If you are looking to purchase a new wide format sublimation press or replace with your old one, you need to consider some important things. Top 05 things to consider when you are buying a new printer. They are speed, cost, quality, size and support.
1. Quality of print:
Print quality becomes the top most priority while choosing to buy a wide-format printer. You must check these things for print quality.
Resolution:
Let me provide a more informative and easy-to-understand explanation about image resolution:
Resolution: In simple terms, resolution is defined as the clarity and detail of an image
Key points:
• You can measure resolution in dots per inch (dpi) or pixels per inch (ppi)
• Higher resolution = more detail and sharper image. So, true the vice-versa, lower resolution = less detail and potentially pixelated image
What is called high quality image?
300 dpi is considered high quality for printing. Followed by 150-200 dpi which is acceptable if you are not printing a large image. Moreover, for digital displays, like digital signage, 72 dpi is the standard.
Moreover, there are several factors that affect resolution such as image size, pixel dimensions and output type, i.e. print or digital.
For instance, a 4×6 inch photo at 300 dpi contains 1200×1800 pixels. Whereas, the same image at 72 dpi would only be 288×432 pixels
Where do you need high resolution prints?
You need high resolution prints especially for large formats and professional printing. For home printing, medium resolution is optimum. For web graphics and email attachments, low resolution like 72 dpi is enough.
Most importantly, when you increase an image’s size without changing its pixel dimensions, that will result in decrease of its effective resolution.
2. Number of ink cartridges:
More cartridges means you achieve greater color range and detail. Thus, it impacts print quality and color accuracy.
When you purchase a large format sublimation press, you will find ink system categories:
Ink System Categories:
1. Basic: 5 pigment inks
2. Mid-quality: 8 pigment inks
3. High-quality: 12 pigment inks
Basic (5-ink system):
• Colors: Yellow, Cyan, Magenta, 2x Black
• Uses: General printing, draft layouts
• Pros: Cost-effective, suitable for basic needs
• Cons: Limited color range, less precise color matching
Mid-quality (8-ink system):
• Additional colors: Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Gray
• Uses: Photography, graphic design, proofing
• Pros: Improved color accuracy, smoother gradients
• Cons: Higher cost than basic systems
High-quality (12-ink system):
• Extra colors: Light Gray, Red, Green, Blue, etc.
• Uses: Fine art reproduction, professional photography
• Pros: Widest color gamut, highest detail reproduction
• Cons: Most expensive, higher maintenance
3. Drop Size:
Drop size is defined as the volume of individual ink droplets that the printer ejects. It is measured in picolitres(PL)
The higher the print quality, the smaller should be the droplet size.
So, when you search for the wide format print, you will find the drop sizes as follows:
- Large: 20-50 pl
- Medium: 10-20 pl
- Small: 1-5 pl
- Ultra-small: <1 pl
If you want to print in high resolution, you need the printer that produces smaller droplets that allow for higher dpi. You achieve crisp lines and text with finer gradients and smooth color transition.
Which printer should you chose considering drop size?
Large droplets: Draft prints, basic documents. If you are using it for draft printing or printing basic documents, go with large drop size printers.
If you are printing photos, small droplets will be needed for clarity.
Moreover, to print fine art that requires precision, buy printer that can produce ultra-small ink droplets.
4. Print Speed:
There are two types of wide format sublimation press. One is toner printer and the other one is inkjet printer. The speed measurement for both the printer varies.
For toner printer, it is measured in D-size prints per minute. D-size is referred to 24×36 inches. Whereas the inkjet printers are measured in square feet per hour/minute.
Most importantly, the print quality depends on print modes. Longer print time produces higher quality where as faster prints produce lower quality prints.
5. Size:
Generally, wide format printers are used to print roll media up to 300 feet for large posters, banners and architectural drawings.
24″ to 60″ is the standard width options of the wide format printer. The 24″ width is the entry level printer used by small offices. The mid-level i.e. 36″ is suitable for small printshops for small to mid-size banners, posters, etc. 44″ is suitable for higher capacity, printing of large banners and signage.
Moreover, the grand format sublimation printers print with print width of 72″ to 192″ for specialized for printing billboards, vehicle wraps, and large banners.
Final Words:
When selecting a wide format printer, carefully assess your typical project sizes, available space, and potential for future growth.
Choose a size that balances your current needs with long-term business goals, while ensuring it fits comfortably in your workspace.