While standard-sized documents (e.g., 8.5” x 11”, 11” x 17”) or variations thereof comprise the bulk of printed material, there is often a need for items too big to be printed on conventional offset presses. Large (or wide) format printing is the generic term used to categorize these kinds of print materials.
Large Format Items
Of course, “large” is a relative term because maximum size varies from printer to printer. However, common large format items are:
- Posters
- Wall Maps, Charts or Diagrams
- Signs
- Point of Sale Displays
- Wall Calendars
- Trade Show Displays
- Banners (Horizontal or Vertical)
While there is no set dimension that qualifies an item as large, in most instances any dimension of a printed piece that exceeds 36″ will likely require specialty equipment to print. Also, the type of substrate to be printed plays an important role. There are commercial web offset presses that can print paper stock up to 82” in width. However, those presses can only handle lightweight paper stock (like newsprint) and can’t print on heavier paper or card stock.
There are large format printing devices that can print on a variety of substrates (e.g., vinyl, plastic, cloth, etc.) and at particularly large sizes. The quantity of an item needed also plays a significant role. Typically, a large format printing device can produce items in one-offs or small quantities (i.e., 10 or fewer). If larger quantities are needed, a different printing device may necessitate an adjustment or reduction in size of the piece to be printed.
Most large format items are intended to be hung flat on a wall or surface, but in some instances, it’s possible to fold an item to create a free-standing piece.
If you have any questions about large format printing, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
