Wide Format Printers: Photo Printing and More

by Ghinda
(NYC)

In the industry of digital printing, wide format printers are something to marvel at, with their ability to produce gigantic prints, with a width that ranges from 17 inches to 100 inches. MOreover, they are able to maintain the quality of printouts, paying close attention to details plus color precision.

Wide format printers are, typically, found in studios, print shops and offices that need them. They are not, likely, to be found in homes since they require a large space of work area.

These printers are beneficial to the following end-users:

1. Advertisers

Wide format printers are used in advertising, to promote company products and services. Banners and signage that they produce, easily, catch the attention of onlookers. Besides, they are durable since they are made to withstand different kinds of weather conditions.

2. Events Coordinators

This kind of printer is used to create party banners that serve as decorations in different venues where the events are celebrated. As compared to a commercial printer, it is more cost-effective. Besides, it is quick to produce them.

3. Publishers

Publishers require visual aids in lectures and other educational purposes. This printer produces these needed materials.

4. Interior Designers

Creative individuals such as interior designers make use of this kind of printers in decorating their homes. They, usually, create wall decorations by making use of fabric that is compatible to this printer.

5. Graphic Designers

These printers are used by graphic designers in creating samples of their work. These are shown in exhibitions and presentations.

6. Architects and Engineers

Since these professionals make plans that have comprehensive details, they need a printer that can produce the required architectural and engineering plans and diagrams on a wider format.


There are 3 techniques to print on fabric with the use of wide format printers and these are the following:

The process of dye sublimation transfer printing makes use of a transfer paper where the image is first printed out in reverse, then, is transferred to the fabric by means of a roll-to-roll heat press. The ink on the transfer paper binds directly with the fibers of the fabric with the use of heat. With this technique, you have more control over the quality of the image. This may be costly, though, since you have to use several transfer papers. Besides, the process can, likewise, be time consuming.

Direct dye sublimation textile printing makes you save on both time and money since it does not make use of a transfer paper. In this process, the ink gas is pushed directly to the fabric and binds with its fibers to produce the printout. The disadvantage of using this process is that it is only applicable to polyester fabrics which, still, need to be coated so the ink will bind with it. Another problem is that the printout is not as good as using transfer paper. The ink tends to blot, at times.

To those who want to print on fabric other than polyester, the direct digital textile printing is what you can choose. For best results, you need to use the ink that is appropriate to the fabric. For cotton, you should use reactive inks while for wool and silk, you must use acid inks. Thereafter, the fabric has to undergo the wash, steam and dry process.

With wide format printers that are innovative, creating the banners you need comes easy.

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