Oversized Printing: Attaining the Best Value on Long Runs of Large Posters, Charts, and Wall Maps
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.
Because wide format ink-jet printers are specifically designed for short run
print projects, they are not geared for speed. Also, like all digital printers,
the production cost is the same per sheet whether you produce a single print or
500 prints. This means there likely won't be a sizeable unit price decrease as
the order quantity increases.
Even though a wide format digital ink-jet printer is a great option for
producing short runs of large prints, it is not an efficient or economical
option for printing long production runs. Why? Because these printers have a
relatively slow output rate and the production cost per unit remains fairly
constant regardless of order quantity. In other words, long production runs can
be prohibitively expensive.
How Can I Attain the Best Value for Long Production Runs?
Offset Printing has always provided the best value for longer production runs, such as 500 units or more. With
offset printing, the unit cost goes down dramatically as the run size
increases.
Traditional offset printing technology uses a series of rollers that transfer an
inked image from a printing plate onto a rubber blanket. The image on the
rubber blanket is then rolled onto the sheet of paper. Offset printing gets its name because the ink
is not transferred directly from the plate to the paper. Rather, the image is "offset"
onto the rubber blanket and then onto the paper.
Unlike a digital printer, an offset printing press requires custom-made printing
plates, longer prep time and more preliminary adjustments to establish a smooth
production run. These plate charges and higher set-up costs would inflate the
unit cost of a small production run because they cannot be effectively
distributed over a limited number of pieces.
However, as the order quantity increases to 500, 1000, or more, offset printing
becomes the most cost-effective production method by far. Even though the
set-up costs of an offset press run are greater than those associated with a
digital production run, a larger order allows these higher initial costs to be
distributed across more units.
Once an offset press is up and running, the actual cost of applying ink to
paper is substantially less than that of a digital printer, which makes offset
printing the ideal choice when larger quantities are needed. The larger the
order, the cheaper each printed piece becomes.
Are All Offset Presses Capable of Producing Large Format Printing?
No. Even though offset printing is the most affordable method for producing
long production runs, there are actually very few commercial print shops that
have offset presses big enough to produce extra large prints. Fortunately, Formax
Printing offers offset printing in sizes up to 50" x 72", which will
accommodate the majority of poster, chart, and wall map projects (for indoor
use).
So, whether you have a need for 500, 5000 or 50,000 oversized prints, give Formax
Printing a call at 866-367-6221 and we'll be happy to discuss your upcoming project.
Or, if you already know your specs, click here to submit our easy quote request
form. As always, we look forward to working with you!
Take care! Rick
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