Printer Plotters

Find the best deal in large format printing solutions

A printer plotter can save you thousands of dollars over hiring an outside printing firm if you need to generate large printed materials on a regular basis.

Large format printers run the gamut in quality and price, from inexpensive pin-impact printer plotters, to high-resolution sheet-fed ink jet plotters that reproduce poster-size photographs in stunning detail.

When shopping for printer plotters for business, usage and purpose should take precedence, with price being an important but secondary consideration. Key points to consider are:

1. Volume and quality of prints needed.
2. Maximum plotter width.
3. Ease of use and/or ability to locate replacement printer plotter parts.

Know that quality comes with a price tag

Blueprints and monochrome renderings print easily on large format printers that use inexpensive impact-pin technology to print large sheets of drawings, charts and data. As the quality increases so does the price. Color inkjet technology reproduces a high level of detail in color-calibrated output.

Choose the widest printer plotter you can afford

You might use a narrower setting 80% of the time but choose a business plotter printer for the widest sheets you will reasonably be printing. Weigh the price difference between widths against the cost to have the largest sizes printed by a professional printer. The exception is when you occasionally need a super-size print in the "grand format" printing range. Unless you use a grand format printer often, opt for a regular plotter.

Find affordable plotter printers

Let's face it--purchasing a printer plotter is a major investment for many businesses. Depending upon your needs, used or refurbished plotter printers may be just the ticket. Manufacturers will refurbish plotters returned by customers and offer limited warranties with purchase. Buying a used plotter from a private party is more risky so be sure to ask for a demonstration before clinching the deal.

• Inquire with the reseller about the cost of replacement ink or toner and their policy towards on-site repairs.

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