More Niches for 36" Output Anticipated

In terms of investment in large-format printers, on the whole the numbers for creative professionals' investments haven't increased that much at all, according to TrendWatch data. Corporate design departments lead the pack (they're increasingly under pressure to stop outsourcing as much work as they can), with commercial photographers a close second.

Nearly a quarter of commercial photographers are planning to invest in $501-to-$1,000 color printers, with $2,501-to-$5,000 models a not-so-distant second. These price ranges often include ink-jet models that support 13x19" output. With regard to size, survey data show that 36" and greater devices are preferred two to one more than under-36" devices.

However, thinking about these opportunities depends on what is meant by "large format." Sometimes it is defined as any output larger than 11x17", but many consider 13x19" output to be large-format. This is relevant because many desktop ink-jet printers, especially those that are favored by photographers and creatives, can print as large as 13x19", so it is likely that a hefty chunk of what is being called large-format output is not really being done on 36" machines, which usually are considered to be standard large-format printers.

Regardless, printing large-size graphics from desktop computers is happening today and likely will continue. Much of this output will still be of the 13x19" size and can be handled by smaller and cheaper devices, but increased niches for 36" and greater machines will begin to appear. This is especially true in print shops, where large-format devices are starting to be used for proofing; with a large printer, an entire plate or signature can be output on one sheet.

Overall, although large-format printers will continue to gain popularity, given their expense, size, and cost of consumables they'll not be the runaway hits that many other digital devices have been. Their low investment numbers—which don't quite jibe with the higher perception of large-format as a business opportunity—indicate that a healthy number of large-format jobs will remain the purview of service providers or be printed on large desktop printers, or both.

It's likely that there will be a judicious mix of all these possibilities.