When we produce posters, charts, wall maps, or other large prints, the order quantity usually helps determine the most cost-effective production method. For small runs, a wide format ink-jet printer is often the best choice. This type of printer works much like the desktop ink-jet printers found in many homes and offices, but it is built to print on much larger sheets. Because wide format ink-jet printers are designed for short-run projects, they are not made for high-speed production. Like other digital printers, the cost per sheet stays about the same whether we print one piece or 500. That means there is usually not a big drop in unit price as the quantity increases.
While wide format digital ink-jet printing is a strong option for short runs of large prints, it is not the best choice for long production runs. The reason is simple: the output is relatively slow, and the cost per piece stays fairly steady no matter how many you order. For large quantities, that can make the total cost much higher than expected.
When looking to produce posters, charts, wall maps or other large prints, the order quantity is generally what determines the most cost-effective production method for a particular project.
How Can We Get the Best Value for Long Production Runs?
Offset printing has long been the best value for larger print runs, especially when the quantity reaches 500 pieces or more. With offset printing, the unit cost drops significantly as the run size grows. Traditional offset printing uses a series of rollers to transfer an inked image from a printing plate to a rubber blanket. From there, the image is rolled onto the paper. It is called offset because the ink does not go directly from the plate to the paper. Instead, it is offset onto the blanket first, then onto the sheet.Unlike digital printing, offset printing requires custom plates, more setup time, and extra adjustments before production can begin. These setup costs can raise the price of a small run because they are spread across too few pieces. However, when the quantity increases to 500, 1,000, or more, offset printing becomes the most cost-effective option by far. Even though the setup costs are higher at the start, a larger order allows those costs to be spread over many more pieces. Once an offset press is running, the actual cost of printing each piece is much lower than with digital printing. That is why offset printing is usually the best choice for larger quantities. The bigger the order, the lower the cost per piece.
Can All Offset Presses Produce Large Format Printing?
No. Even though offset printing is often the most affordable option for long runs, not every print shop has presses large enough for oversized printing. Fortunately, we offer offset printing in sizes up to 50" x 72", which works well for many poster, chart, and wall map projects for indoor use.
So whether you need 500, 5,000, or 50,000 oversized prints, we are here to help. Call Formax Printing at 866-367-6221 to talk about your next project, or if you already know your specifications, submit our quote request form. We look forward to working with you.
Take care! Rick
