Consideration When Buying a Production Printer

Factors Affect Buying a Digital Press Production Printer

​Choosing the right production printer for your business involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure that the selected device meets your specific needs and objectives. Here are key factors to consider when buying a production printer:

1. Printing Volume:
   - Determine your expected monthly printing volume. Production printers are designed for high-volume printing, so choose a device that can handle the quantity of prints your business requires.

2. Printing Speed:
   - Assess the printing speed of the production printer, measured in pages per minute (ppm). Higher speeds are beneficial for businesses with demanding printing requirements.

3. Print Quality:
   - Evaluate the print quality, resolution, and color accuracy. For certain applications, such as marketing materials or graphic design, high print quality is crucial.

4. Media Handling:
   - Consider the types and sizes of media the printer can handle. Production printers should support various paper weights, sizes, and types, including specialty media such as envelopes or cardstock.

5. Finishing Options:
   - Explore the finishing options available, such as stapling, binding, folding, and hole-punching. Finishing capabilities can enhance the final presentation of printed materials.

6. Workflow Integration:
   - Assess the production printer's compatibility with your existing workflow and systems. Look for features such as seamless integration with document management software or print management solutions.

7. Connectivity and Compatibility:
   - Ensure that the production printer has the necessary connectivity options, including Ethernet, USB, and wireless capabilities. Compatibility with various operating systems is also essential.

8. Ease of Use:
   - Evaluate the user interface and ease of operation. A user-friendly interface can improve productivity and reduce the learning curve for your staff.

9. Reliability and Durability:
   - Consider the reliability and durability of the production printer. Look for devices with a solid reputation for performance and longevity, especially given the high-volume printing demands.

10. Service and Support:
    - Research the manufacturer's reputation for customer support and service. Look for warranty options and the availability of maintenance contracts.

11. Cost Considerations:
    - Consider the total cost of ownership, including initial purchase price, consumables (toner or ink cartridges, maintenance kits), energy consumption, and any additional costs associated with finishing options.

12. Security Features:
    - Assess the security features of the production printer. Given the sensitive nature of many printed documents, features such as secure printing, user authentication, and data encryption are important.

13. Environmental Impact:
    - Consider the environmental impact of the production printer. Look for energy-efficient models, eco-friendly features, and recycling programs for consumables.

14. Upgradability:
    - Evaluate whether the production printer can be upgraded or expanded to accommodate future business growth or changing printing requirements.

15. Vendor Reputation:
    - Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and vendor. Reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from other businesses can provide insights into the reliability and performance of the production printer.

16. Test Before Purchase:
    - Whenever possible, test the production printer with sample prints before making a final decision. This allows you to assess print quality, speed, and overall performance.

By thoroughly assessing these factors, you can select a production printer that aligns with your business needs, enhances productivity, and provides a good return on investment for your high-volume printing requirements.