Monthly Archives: June 2024

If you need to print high-quality, large-scale posters or banners, you likely understand the importance of selecting the best poster printer to complete the job. Specifically, what you'll want is a top-end plotter printer that can optimise quality and detail with each printout. However, with so many options available, you might not know which printer will work best for you.

To help you find the right solution, we've compiled a list of some of the top poster printers on the market today. We've carefully examined their features, customer reviews, and cost to determine which equipment is best for large-format poster printing in 2024. We hope our insights will help you make the best selection to provide you with consistently great quality.

2024 large format printing trends to look out for

When shopping for a large-format plotter printer, some trends in this industry are worth noting.

In addition to an industrial poster printer machine, you may have access to certain benefits that facilitate a safe work environment due to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the pandemic, brands like HP and others, have offered extended warranties and remote customer support while promoting various work-from-home initiatives.

Check to see if your large-format poster printing equipment manufacturer offers these benefits as you shop for the perfect solution.

What to consider when buying a plotter for large-format poster printing

When choosing a plotter printer for large-format poster printing, consider the following factors:

a) Printing speed

You'll want to find a highly-efficient industrial poster printer machine to save you more time. Manufacturers typically detail the estimated speed of their printers to give you a good sense of their efficiency.

b) Resolution quality

Consider the resolution quality you need for your posters and other print jobs. You can find large format poster printers with resolutions as high as 2880 x 1440 dots per inch (dpi), and many can print a wide range of colours.

c) Print-size capacity

The printer size will also depend on the size of your projects. Choose a plotter printer that can handle the intended print size. But also consider your space requirements and how they may affect the placement of the printer.

d) Type of ink used

Decide whether you want a poster printer machine that uses water-based or solvent-based inks. Water-solvent inks tend to be more costly and are ideal for indoor applications. Meanwhile, you might want solvent-based ink printers to save money and withstand exposure to outdoor elements. Also, dye inks offer bright picture quality but don't hold up well in sunlight while pigment-based inks often withstand outdoor exposure with the downside of increased dullness.

e) The cost

Another key factor is the cost of the printer, including the initial purchase and maintenance. Set a budget for your printer, and don't buy the cheapest printer you find, as higher initial costs may translate to lower ongoing expenses due to reduced maintenance.

5 best poster printers for large-format printing in 2024

The following are some of the top plotter printers for large-format poster printing available today:

1. HP DesignJet Studio 24-in Printer

Key features:

• A conveniently compact, high-quality design
• User-friendly touchscreen interface
• Fast print speeds

Printer overview:
This inkjet printer from HP is ideal for use in many work and home environments as a convenient, compact printer. You can use it for large-format poster printing in various paper sizes. It also features an easy-to-use touchscreen interface.

2. HP DesignJet T850 36-in Printer

Key features:

• Print multi-size prints without manually changing from roll to sheets
• Vivid colours and pigment-based ink
• Avoid distractions with fewer ink interventions thanks to 130/300 ml cartridges

Printer overview:
The HP DesignJet T850 printer makes printing in all sizes a hassle-free and effortless experience. Print half-size to D size jobs without having to manually change from roll to sheets. Get high-quality prints with vivid colours, fine-line quality, and excellent small-letter clarity to make any poster stand out. The pigment-based HP Flex Tech Inks are resistant to smudges and highlighter bleed and can withstand exposure to outdoor elements.

3. HP DesignJet T650 36-in Printer

Key features:

• Compatible with sheets and rolls
• Efficient print speeds
• The smallest printer with a built-in stand

Printer overview:
This 36-inch plotter prints paper sizes up to A1 and has a top print speed of 25 seconds for large documents. It uses dye inks and includes a gigabyte of memory to handle large projects. It's ideal for printing everything from posters and renders to technical drawings.

4. HP DesignJet Z9+ 44-in PostScript® Photo Printer

Key features:

• Fast printer speed
• Vibrant colours and rich detail
• Highly secure connection

Printer overview:
If you need a large printer for large-format poster printing, consider this HP DesignJet printer. This particular model can handle print jobs of up to 44 inches and includes a 500 GB hard drive and a touchscreen display. The results are sharp in detail and of superior quality.

5. HP DesignJet T230 24-in Printer

Key features:

• Automatic paper switching
• Compact size
• Ease of use

Printer overview:
As the smallest large-format printers from HP, the 200 Series DesignJet models feature a compact design that makes them easy to move and meet tight space requirements. You can use it to print A1 to A4 paper sizes or a roll up to 24 inches. You can also print multiple jobs remotely via an app on your smartphone.

Reach out to HP to discuss your plotter printer needs

Searching for the perfect poster printers for large-format printing? HP has you covered with a wide range of top-quality options.

Large-format printers have become an essential part of the photography industry. Many professionals today rely on these printers because they contribute to the modern photo printing process. They're also widely available and accessible, allowing photographers to easily convert digital images into high-quality, large-scale prints.

The necessity for large-format printing in the photography industry makes it crucial for photographers to purchase the right large-format photo printer to meet their unique requirements. However, with so many models on the market, it can be difficult to make the right selection based on factors like features and cost.

In this article, you'll learn about the various applications of large-format printers in the field of photography and how to find the best large-format printer for photographers. Specifically, we'll list three large-format printers that we consider to be the most reliable in this industry. Photographers can consistently produce professional-grade prints using top-performing functions with the right printer.

The Role of Large Format Printing in Photography

Large-format printing is essential for photographers because of the unique benefits it offers. It allows them to showcase their work on a grand scale, with every detail crisp and visible. The best printers for photographers are the ones that can handle the demands of large-format output without compromising on the fine details that are crucial in photographic work.

The need for high-quality prints in photography
Photographers need prints that offer the best quality through reliable, high-resolution printing processes. A large-format photo printer can print images in some of the highest achievable resolutions with accurate colours to give photographers top-quality prints with every project.

How large-format printers help with achieving professional-grade prints
The best large-format printer for photographers will provide professional-grade images while eliminating the need to outsource printing. With the right investment, you can own a high-quality printer that helps you repeatedly produce superior images in larger sizes.

Top factors to consider when selecting a Large Format Printer for photo printing

When looking for the best large-format photo printer, there are certain key factors to consider, such as:

a) Capacity to scale an image and print in high resolution

One of the main factors to look for in an ideal large-format photo printer is the ability for you to scale images as needed. Many large-format printers today can print sizes of around 13 inches or wider, with some capable of printing billboard-sized images.  In addition to scalability, look for a printer that can print in the highest resolution to ensure consistently great image quality with each print.

b) The colour gamut and print accuracy

You should also seek a large-format photo printer that has the right colour options to accurately print each image. For example, you might want prints with a high level of accuracy when printing the colour yellow, in which case you would want a printer with a variety of reds and greens that can mix to form a range of yellows.

c) Type of ink technology used

The type of ink technology your printer uses could also factor into your decision. For instance, the best large-format printer for photographers today uses inkjet technology that provides great results and peak performance with every project.

d) Connectivity options and paper media compatibility

Your printer should also be able to connect with computers, smartphones, and other devices to allow for convenient printing within your existing tech setup. Additionally, the ideal large-format photo printer should be able to print the specific image format you want to use in photo-editing and printing software.

e) Workflow integration with common photography software

The best large-format printer for photographers will also work with your photography software to allow for seamless workflows. This software could include everything from Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to Pixlr, Luminar, and other popular types of software.

What are the best large-format printers for photographers?

When you're searching for the best large-format photo printer for you, here are our top picks based on the options and quality they offer:

1. HP DesignJet Z Series

The HP DesignJet Z Series printers are among the most dependable HP large-format photo printers available, with multiple options in this line to give you what you need for each print job.

Key features:

• Expansive ink pigment systems of up to 9 pigments
• HP’s dual-drop technology produces a combination of large drop sizes for robust area fills at fast speeds
• Achieve smooth colour transitions with HP Pixel Control
• Large 300-ml ink cartridges
• Professional photo print quality
• Automatic roll feeds
• Touchscreen displays
• Wireless printing option available via HP Click and HP Smart app for iOS and Android

Main advantages to photographers:
Depending on your needs, you can choose from multiple printers in the Z Series that can meet your needs, each with different specs that can help you meet your specific requirements as a photographer. These printers are particularly helpful in producing top-quality professional-grade prints.

2. HP DesignJet T850/T950

Another great option on the list of the best large-format printers for photographers is the HP DesignJet T850/T950 plotter series, which offer all sorts of benefits for photographers.

Key features:

• 2,400 x 1,200 dpi for superior resolution
• Prints multi-size prints from half size to D size without having to manually change from roll to sheets
• One of the most compact plotters available in the industry
• Many printing options available, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, and HP Click

Main advantages to photographers:
This large-format photo printer is ideal for printing all types of photos with professional-level quality, along with architect and engineering drawings, and many other projects. It's easy to use and efficient, with excellent printing capabilities that make it ideal for many photography projects.

3. HP DesignJet Studio

The HP DesignJet Studio is a popular large-format photo printer that's available in either 24" or 36" models.

Key features:

• Fast print speed up to 26 sec/page on D
• 1 GB of internal memory
• First net carbon-neutral HP DesignJet plotter¹
• Aesthetically pleasing wood or steel finish

Main advantages to photographers:
This plotter printer is easy to use and highly accessible, with the ability to print high-quality photos from virtually anywhere with the HP Smart app. It can also print very efficiently, depending on the level of quality of your print. Additionally, it's easy to set up and allows for simple control. That's why it features on many lists of the best large-format printer for photographers.

Reach out to HP to meet your large-format photography printer needs

When you're searching for the best-large format printer for photographers, HP’s large-format photo printers can give you everything you need. When you turn to us, you'll be able to choose from a range of reliable large-format printers and plotters based on your unique printing needs.

HP offers reliable customer support and maintenance services
Not only can you find the best large-format printer for photographers with HP, but you'll also have access to top-tier customer support and maintenance as needed to keep your printer running the way it should. Regardless of the issue you might be facing, we're here to help resolve it.

If you have any questions about our large-format printers or want help with finding the best model for your photography practice, then contact PSW Paper & Print today

Footnotes

1. HP is reducing the carbon footprint of printing through carbon reduction initiatives such as energy efficiency, reduced packaging, and use of recycled plastics. The HP DesignJet Studio Printer is the first HP DesignJet where HP has offset the remaining carbon impact due to raw material extraction and processing, printer manufacturing and transportation, as well as electricity, paper, and cartridge use in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol https://www.carbonneutral.com/how/carbonneutral-protocol