The Student Multimedia Design Center (SMDC) offers professional large format printing services, perfect for students and faculty needing to create impactful posters, banners, and displays. Utilizing advanced HP DesignJet Z6dr and Z9dr printers, we deliver exceptional quality prints on a variety of media, including matte paper, glossy paper, canvas, and adhesive fabric. Whether you’re showcasing research, presenting at a conference, or creating eye-catching promotional materials, our Large Printing services provide vibrant and detailed results.
Explore Our Large Format Printing Options and Pricing
We provide cost-effective large format printing solutions tailored to your needs. Our pricing is based on the linear foot, ensuring you only pay for what you print. Below is a detailed breakdown of our paper types and associated costs:
| Type of Paper and Price | 6″ | 12″ |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy or matte paper (36″ wide) | $2.50 | $5.00 |
| Canvas (35.5″ wide) | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Adhesive Fabric (42″ wide) | $5.00 | $10.00 |
Alt text: A detailed close-up showing the non-reflective surface of matte paper, ideal for large format prints where readability is key.
Alt text: A roll of glossy paper ready for use in a large format printer, highlighting its reflective sheen suitable for vibrant poster prints.
Understanding the Costs of Your Large Prints
To help you estimate the cost of your large printing project, consider these examples:
| Example Print Job | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 32″ x 60″ poster on glossy paper (5 linear feet at $5/ft) | $25.00 |
| 24″ x 36″ map on matte paper (2 linear feet at $5/ft) | $10.00 |
| 18″ x 32″ photo on canvas (1.5 linear feet at $10/ft) | $15.00 |
| 40″ x 36″ photo on adhesive fabric (3 linear feet at $10/ft) | $30.00 |
Our pricing structure is simple: you pay per linear foot of material used. For instance, a 36-inch wide glossy poster that is 5 feet long will be charged at 5 linear feet times the glossy paper rate. Remember that the maximum printable length is 12 feet (120 inches) for all media types. Designing your PDF files with the correct dimensions is crucial to prevent any unwanted distortion or loss of image detail in your large prints.
Alt text: A vibrant example of a large format poster print, demonstrating the scale and visual impact achievable with professional large printing services.
Key Considerations Before You Print
Please factor in sufficient time for both printing and drying, especially for canvas prints. While glossy, matte, and adhesive fabric prints dry almost instantly, we advise allowing canvas prints to lay flat for 24 hours to ensure proper curing before handling, folding, or rolling. This step is important for preserving the quality and longevity of your canvas large prints.
Important Note for Graphs from OriginLab: If your poster includes graphs created using OriginLab software, be aware of a potential issue. Graphs generated in OriginLab may appear with a white background in your design file, but they might print as black rectangles due to background transparency issues in PDFs. To avoid this, convert TIFF or PNG graph files to JPEG format before incorporating them into your poster design. JPEG format retains the intended background color, ensuring accurate and professional-looking large prints of your scientific or engineering posters.
Designing Effective and Economical Posters for Large Printing
To assist you in creating visually appealing and cost-effective posters for large printing, we offer templates for basic posters.
Templates Available For:
- Glossy paper, 36″ edge-to-edge printing
- Matte paper, 35.5″ printable area
- Canvas, 35.5″ printable area
For University of Delaware research posters, utilize templates provided by the UD Office of Communications & Marketing to maintain brand consistency and professional standards.
UD Research Poster Templates Available For:
- Glossy paper, 36″ edge-to-edge printing
- Matte paper, 35.5″ printable area
For further resources and guidelines, refer to the University of Delaware Communications and Public Affairs office: Graphics standards website. This site provides valuable information, including guidelines for using official UD colors, the UD Brand Style Guide, and UD logos for print and web use.
Alt text: The University of Delaware logo, often incorporated in large format prints for official posters and branding materials.
Simple Steps to Print Your Large Format Project
Ready to print your large format project? Follow these easy steps:
- Check Printer Availability: Call 302-831-8832 to confirm printer availability and ensure a smooth printing process.
- Prepare Your Files: Bring your print-ready PDF files on a USB drive. For easy identification, name your file with your name, e.g.,
yourname_poster.pdf. - Payment Options: For payments using a PeopleSoft SpeedType/Account Code, complete the online Request for Service – Large Format Printing webform, specifying “Student Multimedia Design Center (SMDC), Morris Library” as the location. We also accept Flex, credit, and debit card payments at the service desk.
- Print Confirmation and Payment: Our staff will verify your image size, provide a price quote, and process your payment before commencing printing.
Need 11″ x 17″ Flyers?
Besides large format printing, we also assist with printing 11″ x 17″ flyers. While Microsoft Word can be used to design booklets or flyers, ensure your document is correctly formatted for 11″ x 17″ paper before submitting your PDF file. Please note that folding and stapling of booklets are the responsibility of the customer.
Explore Other Large Format Printing Options
In addition to the SMDC, University of Delaware users can access HP DesignJet Z6200 Poster Printing in UD’s Smith Hall during computing site hours. For commercial large format printing services, consider establishments like FedEx Office and Shamrock Printing. These vendors offer a wider range of paper sizes and banner printing services.
The Student Multimedia Design Center is your go-to resource for high-quality and affordable large format printing on campus. We are committed to supporting your visual communication needs with expert services and a variety of media options. Visit us at the Morris Library to bring your large printing projects to life!
