Large Format Printers vs. Standard Printers
If you're shopping for a printer, you'll undoubtedly come across two main types of printers: large format printers and standard printers. Large format printers are designed to handle much larger print sizes than standard printers, but there are other differences as well. In this blog post, we'll compare large format printers and standard printers, discussing the pros and cons of each.
Size Matters
As the name implies, large format printers are designed for large format printing. They can handle printing on paper rolls up to 60 inches wide, making them ideal for printing things like posters, banners, and other oversized materials. Meanwhile, standard printers are designed for letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches) and can typically handle up to legal size paper (8.5 x 14 inches).
Quality vs. Quantity
Large format printers generally produce higher quality prints than standard printers. They use a higher print resolution, typically between 2400 x 1200 DPI and 4800 x 1200 DPI, whereas standard printers typically offer between 600 x 600 DPI and 1200 x 1200 DPI. However, with higher quality comes a higher price tag, and large format printers are typically more expensive than standard printers.
On the other hand, standard printers are designed for high-volume printing, and because they use smaller ink cartridges, the cost per page is typically lower than that of large format printers. That being said, if you only need to print a few pages a month, a standard printer may not be the most cost-effective option.
Consider Your Needs
Choosing between a large format printer and a standard printer ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you regularly print oversized materials, such as banners, posters, or blueprints, a large format printer is the way to go. However, if you're printing everyday documents and don't need to print larger than letter-size paper, a standard printer will meet your needs and save you money in the process.
Summary
Large format printers and standard printers each have their own benefits and drawbacks. When deciding which type of printer is right for you, consider what you'll be using it for and how often you'll be printing.