More and more companies are contacting us to explore printing options for large high-quality prints. This reason is that standard CMYK CAD plotters sometimes need help to meet the high-quality printing needs of AEC or GIS professionals.
Graphics printers are usually aligned with professional photographers and artists as they are well-suited for color printing and producing fine art prints, photographic prints, or graphic design projects. However, they can also print fantastic renderings of full-color maps, GIS data, aerial photos, satellite images, and other related content.
Satellite view texture Elements of this image furnished by NASA
Print Quality
Print quality is one of the most critical factors when selecting a large-format graphics printer. Several factors determine the print quality of a printer, such as the type of ink or toner, the printer's resolution, and the print head's rate.
For example, pigment-based inks usually provide the best results for fine art printing because they are more stable and create prints resistant to fading. In contrast, dye-based inks produce more vibrant colors and dry faster for photographic printing.
Resolution
The resolution of a graphics plotter is another critical factor to consider when selecting a printer. Resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch) and refers to the number of drops of ink or toner the printer can produce in a single inch of print.
A higher resolution typically results in a sharper, more detailed image. Still, it can also affect the cost and print speed of the printer.
Print of an aerial view of a construction site
Cost
Cost is another vital factor to consider when selecting a large-format graphics printer. Large format graphics printers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the model and features.
Having a budget and researching the different printers available in your price range are essential before deciding. Additionally, it's necessary to consider the cost of supplies, such as ink cartridges, paper, and maintenance.
Customer Reviews
Finally, customer reviews and recommendations can also be helpful when selecting a graphics printer. Read reviews and customer feedback from other professionals in your industry, and consider the experiences and opinions of others when making your decision.
Top Large Format Graphics Printers
Canon Photographic Printers
The photographic and printing industries recognize Canon as a well-known brand offering large-format photographic printers to satisfy various needs and budgets. In addition, people highly esteem the imagePROGRAF series of printers for their exceptional print quality, color accuracy, and affordability.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO 4100
The Canon Pro 4100 is a top choice for AEC and GIS professionals needing to print high-quality images. This printer boasts a range of new technologies and innovations, including a direct link to digital cameras, advanced security features, and reformulated LUCIA PRO inks with a new print head design.
The built-in color calibration and unique Multi-Function Roll Unit make the PRO Series stand out in a competitive field. In addition, automated media loading eliminates the need for manual intervention. Plus, the remaining media estimation feature saves on ink and media.
The LUCIA PRO ink set, which uses microencapsulated pigment inks, offers fantastic color reproduction, image clarity, and fine lines, perfect for creating vivid posters and advertising displays.
HP DesignJet Photo Printers
HP DesignJet series of photo printers, designed for professional photographers and graphic artists, is also well-respected in the printing industry for their color accuracy, versatility, and user-friendly features.
HP DesignJet Z9+ Graphics Printer
The HP DesignJet Z9+ PostScript Printer is an excellent choice for AEC and GIS professionals who need high-quality and fast large-format graphics printing. With the ability to produce photo-quality prints 2.5 times faster without sacrificing quality, the Z9+ streamlines the printing process and cuts post-processing time by up to 20% with its integrated vertical trimmer.
The DesignJet Z9+ also handles complex files and secures data, with dual roll support for efficient media changes. In addition, the HP Vivid Photo Inks and embedded spectrophotometer provide an expanded gamut and superior gloss uniformity, making the Z9+ a top choice for AEC and GIS professionals.
Large-Format Graphic Printers Takeaway
Large-format graphics printers are essential tools for AEC and GIS professionals who require high-quality, accurate prints of full-color maps, GIS data, aerial photos, satellite images, and other related content.
When selecting a printer, it's essential to consider factors such as print quality, resolution, ink type, cost, and customer reviews.
By carefully researching and comparing your options, you can choose the system that best fits your needs and budget.
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