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Five key factors to consider when choosing your next wide-format printer Having worked with Canon Canada for the last 14 years as National Manager, Large Format Printers, I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the largest and smallest print shops in Canada. Each segment is different and has its own needs. Over the past 20 years, large-format printing has developed into a very profitable sector for many of the shops that have carefully monitored their customers’ needs. There’s no denying that the printing industry has suffered during the 2020 pandemic, but the good news is that, according to KeyPoint Intelligence reports, the outlook is expected to improve soon.
operation, here are some key factors to consider. I want to thank Grimco and Epson for allowing me to interview them to better understand the needs of their customers. Questions may be different for someone looking to upgrade a large-format printer, as opposed to someone just starting off with a new large-format printer – but you can use this article as a checklist.
Having the right equipment and workflow, and offering customers the ability to place, approve and track their orders online, will greatly help print companies survive. So, when considering to add or upgrade a large-format printer to your printing
• What type of jobs do I expect to be running?
20 | Spring 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE
Here are the five factors I believe you should consider: Applications • Will this new large-format printer meet my current needs?
• What is your target market or area of focus for your business? • Do I need print for indoor or outdoor
applications – or both? • Will the printer handle all of my current applications in regards to print quality and speed, and do it economically? • Are there jobs you currently turn away or need to outsource? • Can the printer hit all the colours you need it to achieve, such as specific Pantone colours? • Does the printer print white or silver, and will this be a future requirement? • Does the new printer allow me to grow my business? • Is the new printer versatile enough to allow me to evolve into new applications beyond my current core business? • Can the printer handle the volume of work if I increase my business?
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