As educational institutions like K-12 schools and universities upgrade their technology, large format printers are becoming increasingly essential.
The benefits? Significant cost savings and streamlined project timelines compared to outsourcing print jobs.
At Steven Enterprises, we have extensive experience assisting Southern California educational institutions in selecting and maintaining the perfect printers for their campus needs.
Based on their on-campus printing needs and available curriculum, this blog post will review the best large format printers for schools, including K-12 and universities.
Common Types of Printing Done On School Campuses
Large format printers have a variety of applications on school campuses, impacting student life daily—from cafeterias and gyms to libraries and hallways.
1. School Event Promotion
Large-format printers are invaluable for promoting student events. They produce everything from:
- Signage for rallies, prom, and Greek life
- Large banners for sporting events & welcoming new students (up to 20 feet long!)
- Weather-resistant posters to promote ASB & other club activities
2. Health and Safety Signage
Investing in an in-house large format printer allows schools to quickly produce and update health and safety signs—a crucial capability in today’s educational environments. This includes:
- Floor decals to direct foot traffic
- Clings on bathroom mirrors to remind students to wash their hands
- Large welcome signs to inform students of health and safety protocols (ideally in a fun and playful manner!)
3. Teaching Aids
For educators, large format printers are tools to enhance their teaching methods creatively. Here are some examples of detailed informational prints that enrich the learning environment:
- Large-scale game boards for the classroom
- Monthly calendars for bulletin boards
- Colorful customized maps
- Alphabet charts for memorization
- Galleries of photos from school outings
- Informational graphics on classroom walls
The possibilities are truly endless! If your school decides to invest in a large-format printer, it can enhance learning and improve the on-campus experience.
Best Large Format Printers for Schools
The HP Z-series is a popular choice among schools we partner with due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It supports various media types, paper thickness, and print sizes, making it ideal for simple signs and complex educational aids.
Learn more about the HP Z-series & get creative this school year!
Common Types of Printing Done by Universities
While universities share many of the same print needs as K-12 schools, their requirements often extend into more specialized areas.
1. Bulk Printing for Essays, Quizzes, & More
Universities need robust printing solutions for the high volume of standard document printing required by students and faculty. Multi-functional printers in campus libraries or study centers are essential.
While these are not large format printers per se, our printing experts usually recommend the Toshiba printers. They have various models to print both A4 printers (printing the standard 8×14 pages) and A3 printers (printing slightly larger 11×17 pages) and are known to be reliable and easy to maintain.
Learn more about the Toshiba multi-functional printers here.
2. Technical Prints for Engineering Students
High-quality technical printers are crucial for engineering departments. These printers allow for precise blueprints and detailed line work, mirroring the industry standards that students will encounter in their careers.
As a University, it pays dividends to purchase the latest printers being utilized within AEC firms to best prepare your students for the real world.
If your university has a large architecture, engineering, and construction curriculum, we recommend you upgrade your printer to the HP XL-3800.
3. Graphic Prints for the Arts Department
Art and design departments benefit from printers that can handle detailed, high-quality graphic outputs. The Canon Pro series is highly regarded for its ability to produce exceptional photographic and graphic design prints, essential for student portfolios and final presentations.
Learn more about the Canon Pro Series here.
Best Large Format Printer for Universities
For a large university with diverse needs across various departments, it’s advisable to allocate a budget for both technical and graphic print capabilities. This ensures that all students have access to the necessary tools to support their education.
Read more: Choosing Between Graphic and Technical Large Format Printers for Your Business
Need Help Choosing the Right Printers for Your School or University?
At Steven Enterprises, we’re dedicated to helping educational institutions find the most suitable and cost-effective printing solutions.
We offer personalized consultations to help you choose the right printers, ensuring you have the support needed for maintenance and supplies.
Contact us today to learn how the right large format printers can enhance the educational experience on your campus by either filling out this form or caling us at 800-491-8785.