Open Forum

  • 1.  Large format - learning

    Posted 02-16-2017 04:01 PM

    Just wondering if there are education options for a traditional offset/digital printer to learn about the large-format machines and how to operate them?

    Thanks

    Arlo Kallemeyn

    708-333-0773

    Excel Printing and Mailing

    www.excelprintmail.com

     



  • 2.  RE: Large format - learning

    Posted 02-17-2017 10:46 AM
    If you buy a large format machine from a reputable dealer, they have people who will come out and train you on the machine and rip. It's part of the machine purchase.

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    Patrick Harkreader
    President
    Kellar Graphics, Inc. dba Print Tyme
    Garland TX
    (972) 205-9022
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Large format - learning

    Posted 02-18-2017 10:12 AM
    They will train you but from my experience it is just a technician. They show you basic import files into rip and send to printer.
    Load media etc. But it normally is just a couple hours when they almost have the install complete. You are trying to retain all this new information quickly. Most likely you will learn just by doing it. Depending on the type of machine you are looking at make sure you have plenty of work for it because the online market is competitive and you might be better outsourcing it. A new print head might cost you $5000 to $6000 for part and install that eats a lot of profit when you might be making $15 to $20 on a banner or foam board print that is 300 jobs.

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    Kevin McCormack
    President
    McCormack Printing
    Tipton IN
    765-675-9556
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Large format - learning

    Posted 02-18-2017 12:34 PM
    The first question you'll want to ask yourself is why do you want to go down this path, this will give you a starting point for getting into it. You should check out some of the large format industry groups they have some good educational material. Depending on your investment budget you might want to hire a consultant to help you navigate this. 
    Large format color can allow you to print fine art, wall coverings, vehicle wraps, building wraps, floor graphics, signage, banners and so on. 
    Each one of these services requires different media and sometimes different printers, and different expectations from the client side to manage. There are a few consultants out there who will come in and help you setup you shop and best pracitices. 
    Ill be happy to provide you with more information on what we did at my
    shop. 
    The biggest advice I can give though is look at this as a investment that will pay you dividends and not expenses you have to make to get into this. 

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    Kyle Batsford
    Director of Operations
    Palomar Reprographics
    Carlsbad CA
    760-438-1100
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    Original Message