5 Things You Should Consider After Buying A Printer

The search for the ideal large format inkjet printer takes some effort. Purchasing a printer can be simple by focusing on these 5 factors.

Are you looking for a large format inkjet printer and don't know how to start? Are you planning to replace the one you currently have? Do you need some advice on what to search for?

Here are 5 points to keep in mind when buying printing equipment.

1. Image Quality

The quality of your images will differ depending on the market you are looking to target. These are some points to consider:

Resolution- Printers that can produce a minimum of 1200dpi resolution for printing would be suitable for fine photography and reproduction well. Most printers have many resolution settings, so be sure to find one with a broad range of capabilities in regards to print resolution (an example would be 360dpi - 2880dpi, covering various modes in between).

Color gamut- Some printers have improved ink sets that allow for a greater range of colors. Sometimes, brochures for printers and information kits contain gamut comparisons. You can look up the downloads that are available on the manufacturer's website. Downloading the ICC profiles from the manufacturer for your printer is another method to determine the achievable gamut. When you Soft-Proof an ICC profile on the screen, you can visually check the range of colors the printer is able to reproduce, without shifting hues (shift will vary depending on your rendering intent).

Density- The density of ink translates into deep, rich vivid colors. Different inks may have various ink densities. It is crucial to test printed samples. If you have Densitometers, you should take black and white pictures and take delta readings of the black ink density. This can be a great indication of which ink set is able to produce higher density.

2. Size & Speed

The size of your printer will be determined by the size of images you would like to provide. Do you have a 17'' wide printer and are not sure whether to invest in an additional 24'' or upgrade to 44"? If you are unable to answer that question, then let your customers assist!

This will help you identify the most well-known sizes. Ask your customers which sizes they would be most interested in if you had larger print capabilities. You can look up the most well-known sizes on the web and get an idea of what they look like.

3. News Handling

Make a list of all the media you use to print. Include the media you'd like to print on to this list. Modern printers are equipped for third-party media, so choose one that is capable of handling anything you throw at it! Certain printers are more suited to photography while others can handle graphic images for short periods and outdoor signage. Are you aware of other printmakers that your customers are using?

4. Easy of Use

Sometimes, we get caught up in the specifications and features that we overlook the necessity of usability. A printer that is easy to use will reduce frustration and aid in troubleshooting. If there will be more than one user producing, it will be seamless if there is less guess using the printer and its settings. These questions will allow you to determine how easy it is to use the printer.

Are you able to easily unload media and load it?

Can it be used easily and comprehend the control panel of the printer?

Is the driver for your printer easy to set up and use?

How easy is it to implement custom ICC profiles or media settings?

What kind of control does the printer grant the user?

Are you able to show others how to use it.

Are you able to save your custom settings and other details to remember for printing jobs to come?

Do you have the ability to hit "Print" and then walk away?

5. Support

Support for products is often the most important factor when buying an printer. It can be frustrating to see a product fail to function properly. Find out which printers are supported before you purchase one.

Do you offer support via phone or email?

Is the technical support staff capable of responding quickly?

Are you connected an experienced or knowledgeable user?

Can I get third-party ICC profiles?

Are parts end-user replaceable? Are components that cannot be easily changed by the end-user easily can be replaced?

Are there instructional videos and other videos?

Are there alternatives or solutions to the known problems?

How long before my printer dies completely?