Know that quality comes with a price tag

Blueprints and monochrome renderings print easily on large format printers that use inexpensive impact-pin technology to print large sheets of drawings, charts and data. As the quality increases so does the price. Color inkjet technology reproduces a high level of detail in color-calibrated output.

I recommend: Hewlett Packard (HP) sells a wide line of printer plotters for business and industrial use with formats up to 104 inches wide. Another giant in the printer plotter industry is Canon, with a range of large format printers, including their popular PosterJet  and high-resolution, graphic-quality large format printing solutions.

Choose the widest printer plotter you can afford

You might use a narrower setting 80% of the time but choose a business plotter printer for the widest sheets you will reasonably be printing. Weigh the price difference between widths against the cost to have the largest sizes printed by a professional printer. The exception is when you occasionally need a super-size print in the "grand format" printing range. Unless you use a grand format printer often, opt for a regular plotter.

I recommend: Epson business printer plotters offer numerous widths. Be sure to request a sample print before you buy. In the event you need very large format printers, visit Innovative Solutions to learn more about grand format printers with widths up to 16 feet. Get a custom quote through BuyerZone for large format printers that fit your specific needs.

Find affordable plotter printers

Let's face it--purchasing a printer plotter is a major investment for many businesses. Depending upon your needs, used or refurbished plotter printers may be just the ticket. Manufacturers will refurbish plotters returned by customers and offer limited warranties with purchase. Buying a used plotter from a private party is more risky so be sure to ask for a demonstration before clinching the deal.

I recommend: Large Document Solutions offers refurbished plotters with all the needed software disks included. Professional Plotter Technologies offers an extensive line of used plotter printers with a guarantee. If you purchase from a private party, you can download any missing drivers online.