If you’ve ever outsourced a poster, blueprint, or large signage print job, you know the wait times, costs, and lack of control can be frustrating. But bringing those jobs in-house isn’t just for creative agencies or architecture firms anymore—many businesses are discovering that investing in a wide format printer opens up opportunities they hadn’t considered.

What is a wide format printer, and who needs one?

A wide format printer can handle prints typically between 18 and 100 inches wide, making it ideal for banners, signage, detailed technical drawings, maps, and more. But these printers aren’t limited to traditional use cases. Organizations across industries—from education to manufacturing—are turning to wide format devices for their versatility and impact.

Some common use cases include:

What do blueprints, CAD files, and technical schematics have in common? They’re all oversized, complex, and critical—and managing them is a uniquely high-stakes challenge. For engineering, construction, and manufacturing firms, traditional document systems often fall short. That’s where specialized document management comes in.

Why engineering files need more than basic storage

Unlike standard PDFs or Word docs, engineering drawings come with their own set of demands. They’re often large in file size, formatted in specialized software, and may go through dozens of revisions before final approval. Managing them through email chains or scattered folder systems can lead to costly mistakes.

Document management systems tailored to technical drawings do more than just store files—they keep your projects on track.

When most people think of wide format printers, they picture architectural blueprints and engineering schematics. But the technology behind these printers has evolved far beyond technical drawings, offering businesses in unexpected industries a powerful tool for creativity, efficiency, and growth.

Who Can Benefit from Wide Format Printing?

While construction and design firms still rely on wide format printers, many other industries are discovering their potential:

Business success is as much about adaptability as it is growth. As technology evolves, regulations shift, and remote work becomes the norm, companies need strategies that keep them ahead of change. A strong document management system (DMS) is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your business against uncertainty.

Eliminating Bottlenecks and Inefficiencies

Outdated filing systems and scattered digital documents slow down productivity. Employees waste time searching for files, correcting errors, or navigating approval bottlenecks. A document management system centralizes storage, enables quick retrieval, and automates workflows. Whether it's HR processing new hire paperwork or finance tracking invoices, a DMS ensures documents move efficiently through their lifecycle.

Not all printing jobs fit neatly onto standard paper sizes. When businesses need to produce banners, blueprints, signage, or oversized graphics, wide format printing delivers unmatched versatility. But what sets it apart beyond size?

1. Precision and Detail at a Larger Scale

Printing at a larger scale doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Modern wide format printers, like those from Ricoh, use advanced inkjet technology to produce high-resolution images with exceptional clarity. Whether it’s fine architectural details on blueprints or vibrant marketing graphics, these printers ensure every detail is crisp, even on oversized materials.

2. Diverse Material Compatibility

Unlike standard office printers, wide format printers can handle a variety of media beyond paper. This flexibility allows businesses to print on: