July 19, 2024

What Does Large-Format Printing Mean?

When we say Big Ideas. No Limits.™, we truly mean BIG Ideas. While we’ve grown to boast an entire array of services – project management, design, 3D engineering, prepress, printing, cutting, fabrication, finishing, fulfillment, and installation – our roots are in large-format printing.  

Infinity Images has three large-format digital printers that print up to 126 inches wide by virtually unlimited length and one specialty printer for more complex projects. We're known for our advanced digital printing capabilities, but more accurately, we’re known for printing beautifully sharp details and consistently repeatable colors at larger-than-life sizes. But what does “large-format printing” actually mean? How should you know if we’re the right kind of printer for your project? We’re glad you asked.

 

SIZE

Large-format printing involves printing on diverse types of materials that come in large sheets or rolls. As indicated above, we have four specialized state-of-the-art printers that are capable of printing up to 126 inches wide by virtually unlimited length. Earlier this year we printed our longest continuous graphic yet: 160 feet long AND double-sided! If you’re hoping to print in bulk on letter-size, legal-size, or tabloid-size paper, we’re probably not the printer for you.

 

APPLICATIONS

Banners, wallcoverings, window and floor graphics, vehicle wraps, trade show graphics, billboards, backdrops, commercial upholstery, and other large signage are our bread and butter. High-end specialized large-format printers are not designed for small to medium-sized projects like flyers, business cards, brochures, newsletters, and books. While we could technically produce small items like business cards and flyers, it’s not cost-effective, and we generally refer those inquiries elsewhere. The only exception is if a client requests small, printed components in conjunction with other large pieces, like product pricing signage as part of a multifaceted retail display.

MATERIALS

While quick digital print shops typically only use standard paper or cardstock as the printing substrate, our large-format printers can print on almost any material up to two inches in thickness. So, in addition to paper and cardstock, our machines can also accommodate acrylic, corrugated plastic, vinyl, metal, aluminum composite panels, wood, canvas, translucent film, foam board, turf, glass, and polyester fabrics. We also make sure to stock a wide variety of eco-friendly material options to help our clients meet their sustainability goals.

 

COLOR-MATCHING & SPECIALTY EFFECTS

We have four presses with different capabilities that are all calibrated for precise color-matching across machines and materials. This means that if a client wants two branded signs on different substrates, their brand colors will still match. We can also print white ink on any material – this ensures crisp details and vibrant colors – and can print multiple ink layers on the same material (e.g., color-white, color-white-color, color-white-black-white-color). Finally, to achieve texture and dimension, we offer gloss, neon, and matte spot varnish, as well as raised-ink printing.

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