Are you considering adding wide format printing to your business but unsure which system best meets your needs? Wide format printers offer diverse applications across industries, from signage to fine art reproduction. The choice between roll-fed and flatbed systems depends on your business’s specific requirements and the types of materials you plan to print on. Here’s a closer look at each system to help guide your decision.

Roll-Fed Wide Format Printers: Flexibility for Long Prints

Roll-fed wide format printers, also known as roll-to-roll printers, use flexible materials fed from a roll. They are ideal for creating continuous designs and handling a range of flexible substrates.

Benefits of Roll-Fed Systems

• Versatile Material Compatibility: Roll-fed printers work well with vinyl, banners, textiles, and paper, making them a versatile choice for businesses producing signs, vehicle wraps, and posters.
• Efficient for Long Prints: If your projects often involve lengthy prints, such as banners or backlit displays, roll-fed printers can handle long, continuous runs without interruption.
• Compact Design: Roll-fed systems generally have a smaller footprint than flatbeds, saving valuable space in your work area.

Roll-fed printers are a solid choice for businesses focused on high-quality, flexible, and durable graphics on a range of materials.

Flatbed Wide Format Printers: Precision for Rigid Materials

Flatbed wide format printers are designed to print directly onto rigid substrates. Instead of feeding from a roll, flatbed systems use a flat surface to support materials, allowing for direct printing on items like wood, glass, metal, and foam board.

Benefits of Flatbed Systems

• Direct-to-Substrate Printing: Flatbed printers make it possible to print directly onto thicker, rigid materials, which is ideal for signage, packaging prototypes, or custom décor.
• Higher Precision: Flatbed printers provide excellent detail and accuracy, perfect for projects that require precise alignment and high-quality images on hard surfaces.
• Increased Efficiency: With flatbed systems, there’s no need for mounting materials to a secondary surface, streamlining the production process and saving time on labor.

Flatbed printers are ideal for businesses that need to produce durable, high-quality graphics directly on rigid materials.

Which System Is Right for You?

Choosing between roll-fed and flatbed wide format systems depends on the types of projects you typically produce. If your business frequently prints on flexible materials like vinyl or paper, a roll-fed system offers efficiency and flexibility. On the other hand, if your projects involve printing on rigid surfaces or require high levels of detail, a flatbed system may be the better investment.

Ready to Choose Your Wide Format Solution?

Selecting the right wide format printer can open new possibilities for your business. If you’re ready to explore your options or need guidance on which system best suits your needs, contact us. Our team is here to help you find the perfect wide format solution.