller. These types of printers are ideal for long runs of flexible material as the process can be streamlined and production can move faster with less interruption.

In combination machines, the flatbed will be able to be removed, and the rolls on each side attached giving it the ability to function as both types of machines.

3. How Should Files Be Prepared to Create the Best Finished Product?

Due to the size of the pieces being printed, file preparation becomes essential to ensure that you end up with a high-quality product. When designing your files, you will need to note that the maximum width of most large format printers is 61″ or less and the length will often be determined by the length of the material used. For banners and other roll-to-roll print material, the length can virtually be any length.

To produce the best quality image, you will need to use the highest resolution file possible to make sure the quality does not become compromised when it is enlarged. Additionally, you will want to account for the fact that the printers will print in standard CMYK breakdown, so creating your files in these separations will give you the best results.

4. What Products Are Ideal for the Large Format Printing Process?

One of the most versatile things about large format printing is the fact that it can be the ideal printing process for many products. Some of the most common products that large format printing is used for are:

• Banners
• Point of Purchase Displays
• Wall and Floor Graphics
• Tradeshow Signage
• Posters
• Yard Signs

5. What Are Some of the Benefits of Large Format Printing?

There are many benefits to using large format printing for your printing projects. You will not only have the advantage of a large area to display your piece, but also the benefits of UV cured ink that will make your piece more durable and able to withstand elemental conditions such as rain, heat, and sunlight without incurring damage. Another benefit of large format printing is the ability to print on a number of substrates. You can print on almost anything that will fit through the carrier of the printer including:

• Vinyl
• Cloth
• Glass
• Wood
• Foam Board
• Corrugated Plastic
• Metal

No matter what your graphics needs, large format printing can provide you with the benefits of durability as well as a large display area allowing your message and products to be eye-catching and provide you with the visibility you need to stand out.

Want more information about UV inkjet printers? Check out our Ultimate Guide to UV Inkjet Printers