Large-format printing is essential for businesses, especially for engineering and architectural firms that rely on powerful CAD printers to produce high-quality blueprints, line drawings, graphics, posters, and more on a day-to-day basis.
The cost of large-format printing can be a concern and is often a significant factor in the decision-making process. While expenses for ink, paper, and maintenance can quickly add up, there are a variety of cost-saving strategies that businesses can implement to make large-format printing more cost-efficient without sacrificing quality.
Image source Epson.
Explore a Variety of Media Options
Media is a major component of printing costs. Using larger rolls of paper can help reduce costs associated with frequent roll changes and paper waste, reducing downtime for reloading and minimizing the potential for errors and mistakes during printing. Some manufacturers offer larger roll options which can provide better value per square foot compared to smaller rolls.
While quality is crucial, exploring less expensive paper options and choosing the right materials to meet printing needs can yield substantial savings. For example, there are cost-efficient lightweight poster papers that offer low-glare, sharp details, and brilliant colors that dry instantly, ideal for posters, signs, and displays.
Many manufacturers today offer a range of options that balance cost and quality, so it’s important to consider factors including weight, finish, and durability to ensure the paper meets specific requirements.
Consider Printers with Larger Ink Capacity
Ink is another key factor that impacts expenses. Many manufacturers offer high-capacity ink options, varied color sets for a wide color gamut, and multiple sizes so businesses can adjust the supply to fit different needs.
There are also printers today featuring bulk ink pack systems or cartridge-free, refillable ink tanks. These can help eliminate time spent purchasing and changing ink cartridges, and potentially offer a lower cost per page compared to smaller cartridge options.
While large ink cartridges and printers with large ink capacity might sound like a bigger investment upfront, the benefits in the long run can outweigh the cost.
Adjust Print Density Settings
Density settings determine how much ink is applied to the paper during printing. Higher density settings result in richer colors and darker tones but can also lead to increased ink consumption and longer drying times. Lower density settings use less ink but may affect color vibrancy and detail.
Fine-tuning print settings and previewing them before printing can make a significant difference in lowering overall printing costs. It’s important to understand the specific requirements of your print job, considering factors such as the type of document, application, and end result. Test different settings, tailor them to specific applications, experiment with custom profiles, continuously adjust settings as needed, and evaluate costs over time to help optimize future print jobs.
Minimize Power Consumption
Large-format printers can consume a considerable amount of power, especially with large print jobs. To reduce energy costs, consider inkjet printers that not only enable efficient ink use, but also provide low power consumption with efficient use of consumables. Advanced printhead technology enables ink distribution onto the page with precision, leading to more efficient ink usage.
Laser printing involves applying heat to the fusing element, which adds to its energy use. Inkjet printing with heat-free technology can use less energy than comparable laser printers by not requiring heat in the ink ejection process. It leverages minimal maintenance parts and features low power consumption by not having to preheat the fuser, which can reduce costs and time spent waiting on warm up.
Maintain Printer Health
Printers that aren’t properly maintained are not likely to print as efficiently, and can lead to wasted ink due to repeat print jobs when errors occur. It’s critical to perform routine maintenance procedures and have a thorough maintenance plan in place. Keeping the printer clean and performing regular maintenance routines can help with overall printer health and lifespan, making sure functions and features work correctly.
In addition, it’s important to use genuine OEM ink designed for your printer. Third-party brands of ink may not function properly or at all, and could cause damage not covered under the printer’s limited warranty. While the cost of genuine OEM ink can be higher than the price of some third-party ink options, using genuine ink helps ensure your printer functions as designed.
Key Takeaways
While bringing printing in-house may sound like a costly and demanding process for some businesses, large-format CAD printers can be affordable and help increase ROI in the long run. By considering and implementing cost-saving tips, businesses can deliver excellent results within budget without sacrificing quality.
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Viewpoint articles are tech-focused editorial written by experts from the CAD industry. This article was written by Jacob Hardin from Epson.
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