Large-format Printers

In India, the name synonymous with large format-printers is

HP. Epson and Canon have a tiny presence, but HP’s share is so huge that it’ll

take the other players quite a while to catch up. The other names associated

with large-format printers worldwide–EnCAD, Calcomp, Xerox–don’t seem to

have made any ripples here.

The market for large-format and wide-format printers is

gradually building up. Professionals involved in CAD and GIS need large-format

prints, as do graphics professionals and ad agencies –for posters, banners,

signs, and ads. Large-format printers are used for quality prints in sizes above

A3. There’s a range of printers for prints needed in A3 sizes as well.

HP introduced its large-format printers in 1996 and has

become the world leader in the segment. These printers can print in sizes up to

A0. They make use of HP’s inkjet technology. Last year, HP also introduced A3

size wide-format printers for the graphics professional, and one for the CAD

professional. HP’s large-format printers use four cartridges, while Epson’s

use six.

HP’s monopoly in this segment is also due to its focused efforts to build

the market. Large-format printers are used by two types of customers–those who

print for their own use, and those who print for use by others. HP has

concentrated on the latter–the print service providers–to build its market

share. It runs special programs for them–called the Certified Print Center

Program–that make them eligible for some benefits, and help them cater to

customers more efficiently. These programs are underway in many countries,

though India still has to catch up.