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 optimize 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 colors.
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 colors 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 colors, 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 colors 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. Reach out to us today to find the solution that's best suited to your needs.
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