When Should You Replace Your Large Format Printer?

A large format printer is critical for your business. You need a reliable, high-quality printer that can produce all the materials you need. This, in turn, helps your departments with their needs and keeps you from having to outsource as much. However, nothing lasts forever, and your business will need to know the answer to the question of how often should you replace your printer?

Eventually, your large format printer will start to show signs of wear and age. You need to know when you should replace your large format printer, ideally before it dies altogether and leaves you in the lurch.

So, how do you know when it is time to replace your large format printer? And how often should you replace your printer?

When Is It the Right Time to Replace Your Large Format Printer?

You need to replace your printer before it fails. If your large format printer fails, then print operations will be delayed, or you may have to scramble to find a third party who can take care of print jobs for you.

There is no set lifespan for large format printers, so there's no one answer to the question of how often should you replace your printer? Toner-based (laser) printers typically cost a lot more than inkjet printers but last longer. Your printer's lifespan is also affected by how much you use it. Using it more often naturally increases wear. Ironically, using an inkjet printer rarely can also shorten its life. So, rather than having a set number of years, you should watch your printer's behaviour for signs it is reaching the end of its life.

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Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Large Format Printer

Having established that the printer should be replaced when it shows signs of wear rather than at an arbitrary time, you need to know what to look out for. Here are some signs that your printer is about to reach the end of its life:

1. Technology Becomes Out-of-Date

2. Too Many Breakdowns

3. Cost of Maintenance Goes Up

4. Print Quality Starts to Decrease

5. It Takes Too Long to Complete a Print Task

Things to Consider When Replacing Your Large Format Printer

It's not just a question of how often should you replace your printer? When you do need a new printer, you need to get the right one. Your printer is, after all, a key piece of equipment. Here are some things to consider:

Your Budget

Print Quality and Quantity Requirements

Your Business's Printing Objectives

Which Printer Will Increase Efficiency?

So, how often should you replace your printer? These guidelines can help you determine if your printer's performance (not its age) means time is up. If you need a large format printer, talk to HP! Our expert salespeople can help you choose the right replacement (or new) large format printer for your business. Contact us to find out how we can help you with your large format printing needs.