Many businesses send plans, drawings and posters to an external printer because wide-format printing is assumed to require expensive or complicated equipment.
Modern wide-format printers are more accessible than they once were. Compact A1 models can fit on a desk or stand, while larger A0 machines can provide printing, scanning and copying in one device.
If your business regularly orders wide-format prints, it may be worth comparing outsourcing with the convenience of printing them yourself.
When Outsourcing Becomes Inconvenient
Outsourcing can work well for occasional printing, but repeated orders can create unnecessary delays and costs.
The total expense may include:
- Charges for each print
- Delivery or collection
- Minimum order fees
- Urgent turnaround charges
- Reprinting revised plans
- Staff time spent arranging orders
Plans and technical drawings also change frequently. A small revision can mean submitting another order and waiting for a replacement before work continues.
What Is In-House Wide-Format Printing Like?
Using a current wide-format printer is generally similar to using a normal office printer. Once the printer is set up, staff can send PDF plans, drawings, maps or posters directly from a computer.
Many models include touchscreens, automatic paper cutting and support for both roll paper and individual sheets.
Printing internally means your team can:
- Produce plans when they are needed
- Print another copy without placing a new order
- Reprint revised drawings immediately
- Keep sensitive documents within the business
- Create posters, maps and internal signage as required
The main requirement is choosing the correct printer size and deciding whether scanning and copying are needed.
Do You Need A1 or A0?
A1 paper measures 594 × 841 mm. A1 printers generally support media up to approximately 24 inches or 610 mm wide.
An A1 printer is suitable for many plans, technical drawings, diagrams, posters and classroom materials. Compact models such as the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 and Epson SureColor T3160 can provide A1 printing without requiring a large dedicated print room.
A0 measures 841 × 1189 mm and has twice the surface area of A1. A0 printers generally support media approximately 36 inches or 914 mm wide.
An A0 printer may be more appropriate for construction companies, engineers, architects and other businesses that need full-size plans to remain at their original scale.
Print-Only or Multifunction?
A print-only model may be sufficient if your plans arrive as digital files and only need to be printed.
A multifunction model adds wide-format scanning and copying. This can be useful when paper plans need to be digitised, emailed, archived, marked up or reproduced.
The Epson SureColor T3160M provides A1 printing, scanning and copying, while the larger T5160M supports A0 workflows. Single-function alternatives are also available for businesses that do not need a scanner.
Compare the Full Cost
To determine whether an in-house printer makes sense, review what your business has spent on external wide-format printing over the past 6 to 12 months.
Include printing charges, delivery, collection, urgent jobs and repeated prints following revisions. This can then be compared with the cost of a suitable printer, ink and paper.
Businesses that only require a few prints each year may still prefer to outsource. However, when plans are ordered regularly or turnaround time matters, having a printer available in the workplace can be simpler and more economical than expected.
Hunter Office Technology can help you compare A1 and A0 models, print-only and multifunction options, media handling and ongoing ink requirements.
Explore our wide-format printers or contact Hunter Office Technology for advice on a suitable option.