7 Best Large Format Printer: Canon and Richo for Vibrant Prints
Large format printers have revolutionized the printing world, offering capabilities far beyond standard printers. These large format printers enable the production of wide-format graphics, making them indispensable for businesses, artists, and photographers alike. In this blog post our main focus is from Canon and Richo, known for their high-quality outputs and wide-format printer capabilities.
Understanding Large Format Printers
Large format printers, or wide-format printers, are not just any printers; they are the titans of the printing world. Capable of handling media much larger than the traditional A4 or letter sizes, these printers can produce images and texts on a massive scale.
The journey of large format printing technology is a testament to innovation, evolving from the cumbersome plotter printer to today’s sleek, inkjet marvels. This evolution mirrors the growing demands for larger, more detailed prints across various industries.
Best Large Format Printer Models
Canon Colorado M-Series
Canon’s Colorado M-Series is revolutionizing the world of wide-format, roll-to-roll printing with its 64-inch models. These printers are not just fast; they’re smart, offering precise and consistent output every time. At the heart of the M-Series is Canon’s advanced UVgel technology, which uses a CMYK color scheme and offers an optional white ink for enhanced versatility. What makes UVgel standout is its ability to produce prints that are both odorless and dry instantly, combining the best of solvent ink’s vivid colors with the environmental friendliness and safety of latex and UV inks.
Canon didn’t stop at just innovative ink technology. The Colorado M-Series boasts UVgel printheads equipped with continuous nozzle monitoring. This means the system is constantly checking and correcting its nozzles to prevent any drop in print quality, ensuring your peace of mind. This patented technology utilizes acoustic sampling to preemptively identify and correct nozzle issues before they impact your prints.
But there’s more – the M-Series can also add a touch of finesse to your prints with its optional FLXfinish+ technology. This feature allows for printing in both matte and gloss finishes in a single pass, offering unprecedented flexibility and creativity in output options.
Economically, the M-Series stands out as well, offering up to a 40% reduction in ink and printing costs compared to other printers in the 64-inch roll-to-roll market. Designed for the rigors of high-volume printing environments, this series is built to last through high duty cycles without sacrificing performance.
The Canon Colorado M-Series is a powerful ally for businesses looking to produce high-quality, wide-format prints efficiently and cost-effectively, all while maintaining environmental safety and operational reliability.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO Series
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO series stands as a paragon for professionals who demand nothing less than exceptional print quality. This suite of large format printers is engineered to transcend the ordinary, harnessing a sophisticated pigment ink set that masterfully renders both the subtlest of hues and the deepest of shadows.
At the core of the imagePROGRAF PRO series’ prowess is the archival LUCIA PRO ink system, featuring 11-color inks plus a chroma optimizer. This cutting-edge ink technology, in concert with a built-in multi-sensor, guarantees unparalleled color consistency across individual prints and throughout an entire fleet of printers. Canon has further elevated the color management game with its color calibration management console, enabling users to achieve unprecedented levels of color uniformity and precision.
Available in sizes of 60, 44, and 24 inches, the imagePROGRAF PRO series offers a range of options to suit various professional needs and spaces. Whether for fine art, photography, or professional signage, these printers set a new benchmark for quality and performance in the large format printing domain.
Ricoh IM CW2200
The Ricoh IM CW2200 is a game-changer for professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction. Tailored to meet the specific demands of these industries, this printer excels at producing technical drawings, maps, planograms, CAD drawings, and blueprints. It brings your work to life in full color, ensuring crisp text and exceptionally fine lines that stand out in any presentation or project documentation.
What sets the Ricoh IM CW2200 apart is its innovative GEL-Jet technology. This technology is not just about delivering precision; it’s about ensuring your prints can withstand the test of time and environment. With UV-resistant and smudge-free inks, your projects remain vibrant and clear, regardless of weather conditions. The durability of these prints is unmatched, thanks to the waterproof nature of the ink, making it perfect for on-site use in any weather.
Achieving up to 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution, the Ricoh IM CW2200 ensures that every detail of your design is captured with razor-sharp clarity. Whether it’s the intricate lines of a technical drawing or the subtle gradients of a map, this printer doesn’t miss a beat, making it an indispensable tool for professionals who refuse to compromise on quality.
Ricoh Pro L5160e
The Ricoh Pro L5160e system is a powerhouse for those in the high-demand world of production, catering to a wide range of projects with its versatile 4-, 5-, or 6-color configurations. This includes the standard CMYK setup, with the option to add white or both orange and green inks, enhancing the printer’s ability to produce exceptionally vibrant hues and deep, rich blacks. Such a configuration is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, thanks to its roll-to-roll large format latex printing capabilities.
The introduction of high-opacity white latex ink by Ricoh is a game-changer, allowing for an expansion in printable media to include clear, dark, and colored substrates. This feature is particularly useful for creating stunning day/night backlit applications, preserving color integrity under CMYK, or adding an eye-catching spot color.
Moreover, the addition of orange and green inks not only enriches the color palette but also expands the traditional CMYK color gamut by an impressive 22 percent. This enhancement ensures the most accurate color match for all your projects, bringing to life the most vibrant hues imaginable.
Ricoh’s second-generation AR latex inks are designed with a high pigment-to-water ratio, ensuring bright, vivid colors and dense, rich blacks. These operator- and eco-friendly inks are cured as they exit the printer, ready for immediate finishing and handling, eliminating the need for out-gassing. Suitable for a wide array of media including vinyl, banners, canvas, and textiles, these inks ensure that your prints are not only beautiful but durable, whether displayed indoors or out.
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Photo Printer
In contrast, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 offers a blend of convenience and high-quality output, making it a favorite among professional photographers. This wireless powerhouse stands out with its ease of connectivity and superb color fidelity. Compared to the PRO-1000, the PIXMA PRO-200 shines in environments where speed and efficiency are paramount, without sacrificing the print quality Canon is known for.
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C8690 Printer
Epson’s WorkForce Pro WF-C8690 introduces an all-in-one solution to the large format printer market. Excelling in both print quality and versatility, this model is engineered for the bustling office setting. It’s not just about the prints but the running costs and connectivity options that make it a sensible choice for businesses looking to balance quality with economy.
HP Designjet Z9+ Printer
The HP Designjet Z9+ is a testament to what large format printers can achieve in terms of color and speed. Designed for professional studios and high-demand settings, this model offers unparalleled print quality and efficiency. It stands as a pinnacle of HP Designjet engineering, offering a suite of features that cater to the most rigorous printing needs.
The world of large format printers is rich with options, each tailored to meet specific demands and preferences. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a bustling office, or a high-demand print studio, the Canon and Richo models highlighted here offer a glimpse into the pinnacle of printing technology. As we move into 2024, these printers not only promise to keep up with the evolving demands of wide format printing but also to redefine what is possible, blending high-quality outputs with unparalleled efficiency and connectivity.
Buying Guide
Budget Considerations
When eyeing the best large format printer, it’s crucial to weigh the initial investment against the long-term operational costs. The upfront price tag of a wide-format printer can be steep, especially for models boasting high-quality prints and wide connectivity options.
However, the real insight comes from assessing running costs, including ink cartridges, maintenance, and print speed efficiency. For instance, inkjet printers with a high number of ink cartridges may offer vibrant prints but can escalate the cost per page. Therefore, a large-format printer that balances initial costs with economical long-term use emerges as a wise choice for businesses and professional photographers alike.
Support and Warranty
The importance of robust technical support and a comprehensive warranty cannot be overstated. A reliable support system ensures that any hiccup in printer operation can be swiftly addressed, minimizing downtime. Similarly, a comprehensive warranty protects your investment, covering critical components and sometimes even including preventive maintenance.
For high-quality printers like the Canon imagePROGRAF or HP DesignJet, manufacturer support significantly enhances the printer’s value proposition, ensuring that your printing needs are met without unexpected expenses. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially when relying on the printer for business-critical or high-demand projects.
What People Also Ask
What makes the best large format printer?
The best printer offers a blend of print quality, speed, and cost-efficiency. Ink system and connectivity are also key.
How do I maintain my large-format printer?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the printheads, checking ink levels, and using the right paper. Also, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can I compare the Canon imagePROGRAF with the HP DesignJet?
Yes, compare them by looking at print quality, speed, ink costs, and specific features like color accuracy and connectivity options.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of large-format printing, the quest for the best large-format printer is shaped by a mix of innovation, quality, and efficiency. From the versatile HP DesignJet series, known for its precision and reliability, to the Epson SureColor’s unmatched color accuracy and the robust Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 with its LUCIA PRO ink system, the options are vast.
The Ricoh Pro L5160e and IM CW2200 further highlight the industry’s move towards environmentally friendly inks and advanced color capabilities. In 2024, the focus remains on printers that offer wide connectivity, sublime color accuracy, and adaptability to a range of media sizes and types, ensuring that the best printers not only meet the current demands of professional photographers and businesses but set new benchmarks in quality and sustainability.
