Large Format Digital Printing

Large Format Digital Printing

The printing market has taken a skyward direction in the recent years. Today, everyone needs to get something or the other printed. This has not only led to development of printers that are fast, but also those which can print huge banners or posters at a single time. This has led to the development of a relatively new avenue of large format digital printing.

Large format digital printing aims at producing large, single piece banners, posters and billboards that are printed by computer controlled print-heads. The most common material used for the billboards and banners is the heavy weight vinyl. This is because of its durable and weatherproof nature. The posters are generally printed on a synthetic paper made from a polymer of vinyl itself.

The market of large format digital printing can be divided into two major categories: “print-to-pay” and “print-to-use”. The former includes photo labs, digital printers, commercial printers, sign shops, screen printers and quick printers. The latter includes universities, ad agencies, and in-plant print operations at a variety of corporations. Both the categories have their own printing patterns and preferences.

The material, vinyl used in the large format digital printing is categorized on its weight. It can vary from 9 ounces a square yard to 22 ounces per square yard. The heavier the vinyl, more durable it is and more attractive it can be made.

The major part of the large format digital printing today is done by inkjet printers, although newer technologies are trying to make a mark as well. The inks used are mostly water based due to its low cost. However, solvent based inks are preferred at places where print quality is a matter of concern.

Also, newer inks like UV-curable inks are used where excellent and durable printing is required. These may also provide shining banners, excellent for the night-time displays and places with low lighting. They are generally used on the highways.

The print-heads used in the large format digital printing have come out of an age. The print-heads are now thermal and piezo electricity controlled, thereby providing excellent quality, precision and speeds. The large printers called the field printers provide capability to print banners of any size and are thus, used for printing for large buildings. The vinyl for these large banners has a mesh structure, to allow easy passage of air through it.

It is a critical time for all large format digital printers. With the increasing competition from new market entries and lower level of expertise required to produce basic large format graphics, it is clear that the printers have to sell their products on the account of value added services like design assistance, laminating, mounting etc.

Large Format Digital Printing