Printer ink cost and efficiency in large format printing: How to save money

Though the need for large-format printing is becoming continuously unavoidable in corporations, printer ink cost continues to remain a hurdle. It is something that can quickly add up for large-format printers. This makes it challenging for businesses and individuals to produce high-end prints whilst staying within their budget.

However, maximising profits and reducing expenses is not unattainable. It simply requires ink usage to be optimised and ink waste to be minimised for every print duty. In this article, we'll expand on these two strategies and uncover others, with the aim of helping businesses and individuals reduce printer ink cost concerns and improve ink efficiency when conducting large-format printing.

Why Is the Cost of Ink So Expensive?

Printer ink has been used for decades to help businesses perform essential tasks. Yet it remains one of the most prohibitive costs of using and maintaining your printer. There are two main reasons that printer ink is so expensive.

The first is the legitimate cost of research and development. Printer producers are always working to provide their customers with durable, reliable prints that provide clarity and detail. Ink quality contributes to the overall quality of any print. Also, the cost of branded ink is sometimes more expensive to recoup costs lost on printers. When companies sell printers at a very low price, they recover their losses in the cost of more expensive ink.

How Much Does Printer Ink Cost to Make?

What Is the Average Cost of Ink for a Large Format Printer?

What Manufacturing Influences Determine Ink Costs?

The price you pay for ink has many influences beyond the cost of the ink that ends up on your printed page. These are the biggest factors that influence your printer ink cost over time.

The Complexity of Producing Ink

How Much Demand Must Be Met

Qualitative Ink Requires Research and Testing

Specialised Ink Must Be Manufactured for Different Printers

What Causes Ink Costs to Go Up in Large Format Printing?

As a business, you're responsible for keeping costs manageable. If your large format printing costs seem higher than average, you may be making choices that increase your costs. These are the most common reasons for unusually high printing costs:

Inefficient Cartridge Use

Wrong Ink Being Used

Using Low Page Yield Cartridges

How to Reduce Your Large Format Ink Cost

While you can't change the cost of ink cartridges, you can take steps to lower your personal or business expenses. Take these steps to help reduce your large format ink costs.

Improve Efficiency in Printer Use

Use the Right Ink

Choose an Efficient Printer

Correctly Adjust Your Printer Settings

Reducing Ink Wastage

Select a Cost-Effective Cartridge

Use Automatic Nozzle Cleaning Machines

Maintain Printer Health

Limit Internal Printer Testing

Advanced Techniques to Maintain Ink Cost Efficiency With Large Format Printers

With some careful shopping and printer knowledge, you can take additional steps to decrease your ink costs.

Use Third-Party Inks

Add Ink-Saving Software

Switch to a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS)

Reach Out to HP to Discuss Your Large Format Printing Needs

Large format printing is a necessity in many businesses. The printer you use and other actions you take can help you save on ink costs, so you can utilise your large format printer for your business needs more effectively. Contact HP Virtual Booth to discuss your large format printing needs and your options for maintaining ink cost efficiency.