Buying a new printer for your business is a big investment and one which requires some careful thought. Are you looking to upgrade or replace old equipment with newer models? Or are you considering diversifying your services and exploring technologies such as UV printing?
How much do you want to spend? What services do you intend to use it for? And how will the equipment support your business as it grows?
Before you buy commercial printer equipment, it's worth considering everything from printing technology and running costs to production capacity and ongoing support.
This printer buying guide covers the key factors to help you make the right investment.
1. What Type of Commercial Printer Does Your Business Need?
Not all commercial printers are designed for the same applications. Choosing the right technology depends on the products you want to create and the materials you'll be printing on.
Some common options include:
- Eco-solvent printers: Ideal for producing banners, signage, vehicle graphics and other wide-format applications using compatible flexible media.
- UV printers: Use ultraviolet light to cure ink, making them suitable for applications such as promotional products, rigid signage and printing on selected specialist materials.
- Resin printers: Produce graphics on compatible flexible media, making them useful for applications such as wall coverings, indoor displays and signage.
- Print-and-cut machines: Combine printing and contour cutting, providing a practical solution for stickers, labels, decals and vehicle graphics.
If you're considering expanding your services, explore Signmaster's Roland printers and Mimaki printers to compare available technologies.
2. Consider Your Budget and Total Running Costs
Commercial printers come in a wide range of prices, from entry-level equipment to advanced, high-volume production machines.
It's sensible to establish a budget early so you're looking at equipment your business can realistically afford.
However, the initial purchase price is only one consideration.
When comparing commercial printer cost, remember to account for:
- Ink and compatible print media
- Routine maintenance and replacement parts
- Electricity consumption
- Software and licensing costs
- Production waste and finishing materials
- Potential servicing and repair expenses
A lower purchase price doesn't always mean better long-term value. A printer with greater production efficiency or lower running costs may offer better value over time.
If spreading the investment would help your cash flow, our guide to printer financing explains the options worth considering.
3. Identify Your Printing Requirements
What type of printing will you be doing?
Consider the materials you'll be printing on, the size of the prints required, and the level of detail and colour accuracy needed.
For example, a business primarily producing vinyl graphics will have different requirements from one creating personalised promotional products or rigid display panels.
It's also important to consider finishing requirements. Will your products need contour cutting, lamination or additional preparation?
Understanding your intended applications will help you narrow down the printer specifications and features you actually need.
4. Assess Print Volume and Production Speed
Will the printer meet your monthly production requirements? Is there spare capacity as your business grows and demand increases?
Printer speed can make a significant difference to your workflow, particularly when handling larger orders or tight deadlines.
However, advertised maximum speeds don't always reflect everyday production conditions.
Consider the speed achievable at your required print quality, including time for media loading, maintenance, cutting and finishing.
Before you buy commercial printer equipment, consider whether it can comfortably manage your current workload without creating delays, while allowing room for future growth.
5. Compare Print Quality and Resolution
Look for printers that deliver the best possible quality within your budget.
Print resolution, colour gamut and overall image quality are all important considerations, but higher resolution doesn't automatically mean better results for every application.
For example, graphics designed for close-up viewing may require greater detail than large outdoor banners viewed from a distance.
Colour consistency is particularly important for businesses producing branded signage, retail displays and promotional materials.
Where possible, request print samples using your intended materials and artwork to assess the quality before making a decision.
6. Check Installation Space and Equipment Requirements
It's important to consider where the machine will be installed, with ground-floor locations often being the most practical option.
You'll also need to look at ease of access, including whether the printer can fit through doorways, navigate corridors or be transported upstairs.
Beyond the machine's dimensions, consider the space required for loading media, operating equipment and carrying out routine maintenance.
Power requirements, ventilation and environmental conditions may also influence the installation location.
Checking these details beforehand can help avoid unnecessary complications once your new equipment arrives.
7. Review Software and Workflow Compatibility
Does your business have the connectivity required, whether that's Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB?
Can the printer integrate with your existing workflow, or does it come with software that could help streamline production?
Commercial printers often use RIP software to manage print files, colour settings and production queues.
Consider whether your team can easily prepare files, manage multiple jobs and connect the equipment with any existing cutting or finishing processes.
An efficient workflow can help reduce errors, save time and improve production consistency.
8. Evaluate Warranty, Training and Technical Support
Consider the support and warranty options offered by the manufacturer and dealer.
In particular, look for a comprehensive warranty package, readily available technical support and dependable customer service.
Some suppliers focus primarily on selling equipment, while others provide consultation, installation assistance and ongoing support.
Operator training is another important consideration, particularly when introducing unfamiliar printing technology.
Choosing a supplier that understands your business requirements can help you get more from your equipment over the long term.
Choosing the Right Commercial Printer With Signmaster
Knowing what to look for before you buy commercial printer equipment can help you make a more confident investment.
From print quality and production speed to maintenance costs and technical support, the right choice should meet your current requirements while supporting future business growth.
At Signmaster, we offer a wide range of commercial printers, alongside expert guidance to help businesses choose suitable printing solutions.
If you need advice on selecting equipment for your next stage of growth, get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
