How to Choose the Right Wide Format Printer for Your Business
If your business works with big, detailed documents—blueprints, posters, technical drawings, or high-impact visuals—a standard office printer just won’t cut it. That’s where wide format printers come in. But with so many choices out there, how do you figure out which one’s right for your needs?
At Associated Business Technologies, we’ve helped businesses across Salt Lake City—from architects to marketing teams—find the perfect wide format printer for their workflow. In this guide, you’ll get a clearer idea of what to look for, what features actually matter, and which brands might be the best fit for you.
First Things First: Why Do You Need a Wide Format Printer?
If you’ve been outsourcing your large prints, you already know how time-consuming and expensive it can get. Bringing those jobs in-house not only saves money but also gives you total control over quality and turnaround time.
Here are just a few perks of owning your own wide format printer:
- You can print on-demand, whenever a deadline pops up.
- You get better quality control on everything from technical drawings to marketing banners.
- Over time, it’s way more cost-effective than sending jobs to a print shop.
- And let’s be honest—it’s just really satisfying to hit “Print” and see a full-size plan come to life in seconds.
What Should You Think About Before Buying?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so it helps to think through your day-to-day printing needs. Here are the top questions you should ask yourself:
1. What Are You Printing?
- Construction plans and blueprints? You’ll need a printer built for fine lines and technical accuracy—KIP and HP models are great for that.
- Posters, signage, or marketing materials? Look for top-tier color performance—Canon is known for stunning visual output.
- Maps or GIS projects? You’ll need sharp detail, accuracy, and a printer that supports various file formats.
2. How Often Are You Printing?
- If you’re only printing a couple of wide format jobs a week, a compact Canon imagePROGRAF might be all you need.
- But if you’re printing daily—or handling large batches—you’ll want something heavier duty, like a KIP 700 Series or HP PageWide.
3. What Materials Will You Print On?
Not all wide format printers handle every media type. Think about whether you’ll print on:
- Standard paper?
- Vinyl, canvas, or glossy photo paper?
- Adhesive-backed media or banners?
Make sure your printer can handle whatever you throw at it, especially if your work spans different industries or creative projects.
4. Is Color Important?
- If you’re mostly printing black-and-white line drawings, a monochrome printer will do the trick (and save you money).
- But for full-color renderings, presentations, or anything visual, you’ll want a printer with advanced color control and multiple ink cartridges.
Comparing the Top Brands: What’s the Best Fit for You?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the wide format printer brands we offer and support at Associated Business Technologies:
- Best for: Technical documents, blueprints, and high-volume printing
- Why you’ll love it: Super fast, built like a tank, and perfect for architecture or construction firms that don’t mess around.
- Best for: Posters, signs, photos, and marketing visuals
- Why you’ll love it: Gorgeous color output, easy to use, and surprisingly compact for what it does.
- Best for: CAD, GIS, and full-color business documents
- Why you’ll love it: HP’s PageWide series prints quickly and efficiently, and it’s known for handling both color and technical docs really well.
Don’t Forget About Support, Service & Supplies
Buying a wide format printer is just step one. To really get the most out of it, you’ll want solid support and supplies that are easy to reorder. That’s why working with a local team like Associated makes such a difference.
Here’s what you get when you partner with us:
- Expert installation (we’ll handle everything!)
- Local service when you need it—no waiting for someone from out of state
- Fast toner and supply delivery, so you’re never stuck mid-project
- Training for your team, so everyone knows how to use the machine to its fullest
Want to Future-Proof Your Office?
Wide format printers can last a long time if you choose the right one upfront. We’ll help you find a model that meets your needs now—and has room to grow with your business. Even better, we offer Managed Print Services that take the stress out of tracking usage, supplies, and maintenance.
Let’s Find the Right Printer for You
Not sure which model is best? You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Associated Business Technologies, we take the time to understand your business, your goals, and your workflow before making a recommendation.
Come visit us in Salt Lake City or give us a call—we’d love to walk you through your options, set up a demo, or even come to you for a consultation. We’ve helped businesses all over Utah find printers that boost productivity and save time. Let’s find yours.
