Things To Consider Before Buying A Large-Format Flatbed Printer
If you plan on printing large-format items, then you're going to need a large-format printer. A few different brands make them, and they come in various models. This is good news since it means you can shop for a printer in your price range. But it also means you'll need to spend some time considering your options before you select a printer to buy. Here are the key things to consider before buying a grand format flatbed printer.
Does it print on your chosen material?
Maybe you're printing on vinyl or canvas. Decide what materials you're going to be printing on before you start shopping for a printer. Make a list of materials you are likely to use in the future, too. Then, check which printers print on the materials you'll be using. You may be surprised to find that only some of them print on vinyl and other specialized materials. Check the thickness of your material, too. The printer manufacturer should give you a range of thicknesses for the materials you can print on. You want to make sure the materials you use are in that range.
Do you want a one-size or expandable print bed?
Some large format printers have a bed that stays consistently at one size. Others have a bed that you can contract and expand as needed. The expandable models tend to work best if you have limited space. You can set them up in one area and print most of your projects, and only move the printer if you have to print something overly large. However, if you know that most of your print projects are going to require a larger bed, then you might as well buy a one-size printer; they tend to be cheaper.
Will you be printing in white ink?
White ink is thicker and has a different texture than black or colored ink. As such, not all large format flatbed printers are made to handle it. If you think you may use white ink on a future project, make sure you buy a printer that is set up for it. Otherwise, you can save money by choosing a printer without this compatibility.
If you consider the things above, you should have no trouble finding and buying a printer that meets your needs. If you're struggling, talk to a local printer company and see if they have any recommendations for you.
