Finding the Best Wide-Format Printers for Your Business: Top Models, Features, and the Value of Local Partnerships
Wide-format printers are essential for businesses needing to produce large-scale prints with precision and quality. Whether you’re in architecture, engineering, graphic design, or marketing, choosing the right wide-format printer can significantly impact efficiency, output quality, and even operational costs. However, with a variety of manufacturers offering impressive options, deciding on the best wide-format printer for your business requires careful consideration.
In this guide, we’ll explore top wide-format printer series from leading manufacturers, compare essential specifications, discuss device apps, and examine the advantages of partnering with a local provider offering Managed Print Services (MPS).
What are The Top Wide-Format Printer Series?
Let’s look at the leading wide-format printer series from popular brands like Canon, HP, Epson, and KIP. Each of these manufacturers brings unique strengths to the table, from impressive color accuracy to versatile media handling, to cutting-edge device apps.
1. Canon imagePROGRAF Series
Canon’s imagePROGRAF series is a powerhouse for businesses prioritizing color accuracy and advanced media handling capabilities. Canon wide-format printers are often used by graphic design, CAD, and GIS industries due to their high precision and vibrant color output.
- Popular Models: imagePROGRAF PRO-2100, PRO-4100, and TM-300
- Specifications: Print widths range from 24 to 60 inches, 11-color pigment ink system (PRO models), maximum resolution up to 2400 x 1200 dpi
- Key Features: Advanced media handling, borderless printing, and high-capacity ink tanks
- Device Apps: Canon’s Direct Print & Share app for cloud-based printing, Canon Print Service for mobile, and PosterArtist Lite for designing marketing materials
- MSRP: Prices range from around $3,000 for the TM-300 model to over $10,000 for high-end PRO series models
Canon imagePROGRAF printers are ideal for businesses that need high-quality visuals, such as marketing firms, print shops, and designers.
2. HP DesignJet Series
HP’s DesignJet series is renowned for its versatility and ease of use, appealing to a variety of industries, from architecture and engineering to advertising. HP’s wide-format printers emphasize fast print speeds and efficiency, which can be crucial for businesses with high-volume needs.
- Popular Models: DesignJet T730, T830, and Z9+ Pro
- Specifications: Print widths up to 44 inches, high-speed printing options, and max resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi
- Key Features: Fast first-page output, roll feed and sheet feed, and enhanced line accuracy for technical drawings
- Device Apps: HP’s Smart App for remote monitoring, HP Click for easy file preparation, and HP PrintOS for managing print jobs from anywhere
- MSRP: Prices range from $2,000 for entry-level models to over $10,000 for high-end devices like the Z9+ Pro
HP’s DesignJet series is often the go-to for architectural firms, engineering firms, and businesses requiring fast turnaround on detailed technical drawings.
3. Epson SureColor Series
Epson’s SureColor series stands out for its color accuracy and image quality, making it a popular choice for photographers, artists, and graphic designers. These printers use Epson’s PrecisionCore technology for highly detailed prints.
- Popular Models: SureColor P6000, P8000, and T5170
- Specifications: Print widths up to 44 inches, 9- to 10-color UltraChrome HDX ink systems, resolution up to 2880 x 1440 dpi
- Key Features: Advanced color profiling, excellent print longevity, and support for various media types including canvas and fine art paper
- Device Apps: Epson Print Layout app for photo professionals, Epson iPrint for mobile printing, and Epson Cloud Solution PORT for performance monitoring
- MSRP: Ranges from $1,500 for smaller models to around $6,000 for professional models like the P8000
The SureColor series is especially valued in industries that require color fidelity and fine detail, including photography studios and art galleries.
4. KIP 600 and 900 Series
KIP is known for producing durable and high-performance wide-format printers, particularly well-suited for CAD and large-scale technical documents. Their printers are commonly used in construction, engineering, and government settings.
- Popular Models: KIP 660 and KIP 900 Color Series
- Specifications: Print widths up to 36 inches for monochrome models and 36 to 54 inches for color models, high-speed printing, 600 x 2400 dpi
- Key Features: High-volume output, long print runs without interruptions, and heavy-duty media handling for oversized technical drawings
- Device Apps: KIP ImagePro for design, KIP Touch Screen Printing for quick access, and remote access options for job tracking
- MSRP: Typically ranges from $12,000 for entry models to upwards of $25,000 for high-output color models
KIP wide-format printers are particularly beneficial for high-demand, technical document production environments where speed and durability are key.
What About Device Apps & Connectivity? Adding Value to Wide-Format Printing
Each manufacturer offers proprietary device apps that enhance the user experience and streamline workflow management. Let’s compare these briefly:
- Canon Direct Print & Share and PosterArtist Lite are excellent for collaborative work and producing creative marketing materials.
- HP Smart App and PrintOS allow users to monitor and manage print jobs remotely, ideal for teams on the go.
- Epson Print Layout and iPrint cater to color professionals, enabling direct control over photo print layouts.
- KIP ImagePro and Touch Screen Printing apps make it easy to manage large files and repetitive print jobs quickly.
These apps are critical in maximizing productivity, allowing remote operation, and ensuring that print jobs run smoothly, especially in high-demand settings.
The Value of Managed Print Services (MPS) for Wide-Format Printing
Implementing MPS for wide-format printing offers businesses greater control over their print environment. With an MPS provider, businesses can monitor usage, streamline supply replenishment, and reduce downtime. Here’s how MPS adds value to wide-format printing:
- Reduced Costs: MPS providers analyze your print needs to optimize device placement, reduce unnecessary printing, and consolidate equipment, lowering overall costs.
- Proactive Maintenance: MPS includes regular servicing and maintenance, ensuring that your wide-format printer remains in peak condition, reducing costly breakdowns.
- Consumable Management: Supplies like toner and media are automatically tracked and replenished, so you never run out of the essentials.
- Enhanced Security: Many MPS providers implement security protocols to protect sensitive data, which is crucial in industries like architecture and finance.
Partnering with a local provider can enhance the MPS experience further, offering quick response times, expert support, and personalized service to align closely with your business’s needs.
What Are The Benefits of Partnering with a Local Provider?
While major manufacturers offer excellent products, partnering with a local provider for purchasing, setup, and MPS can add tangible benefits:
- Quick Response and Personalized Support: Local providers can respond to issues faster and provide more customized service, understanding your unique needs and preferences.
- Hands-On Product Demonstrations: Local dealers often have showrooms where you can see devices in action, helping you make informed decisions.
- Expert Guidance: With experience across multiple brands, local providers can help you find the best device for your needs and budget.
- Ongoing Support and Training: Many local providers offer training to help your team make the most of the device apps and maximize productivity.
For businesses in the Salt Lake City area, Associated Business Technologies offers comprehensive wide-format printing solutions that include MPS and access to top brands. With extensive knowledge of Canon, HP, Epson, and KIP devices, Associated Business Technologies can guide you in selecting the ideal printer for your business, tailored to your specific requirements.
Start By Choosing the Right Wide-Format Printer for Your Business
Selecting the best wide-format printer means assessing each device’s capabilities, applications, and compatibility with your unique business needs. From Canon’s vibrant imagePROGRAF series to the versatile HP DesignJet, and from Epson’s color-accurate SureColor to KIP’s robust large-format solutions, there’s a wide-format printer suited for every business need.
Partnering with a trusted, local provider like Associated Business Technologies ensures that you not only get the right device but also receive ongoing support and cost-saving benefits with managed print services. Investing in the right wide-format printing solution and MPS can significantly enhance your business’s efficiency and productivity, setting you up for success in a competitive marketplace.
