5 Facts about Large Format Printing

Large format printing has made it possible to produce wider or larger promotional materials and other forms of media for other purposes. It used to be costly, but nowadays, it is widely available and reasonably priced due to newer technologies, more printers, and affordable third-party ink cartridges. These factors contributed to the increasing popularity and widespread use of large-format printing.

Are you considering large-format printing? It’s important to learn more about it to understand the process and how it can benefit your business. You’ll also want to know where to get affordable compatible Roland ink cartridges to make the process more cost-effective. Here are five things to note:

1. Large format vs. traditional printing techniques

Comparing large format printing with lithography and letterpress will allow you to understand and appreciate its convenience and value.

Lithography uses a large and level aluminum or metal plate where a picture is fixed with a waxy or slick material. The image is drawn first, making the process daunting and time-consuming.

Meanwhile, the letterpress process involves the direct impression of a raised ink surface against non-stop rolls of paper or printing sheets. It cannot produce large illustrations.

Large format printing using high-quality third-party ink cartridges addresses all the shortcomings of lithography and letterpress. It allows you to produce high-quality, clear, and accurate printouts fast and without a hitch.

2. Versatility

Digital large-format printing is more versatile than old-school printing methods. It can produce more materials, such as custom posters, billboards, banners, and signage on a wide range of materials such as vinyl, glass, fabric, corrugated plastic, metal, leather, and foam boards. High-quality compatible Roland ink cartridges allow you to print compelling designs and vibrant visuals that can withstand exposure to the elements, like heat and rain.

3. Cost-effective

It’s more cost-effective to use a large format printer as it eliminates the need for printing plates and other extra equipment to get things done. High-quality printers last longer as long as they are well-maintained and are used with inks that won’t clog or damage the printheads. Long-term savings are possible as they require minimal labor to use and manage.

Third-party ink cartridges also translate to long-term savings. Just make sure to buy them from reputable manufacturers with products built to OEM standards and checked for outstanding performance. Leading manufacturers also provide a hassle-free return policy that lets you get a replacement or refund for any unsatisfactory product.

4. Produce better graphics

Large format printing technology has evolved to become better and more reliable. Nowadays, there’s a wide range of media and higher-quality Roland ink cartridges to deliver accurate, crisp, and vibrant results that won’t fade or wash out easily. Ink technologies have also improved, so outputs last longer and can stand up to the elements. Some inks are also eco-friendly and safer even with minimal ventilation in the print shop.

5. More available printers

Large format printing presses are typically roll-to-roll printers, flatbed printers, or a combination of both. Flatbed printers require a substrate on the bed which serves as the carrier to drive the material through them. While printing, UV light cures the liquid ink causing it to solidify on your preferred substrate. The printing process is efficient for printing directly on less traditional or thicker substrates.

Roll-to-roll printers are practical for printing canvas, banners, and other pieces on flexible materials that come in rolls. The roll of material is loaded on one side and fed through the printer for rerolling for another uptake roller. This makes these printers suitable for long runs of flexible materials, streamlining and speeding up production.