Many people have a misconception that a wide format printer is a very expensive device and that his/her business doesn’t have room for one in their budget. A couple of years ago that thinking would have been correct. Wide format printers used to go for over $15,000! It was considered a specialty item and outsourcing prints was far less expensive. However, that is not the case today. The cost of a wide format printer is far more reasonable than you think.
What is a Wide Format Printer?
Before we dive into the costs, let’s define what a wide format printer is. A wide format printer, also known as a large format printer, is a computer-controlled printer that prints on large paper sizes. Most often, these devices print on roll paper, however, many have the capability to print on large sheets of paper as well. Wide format printers can support a paper or roll width of 18” up to 100”.
Applications for a Wide Format Printer
A wide format printer can be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to:
- Drawings
- Bulletins
- Banners
- Maps
- Line Drawings
- Blueprints
- Aerial Photos
- Informational Graphics
- Ink Transparencies
The intended use of your wide format printer will play a large part in what type of wide format device you need and how much it will cost.
Factors that Impact the Cost of the Device
There are several items that impact the cost of a wide format printer, such as:
- Roll-fed, sheet-fed or both
- Paper size
- Compatible media types
- Applications being produced
- Scanning functionality
- Color preferences/number of inks
- Auto paper loader
- 2 paper roll capability
The number of inks and size capability of the device make the largest impact on the price.
How much does a wide format printer cost?
The factors above will have an impact to the cost, however, here is a general guide to give you an idea of what a device could cost.
| Level of Printer | Maximum Width | Number of Inks | Price Range |
| Basic printer | 24” to 36” | 5 color | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Mid-range printer | 24” to 44” | 5 color | $4,000 – $10,500 |
| Production printer | 44” to 60” | 8 color | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Fine art printer | 24” to 60” | 12 color | $3,000 – $12,000 |
Basic and Mid-range
The basic and mid-range printers are best suited for schools, churches, business offices, and architects. Most basic and mid-range printers are compatible with the scanning add-on. Typical applications include:
- General use
- Signage
- Posters
- Line drawings
Production
The production level printers have impressive speeds and work well in print shops and specialty stores. Typical applications include:
- Production signage
- Infographics
- Posters
Fine art
Fine art printers are the top level. These devices have 12 ink colors, enabling them to produce excellent quality documents. Typical applications include
- Photography
- Proofing
- Fine art production
Additional Costs
The costs associated with a wide format printer don’t end after the initial purchase. A few additional costs include:
- Media/paper
- Ink
- Maintenance
Please note, because wide format printers use inkjet technology, there is a possibility that the nozzles of the printhead will get plugged. Often, a simple printhead cleaning will fix this. However, sometimes the printheads must be replaced. Depending on the manufacturer of your wide format device, this replacement may require a certified technician. This is an additional expense to be prepared for.
Cost of Prints
The cost of printing in-house will vary depending on the size of the paper, the paper type, how much ink is used, etc. However, to give you an idea of what a print may cost in-house compared to outsourced, here are two examples:
Outsourced
| Type of Print | Paper Type | Paper Size | Cost |
| B&W Line Drawing PDF | 20lb Bond Paper | 24” x 36” | $3.78 |
| Color Poster Restaurant Sign | Satin Photo Paper | 24” x 36” | $30.00 |
In-House
| Type of Print | Paper Type | Paper Size | Cost |
| B&W Line Drawing PDF | 20lb Bond Paper | 24” x 36” | $0.30 |
| Color Poster Restaurant Sign | Satin Photo Paper | 24” x 36” | $4.38 |
As you can see, the cost of printing large format documents in-house is much less compared to outsourcing your prints. Of course, there is a cost associated with purchasing a wide format device. However, you can quickly make up for that expense by bringing your outsourced prints in-house.
To discover exactly how much a wide format device will cost your business, we recommend contacting a wide format print specialist. A specialist can help match you with the ideal printer for your business needs.