Without a lot of resources, small companies need affordable printing solutions to support their growth and cater to new customers. Print shops, in particular, often require large-format printing equipment to ensure efficient operations. However, saving on costs for large-format printing can be challenging due to the usually high upfront expenses involved. One thing that can help you is finding the best budget plotter printer for your startup print shop, and today, we will lead you in the right direction.
How Do Print Shops Apply Plotter Printing?
Before giving our recommendations, let’s talk about how you can get the most value out of plotter printers. Here are some of the most common products created with large-format printing equipment:
1. Signage and Banners
Paper signage and banners require large-format printing solutions to create high-quality images on a large scale. These are perfect for promoting businesses, deals, products, and more. A plotter printer that offers a range of sizes (including extremely large printouts) will be ideal for creating signage that stands out.
2. Promotional and Marketing Materials
Many promotional and marketing materials depend on high-performing but inexpensive wide-format printing solutions. For instance, posters and displays could supplement trade show booth signage, showcasing a brand, offer, or specific products or services.
3. General Large-Format Copying and Printing
Large-format printing is also useful for copying or printing high-quality signage, posters, and banners. This can serve a wide range of needs, from professional to personal, and is a valuable offering for small print shops.
4. Independent Design and Photography
Photographers and graphic designers often need large-format prints with high resolution and colour accuracy. Reliable, budget-friendly plotter printers allow for high-quality prints, making them essential to catering to creative professionals.
How to Choose the Best Budget Plotter for Large-Format Printing
If you want to maintain a tight budget while expanding your printing shop operations, choosing the right plotter printer is key. Here’s how you can make an informed decision:
1. Conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis
Start by determining your budget and the benefits you need from a plotter printer. Look for a solution that allows you to print large formats affordably while delivering quality prints and efficiency.
2. Weigh in on Your Printing Shop Needs
Each print shop has its unique requirements. Consider these factors when choosing the best plotter printer for your business: Printing Speed, Image Resolution, Size of Documents, Connectivity Options
3. Determine the ROI on the Printer
It’s essential to assess the return on investment (ROI) for your plotter printer. The cost of purchasing and maintaining the printer should be considered in light of how much profit your print shop will generate from using it. A printer that provides quality and efficiency at a reasonable cost will pay off in the long run.
Recommendations for the Best Budget Plotter Printer for Small Print Shops
To help you determine the best budget plotter printer for your print shop, here are some top recommendations that combine affordability with reliability:
1. Canon TM-200
The Canon TM-200 is an excellent option for print shops looking for a budget-friendly solution without quality taking a backseat.
Pros: The TM-200 is a 24-inch plotter that delivers fast and affordable printing. It can print up to 24” at speeds of 35 seconds per page on size D paper. This translates to approximately 68 D prints per hour, making it ideal for smaller print volumes. It also comes with optional accessories, such as an automatic sheet feeder and a stand.
Cons: This printer is suitable for businesses with moderate printing needs, but if you require faster speeds or larger prints, you may want to consider other models in the T200 series.
2. Canon TM-300
If you need faster print speeds without sacrificing affordability, the Canon TM-300 is another excellent option
Pros: The TM-300 offers all the features of the TM-200, including 24” print capability, but with even faster speeds. It can print a D-size page in 30 seconds, equating to 76 D prints per hour. This model is perfect for businesses that require quick turnarounds on smaller print jobs
Cons: This printer is ideal for high-speed operations, but if your print shop requires larger print sizes or faster output, you might want to look at other models or plotter brands.
Tips for Optimising Large-Format Printing on a Low Budget
Here are a few tips to help you reduce printing expenses:
Print Strategically: Keep track of all your printing activities, including ink usage, paper types , and the number of prints. This data can help you optimise your wide-format printing operations for cost savings.
Utilise Draft Mode: Many printers come with a “draft” mode, which uses less ink for prints that don’t require high resolution. This is especially useful for basic prints.
Summing It Up
Finding a plotter printer on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or performance. With the right approach, you can discover affordable solutions for your print shop that meet your large-format printing needs without compromising quality.
By carefully evaluating your needs and choosing the best budget printer, you can ensure your print shop remains efficient and profitable. If you need further assistance in selecting the best commercial office printer or any other printing equipment for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to Direct Office Machines' experts in the field.
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