The Student Multimedia Design Center (SMDC) at the University of Delaware offers cutting-edge Wide Print Printers to bring your large format projects to life. Utilizing the advanced HP DesignJet Z6dr and HP DesignJet Z9dr, we provide professional-quality prints on a variety of media, perfect for academic posters, vibrant banners, detailed maps, and stunning photographic displays. Our wide print printers accommodate substantial widths, ensuring your vision is realized without compromise. Whether you need matte or glossy paper, durable canvas, or versatile adhesive fabric, SMDC has the solutions to meet your wide print project demands.
Unleashing Creativity with Wide Format Printing
Wide print printers, also known as large format printers, are essential tools for producing high-impact visuals that go beyond standard paper sizes. These specialized printers are designed to handle wider rolls of media, enabling the creation of large-scale prints ideal for presentations, marketing materials, and artistic endeavors. At SMDC, our wide print printers empower you to create impactful projects with exceptional clarity and color accuracy.
Our service features the HP DesignJet Z series, renowned for their precision and vibrant output. These wide print printers deliver outstanding results on various materials, providing flexibility for diverse project requirements. Understanding the capabilities of wide print printers is key to maximizing their potential for your large format printing needs.
Wide Print Printer Media and Pricing at SMDC
SMDC offers a range of premium media options for our wide print printers, each priced competitively to support your projects:
| Media Type | Width | Price per Linear Foot | Price per 6 Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glossy or Matte Paper | 36 inches | $5.00 | $2.50 |
| Canvas | 35.5 inches | $10.00 | $5.00 |
| Adhesive Fabric | 42 inches | $10.00 | $5.00 |
Alt text: Variety of paper rolls for wide format printers including matte, glossy, canvas and adhesive fabric.
Our wide print printers accommodate a maximum printable length of 12 feet (120 inches) for all media types. To ensure optimal print quality and avoid distortion, design your PDF files with the correct dimensions in mind.
Here are some typical cost examples for projects utilizing our wide print printers:
| Project Example | Media Type | Dimensions | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Poster for Conference Presentation | Glossy Paper | 32 inches x 60 inches | $25.00 |
| Research Map for Department Display | Matte Paper | 24 inches x 36 inches | $10.00 |
| Photographic Print for Art Class | Canvas | 18 inches x 32 inches | $15.00 |
| Promotional Banner for University Event | Adhesive Fabric | 40 inches x 36 inches | $30.00 |
Preparing Your Files for Wide Print Printers
To ensure your projects print flawlessly on our wide print printers, please submit print-ready PDF files. This format preserves your design and fonts, guaranteeing accurate reproduction.
Important Note Regarding Graphs from OriginLab:
Users of OriginLab software should be aware of a potential issue. Graphs generated in OriginLab and saved as TIFF or PNG files may appear to have a white background, but often possess transparency. When printed on wide print printers as PDFs, these transparent backgrounds can render as black rectangles, obscuring your graph.
Alt text: Example of OriginLab graph printing with unwanted black rectangles due to transparent background issue on a wide print printer.
To prevent this, convert TIFF files to JPEG format before incorporating them into your poster design. JPEG files maintain a solid background, ensuring your graphs print correctly on our wide print printers.
Templates and Design Tips for Wide Format Printing
For visually appealing and cost-effective posters designed for wide print printers, consider these guidelines:
- Keep it Simple: Prioritize clear messaging and avoid overcrowding your design.
- High Resolution Images: Use high-resolution images to prevent pixelation when printed at a large scale by wide print printers.
- Readable Fonts: Choose fonts that are legible from a distance.
- Strategic Use of Color: Employ color to highlight key information and enhance visual impact.
SMDC offers templates to assist you in creating basic posters optimized for our wide print printers. These templates are available for:
- Glossy Paper (36″ edge-to-edge printing)
- Matte Paper (35.5″ printable area)
- Canvas (35.5″ printable area)
Additionally, the University of Delaware Office of Communications & Marketing provides templates specifically designed for UD Research Posters, ensuring brand consistency and professional presentation when using wide print printers.
Alt text: University of Delaware logo indicating brand identity guidelines relevant for designing materials for wide print printers.
For further resources on University branding, including guidelines for official UD colors and logos, please visit the University of Delaware Communications and Public Affairs office: Graphics standards website.
Printing Your Project with Our Wide Print Printers
Ready to utilize our wide print printers? Follow these simple steps:
- Check Printer Availability: Call 302-831-8832 to confirm printer availability and ensure minimal wait times.
- Prepare Your Files: Bring your print-ready PDF files on a USB drive. Naming your file with your name (e.g.,
yourname_poster.pdf) helps with organization. - Payment Options: Payment is accepted via Flex, credit, or debit card. For University departments using 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.
- Print Confirmation: SMDC staff will confirm your image size, provide a price quote, and process your payment before initiating printing on our wide print printers.
Please allow sufficient time for printing and drying, especially for canvas prints, which are recommended to cure for 24 hours before handling.
Additional Wide Format Printing Resources at UD
In addition to SMDC, University of Delaware users can access wide print printers at the HP DesignJet Z6200 Poster Printing service in UD’s Smith Hall, available during computing site’s hours of operation.
For commercial wide print printer services, consider establishments like FedEx Office and Shamrock Printing, which offer a range of large format printing options, including banner printing and wider media capabilities.
Conclusion
SMDC’s wide print printers provide a valuable resource for creating high-quality, large format prints for academic, research, and creative projects. With a variety of media options, competitive pricing, and expert support, SMDC is your ideal partner for all your wide print needs at the University of Delaware. Visit us today to experience the power of professional wide print printers.
