What is wide format printing? Just as we see technology get better and better, the same progress is taking place in the printing industry. A few years ago, wide-scale development in printing was not common because of the absence of available material, inefficient cost, and extended time.

Luckily, wide format printing presents you with a solution to print for large business groups who focus on money-making with available printing materials and turnaround times. This is the reason widescale printing is common in all offices, no matter what the size it is.

Wide Format Printing

The industry knows this printing technique as a grand format and large format as well. This technique is a common option for larger printing jobs, typically 11 inches by 8.5 inches. These printers can also print 18 inches by 100 inches – the industry term for these sizes is ‘Plotters.’

Advancements in technology have improved printing quality. Even the ink, an important component of printing, is now becoming environmentally-friendly, thanks to a focus on having low impacts on the environment and sustainability. This is a crucial aspect of printing at Automation Graphics as we care about the future of the environment.

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Where Can You Use Large Format Printing?

Uses of large format printing are practical and expand beyond posters. Large format printing offers unmatched versatility compared to other printing techniques. Foam, ceramic, coated metal, wallpaper, fabric, wood, and vinyl, to name a few, are suitable materials businesses can choose for this printing type. Items you can include in your printing list are not limited to:

• T-shirts
• Packaging
• Vehicle graphics/ wrappings
• Wall art
• Floor Displays
• Business Directories
• Banners sign

Materials Used In Large Format Printing

In an original production of large format graphics, many exciting materials work as substrates. These include materials like vinyl to paper and fabrics or metal. Depending on the purpose, various materials work in a wide variety of ways. These materials act to provide a wide range of practical and aesthetic benefits.

Printers select substrates based on their suitability to fulfill the needs of a particular project. When printing graphics for retail purposes, they may use a less durable and affordable material, such as vinyl.  This is opposed to vehicle graphics or outdoor hoarding graphics that need durable materials. When preparing graphics to use in the city centers, printers rely on anti ‘graffiti’ vinyl to put off the vandals, who run around ruining the visual aesthetic of the structures. The substrates are of two types; one that is firm, like vinyl, and the metal sheet. Not all suppliers provide substrates, but these are some of the common examples.

Paper

Paper is widely available and highly adaptable. Hence, it’s no surprise that paper takes a spot among the most popular printing substrates. Paper is cheap and easy to find, but it is the most durable substrates, and if you are looking to install the print on a long-term basis, you may go for it.

Vinyl

For long term installation and outdoor going, vinyl is the best choice because it is very flexible and easy to shape and cut. Not to mention, there are many types of finishes for it – from gloss to matte and even the reflective mirror vinyl. This is a popular option for outgoing and for wrapping the vehicle because of its versatility and affordability. Printers also use it in the background for more durability and support.

Textile and Fabric

As new big format installation is available, they have tension fabric frames. There has been an increase in the number of suppliers offering prints on the fabric.

Metal, Wood, and Other Substances

With a wide print format, suppliers can also print on solid and rigid materials, including wood or aluminum. As vinyl is very common, businesses can use large format printing for unusual projects such as exhibitions, photography, and art.

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Conclusion

With wide format printing, you get many benefits and options. Thanks to the help of many choices, businesses can print whatever they want. These include large ads, posters, blueprints, and large maps; the sky’s the limit!

If you are in need of professional large format printing services, contact us! Reach out to us at Automation Graphics by calling at 646-205-3037 to learn all about the wide format printing solutions we offer.