Large-format digital printing, sometimes called wide-format printing, is a type of printing that accepts a print roll width of over 18 inches (46 cm). 

 

Large-format printing is used to print banners, posters, trade show displays, vehicle wraps, and much more.

 

Business owners use large format printing to drive traffic to their business, promote sales, advertise events, and build their brand.. Almost every business will use large format printing at one point or another–and many could benefit from using it more often! 

 

Physical media like inks, paper, and vinyl are still used in large-format digital printing; the “digital” refers to how the printing is processed. Large-format digital printing uses computer-controlled printing machines – commonly known as printers – to give print companies perfect control over the final product. 

Types Of Printers Used For Large-Format Digital Printing

Roller Printers

Roller printers, also known as roll-to-roll printers, feed flexible media like vinyl, paper, or fabric through rollers. This design allows large-format printing companies to keep their flexible media in a rolled cylinder, saving space and allowing ink to be printed onto those flexible materials in a continuous feed.

 

Several different types of inks are used in roller printers; latex inks and eco-solvent inks are both commonly used for durability and because they’re better for the environment. 

Flatbed Printers

Flatbed printers are used to print on inflexible media like metal or glass. In a flatbed table printer, UV inks are commonly used because they can cure instantly on rigid media; simply insert the media, print, and within moments, you have a beautiful sign. 

Understanding The Large-Format Digital Printing Process

Here’s how large-format printing works: 

 

Every project starts with a detailed design process. Every inch of a material printed with large-format printing technology can have hundreds of dots of ink; how many you’ll need will depend on the intended viewing distance of the materials you’re printing.

 

Why use a lower DPI for larger materials? A big reason is file size; the more details a piece has per inch, the greater the workload. With very large media, you could have files that are well over a terabyte in size, more than just about any commercial printer could handle. 

 

The level of precision required means that print shops require very specific file formats and layouts before printing can begin. A compressed or low-quality file can result in blurry or unfinished-looking printed material; that’s totally unacceptable in advertising. Quality must come first.

 

The design process will also involve helping you choose the right materials and inks for your project. 

 

Once the design process is completed and the files are properly formatted, the print shop will ready the printer, then print the materials. Depending on the inks and media used, curing time, lamination, and other work may be required before your printed materials are ready to use. 

Why Choose Large-Format Digital Printing?

Tangibility & Impact

Digital ads can be easy to write off; people have ad-blockers, and those that don’t are bombarded by countless digital ads every day. 

 

Large-format printing is a little different. A great poster, banner, or sign can catch someone’s attention and reward their curiosity, especially if it’s placed against an otherwise bland background. You can also position your printed materials right next to your brick-and-mortar store or trade show booth, so calls-to-action are immediately actionable. 

Targeting Specific Markets More Effectively

Printed materials are not launched into the vast online void; they’re intentionally placed in areas to maximize their impact. In most cases, that’s outside of a business or a trade show booth. You can also place printed materials in a store in order to highlight certain products or draw attention to a sale or service.

 

Common Applications Of Large-Format Digital Printing

Posters

Posters of all kinds can be made with large-format printers: Event posters, political posters, advertisements, and more. Unlike the posters you might see on your local telephone pole, large-format posters are big; they can occupy large spaces on walls, creating an eye-catching way to advertise. 

Banners

Banners are everywhere; there are pop-up banners, flag banners, retractable banners, and hanging banners, and all of them are created using large-format printers. You can use banners at trade shows, for in-store events, for festivals, and so much more – you just need the right materials for your banner and the right banner stand construction. 

 

You’ll see banners at trade shows like The Building Conference, at events like Winnipeg Comiccon, and even at large festivals like Folklarama, where sponsors use banners to build brand awareness and connection with our communities. 

Window Clings

Window clings are an eye-catching way for businesses to advertise; businesses with sensitive or regulated products or services can also use those clings to block the line of sight into their business while promoting themselves. 

Vehicle Wraps

Vehicle wraps are large-format prints that cover part of or all of the body of a vehicle. They’re not just for making vehicles look unique, either; they’re versatile marketing materials that can boost your brand and customer base 24 hours a day. You can see vehicle wraps in Winnipeg almost anywhere you look, from the suburbs to the downtown core; they’re extremely effective forms of advertising. Start counting them, and you’ll be amazed! 

Large-Format Digital Printing Services We Offer

Our large-format printing services are incredibly comprehensive; we print signs, banners, decals, window graphics, vehicle wraps, and more. Have a large print in mind that you want to bring to life? Contact SpeedPro Winnipeg North today!