It can be tricky when deciding whether a large format laser printer or inkjet printer is the right choice for your projects.
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It’s crucial when weighing up laser vs inkjet printers, that you consider exactly what it is you’ll be printing, how often you’ll be printing it, and what your budget is, both for the upfront costs of the printer itself and the long-term upkeep.
Luckily, we’ve created a guide to help you choose the perfect large format printer.
Large format laser printers melt toner powder onto paper, creating a print. Laser printers like the JETRIX LXi8 UV-LED Printer are a more eco-friendly option, with quick print speeds and long-lasting internal technology. Large format laser printers are used across a wide range of industries and are able to print on a vast selection of both coated and uncoated media including paper, PVC, vinyl and glass.
The laser within the printer creates an electrostatic charge, which transfers toner powder onto the paper’s surface, which is then bonded to the page using heat.
Large format inkjet printers create vibrant, high quality-coloured images and text documents.
Models such as the Canon IPF PRO- are generally used in industries such as photography, graphic design, architecture, engineering and commercial printing – delivering crisp, clear images and rich colours.
Inkjet printers use liquid ink, transferred by a print head that uses dozens of micro-nozzles to deposit microscopic drops of ink onto the paper, producing crisp, clear and precise imagery.
The quality of a laser vs inkjet printer depends entirely on what it is you’ll be printing.
While it is a common misconception that laser printers are exclusively best for black and white printing, advancements in technology now mean that laser printers are capable of producing impressive medium-quality-coloured images.
However, for those looking to print high-resolution photos or images, inkjet printers still win over laser but may not be a budget-friendly choice if your primary printing needs are document-based.
Inkjet printers at the lower end of your budget are likely to run slower than a typical laser printer, but that isn’t to say all inkjet printers are inherently slow.
When comparing higher-end, office-level inkjets with colour laser AIOs of a similar nature, their speeds are much more closely matched.
However, when looking at bulk printing, laser printers are built for speed. On average, laser printers can print between 15 – 100 pages/minute, whereas average inkjet printers sit at around 16 pages/minute.
When looking at upfront costs, inkjet printers can, at a glance, seem like the go-to option, with much lower initial costs than laser printers.
However, cheaper inkjet printers can incur a significantly high cost per page thanks to uneconomic cartridges.
Laser printers also tend to have a longer life span depending on the frequency of use. Laser toner cartridges are pricier than inkjet cartridges however, they print significantly more pages than any inkjet cartridge, saving you money in the long term.
Inkjet printers are typically more compact in size and quieter in terms of noise output. Laser printers are usually bulkier and can be quite loud.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of large format printer ink. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
When it comes down to which printer is best, it all depends on what you’ll be using the printer for.
Choosing the right printing technology is crucial for optimizing your business’s operations and budget.
One of the primary distinctions in large format printers is the type of printing technology they utilize—toner vs. ink large format printers.
So, if you’re just beginning your buying journey for a large format printer, the most critical question to answer early on is, “Should I be shopping for a toner-based large format printer and an ink-based large format printer?”
In this blog post, we’ll explain the main differences, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs.
Toner and ink serve the same fundamental purpose—creating images and text on paper—but their methods and outcomes vary greatly.
Inkjet printers use liquid ink sprayed in microscopic droplets onto paper, ideal for high-detail graphic outputs.
Conversely, laser printers use fine powder toner that creates durable and fast-drying prints through a heat transfer process.
Ink formulations typically include a blend of dyes or pigments and various additives that enhance printing quality and maintain ink fluidity.
On the other hand, toner is a polymer-based powder that offers precision and efficiency and is especially suited for high-volume printing tasks.
The decision between toner and ink ultimately hinges on your specific printing requirements:
If your monthly print needs are below 10,000 square feet, inkjet large format printers might be the more cost-effective choice despite the higher cost per square foot ($0.025) due to their lower upfront costs and high-quality outputs suitable for detailed designs.
Toner-based large-format printers are more advantageous for volumes between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet per month. Toner’s cost efficiency ($0.011 per square foot) becomes evident in larger-scale operations, offering significant long-term savings.
To be clear, it’s rare for a business to have the minimum print volume required for a toner-based printer. For most companies in Southern California, purchasing this machine doesn’t make financial sense since the upfront costs are much higher.
Selecting between ink and toner for your large format printing needs depends on various factors, including your typical print volume, the quality of prints required, and overall budget considerations. Both ink and toner have distinct advantages that can effectively serve different business needs.
To navigate these choices and find the perfect match for your business, consider consulting with a large format printing expert.
At Steven Enterprises, we specialize in guiding businesses through these decisions, ensuring you invest wisely in technology that meets your specific requirements.
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