How to save money on large format CAD printing?

How to save the wide format printer usage cost?

The above question would be a frequently asked question by business owners and finance managers. It is because cost efficient is one of the most critical elements to ensure a business entity stay competitive.

What are the common practises done to reduce the large format printing cost?

1. Switch to third party or compatible inks.

2. Opt for lower quality paper rolls for lower cost.

Both the above options will be able to save printing costs for short term but the quality of the print outs is compromised. In long run, the third party ink and inferior paper may cause the large format printer for frequent maintenance, ended up instead of cost savings, the users pay more.

How to save money on wide format CAD printing cost without compromising the quality?

Most of the CAD drawings are printed on 80g plain paper via large format inkjet printer (inkjet plotter). The most common media roll is supplied in the length of 50 meter with a 2-inch core.

Instead of going for the 50m roll plain paper, the smart users shall consider 80g plain paper roll that comes in 150 meter length. Please see price below for reference:

Plain Paper 80g A1 size/ 50m at USD9.00

USD 0.18 per meter (A1 size)

Plain Paper 80g A1 size/ 150m at USD16.50

USD 0.11 per meter (A1 size)

By switching the paper roll from 50m to 150m length will save the users up to 64% in term of paper cost.

What is the saving in term of total print cost?

The users of Canon iPF650, iPF655, iPF750, iPF755, iPF815 or iPF825 will be able to have the exact calculation via the Accounting Functions menu in the Canon imagePROGRAF Status Monitor software.

For the benefits of the blog readers, the estimation of the total wide format print cost saving would be as below:

In CAD printing, the paper cost shared approximately 50% of the total print cost (ink cost the remaining 50%).

Saving 64% in paper cost meaning saving of 32% of total print cost.

Note:Please check if your existing wide format printer is able to hold the 80g plain paper in 150 meter roll length (2-inch or 3-inch core size).

Canon iPF series compatible list for reference:

Canon iPF605  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch core only

Canon iPF610  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch core only

Canon iPF650  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Canon iPF655  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Canon iPF710  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch core only

Canon iPF750  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Canon iPF755  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Canon iPF810  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Canon iPF815  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Canon iPF820  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Canon iPF825  80g plain paper, 150m, 2-inch & 3-inch core

Feel free to contribute if you have such information for other models especially HP Designjet series.