How to Select the Best Printer for an Architectural Office

Are you looking for a new printer for an architectural office?  In a basic sense, one can probably say that all printers are the same, but in fact, there are often considerable differences. Perhaps the most obvious include whether they use ink or toner, and the speed at which they print, but there are other factors as well and in the world of architecture, precision and attention to detail are vital concerns. This makes choosing the right printer a critical decision.

A dependable printer is an important part of an architectural office and needs to be able to handle diverse tasks from accurately reproducing intricate designs to creating high-quality presentation materials. Choosing the right printer can enhance overall efficiency.

Here are some of the points to consider when thinking about how to select the best printer for an architectural office:

Print Speed

Printer speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM). For an architectural office, a high PPM is recommended, as having a printer that can deliver materials quickly can be vital when working under a tight deadline or dealing with large format prints. A high PPM can help ensure that project timelines are respected, thus improving office productivity.

Cost per Page

This is one metric that needs to be considered because it will impact the budget for printing projects. This isn’t just a matter of the paper and the ink or toner, but how efficiently the printer uses resources. When a printer has a lower cost per page, it is generally more cost-effective over time. Features such as double-sided printing will result in lower costs by saving paper and time.

Operating Costs

When selecting a printer, it’s important to be aware of the operating costs, such as ink or toner cartridges, maintenance, and power consumption. It’s very easy to look at the upfront cost and overlook the long-term operation expenses, but some printers with a low initial cost may be far less economical over time. Try calculating the cost per page over the printer’s expected lifespan to have a better view of its affordability.

Print Quality

Architects deal with intricate designs that require a greater deal of detail than many other professions. Complex graphics require a high print resolution for the sake of accuracy, making print quality a non-negotiable factor when choosing a printer. An architect’s printer should have a high DPI (dots per inch), which provides greater sharpness and clarity.

Many architects also require printers that can print in colour with accuracy to produce more vibrant representations of their designs.

Media Handling and Size

While many offices do the majority of their printing in the form of standard 8.5 x 11-inch documents, architectural prints can vary widely in size, form letter or legal size up to large format drawings. Because of this, they need a printer that can handle different media types and sizes. When researching printers, look for one that supports a variety of paper sizes and materials, allowing plans, blueprints, and other documents to be printed easily.

Connectivity and Integration

Modern offices require seamless connectivity to allow for efficient workflow. When choosing a printer, look for one that offers multiple options for connectivity. These can include Ethernet and mobile printing capabilities but should also include wireless printing. This will allow architects to print directly from their devices, granting greater flexibility, and improved convenience. The printer should also be able to integrate with existing office systems such as design software and project management. This makes it easier to create physical prints from the original digital designs.

Reliability and Durability

A printer that isn’t reliable is hardly a benefit and is more likely to be a hindrance for virtually any type of business, but architects rely on printers to create tangible documents from their designs. Consider a printer from a reputable manufacturer with a reputation for long-lasting, durable products. Customer reviews can be a great source of information, as can recommendations from other architectural firms.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability is a growing concern across all industries. It’s worth considering the environmental impact of a new printer. Some will come with eco-friendly features such as Energy-Star certification and automatic power-off functions.

Choosing the Best Printer for an Architectural Office

Careful consideration should be given to any purchase of a new printer, ensuring that it will be appropriate for the needs of the office. Printing speed, operating costs, reliability, connectivity, and more all contribute to this critical decision. The right printer is an indispensable asset for your office, while a poor choice could prove more of a burden.

For Your Consideration: imagePROGRAF

The imagePROGRAF printers from Canon offer a variety of features such as colour printing with excellent print speed, quality, and colour consistency thanks to the L-COA PRO processing engine. This uses three processing chips for high-precision control and allows for massive amounts of image data to be processed. They are an excellent choice as a Printer for an Architectural Office.  They offer excellent useability and increased productivity, allowing for greater workflow efficiency.

For more information about the imagePROGRAF line, or any other printers for your architectural office, please contact Columbia Business Systems today. We’ll be happy to offer you additional insight to help you make your decision.