Canon Pro Series Archives - Steven Enterprises

Posted on January 17, 2025 by laylalameijer

Choosing the Best Large Format Printers for Redline Markups in AEC Projects

If you’re affiliated with a large architecture firm or looking to upgrade your construction business’s redline markups printing capabilities, you’ve landed in the perfect spot.

At Steven Enterprises, we specialize in equipping AEC companies with the best large format printers tailored for efficient redline markup processes. As such, our experts understand the nuances of architectural and engineering printing needs and are here to guide you.

How Printing is Involved with Redline Markups

Redline markups play a critical role in architecture and construction projects, bridging the gap between initial designs and real-world execution. These annotations are made directly on large format CAD drawings, highlighting changes and adjustments necessary for project accuracy. After these adjustments, the marked-up drawings require high-quality scanning and printing for further reviews and revisions.

Key Features to Consider in Large Format Printers for AEC Firms

Engineering and Architectural Needs: The best large format printers for engineering and architectural firms combine high productivity with cost efficiency. Look for printers that deliver:

Speed and Efficiency: Fast printing capabilities are crucial. Opt for printers with high-yield consumables to reduce operational costs.
High-Quality Outputs: Precision is paramount. High-resolution printers ensure that every detail in schematics and blueprints is captured accurately.
Reliability and Service: Ensure minimal downtime with reliable printers supported by efficient customer service and maintenance options.

Construction Site Requirements: For construction sites, consider printers that offer:

Portability: Compact printers are ideal for the limited space in job site trailers.
Scanning Capabilities: Multi-functional printers that include scanning can expedite communication and project approvals.
Ink Durability: Opt for pigment-based inks for their durability in harsh conditions, preventing smudges and damage.

Popular Large Format Printers for redline markups by Printing Volume

AEC firms typically choose from a few popular large format printers from brands like HP, Canon, and KIP. The main deciding factor in which machine to use is your monthly printing volume as a firm.

The more you print, the more ink & paper supplies you’ll need to buy every month.

So, as you scale, the type of printer you’ll need will also change.

Small AEC Firms

Printing Volume: Under 5K square feet per month

Models like the HP DesignJet T-2600 and the HP DesignJet XT950 are perfect for firms with monthly outputs under 5,000 square feet. Some DesignJets use pigment ink, which is a popular choice for it’s durable water-resistant prints.

Midmarket AEC Firms

Printing Volume: Between 5K-10K square feet per month

For firms printing up to 10,000 square feet monthly, the KIP 71 series and the HP DesignJet XL 3600/3800 MFP are popular choices because of their multi-functional feature to both print and scan.

Large AEC Firms

Printing Volume: Above 10K square feet per month

Finally, to be able to handle high volumes like these, you’ll likely look at buying the HP Pagewide series. These powerful printers can do up to 30 pages per minute, which is much faster than the 6 pages per minute of the midmarket printers.

Get a Free Plotter Consultation with a Printing Expert

Understanding your firm’s specific needs is crucial when selecting a large format printer. Therefore, Steven Enterprises experts are here to help find you a printer that fits your current needs and contributes to long-term savings and efficiency.

Ready to maximize your AEC firm’s printing efficiency? Contact us today for a personalized consultation by either filling out this form or speaking to an expert immediately by calling 800-491-8785.

Posted on November 22, 2024November 8, 2024 by laylalameijer

Choosing the Right Canon Ink Cartridge Sizes for T-Series Large Format Printers

Selecting the right Canon ink cartridge for your large-format T-series printer is crucial for ensuring superb image quality and efficient operation in your business. Canon’s dedication to innovation is evident in its range of ink cartridges, tailored to meet diverse business needs.

In this guide, our Certified Canon printing experts will help you understand the different ink cartridge sizes available for Canon T-Series printers and which businesses would benefit most from each.

🖨️ If you’d like to get a discount on your next bulk order of inks, contact our Certified Canon Printing Specialists for a free quote.

3 Sizes of Canon Inks Available for the Canon T-Series Printers 🖨️

Canon offers three distinct sizes of ink cartridges for their T-Series large format printers, each designed to match specific printing volume needs:

160 ml Ink Cartridges: Ideal for businesses with minimal print requirements.
330 ml Ink Cartridges: Perfect for medium-scale printing tasks.
700 ml Ink Cartridges: Best suited for high-volume printing environments.

Choosing the correct size is crucial as it impacts not only your printing efficiency but also cost management. Larger cartridges provide better value per ml but may not be necessary for lower volume needs.

1. Best Canon Ink Size for Low Volume Printing

Monthly print volume: Under 2,500 sq ft per month

Businesses with modest monthly print volumes, such as small design studios or offices, typically find that the Canon TM-Series printers effectively meet their needs. These printers accommodate 160 ml and 330 ml cartridges. If you’re consistently near the 2,500 sq ft mark, opt for the 330 ml cartridges for cost efficiency. For lower volumes, the 160 ml cartridges are sufficient and reduce the risk of ink drying out.

2. Best Canon Ink Size for Medium Volume Printing

Monthly print volume: Up to 4,000 sq ft per month

Enterprises printing between 2,500 and 4,000 sq ft per month may utilize the Canon TX-Series. Known for its speed and capacity to enhance team productivity, the TX-Series accommodates all 3 ink sizes: 160ml, 330ml, and 700ml inks.

If your business has this printer, we recommend contacting our Certified Canon printing experts to determine which cartridges you should buy.

Book a free consultation with our team here.

3. Best Canon Ink Size for High Volume Printing

Monthly print volume: Over 7,000 sq ft per month

Large-scale operations, such as architectural firms or engineering companies, often require the robust capabilities of the Canon TZ Series. Suitable for intensive use, these printers handle both 330 ml and 700 ml cartridges. For firms with print volumes approaching or exceeding 8,000 sq ft per month, the 700 ml option offers the best value and minimizes cartridge changes.

Ready to Restock Your Canon Inks?

At Steven Enterprises, we have been the trusted supplier of Canon large-format printer inks and supplies for Southern California businesses for over three generations. Whether you’re involved in architecture, graphic design, or managing an office, we can help you find the right Canon inks for your printer.

Explore our online store for current ink stock, or contact our team for personalized advice and potential bulk order discounts.

Posted on July 19, 2024July 19, 2024 by laylalameijer

What Large Format Printers is Best for K-12 Schools & Universities?

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.

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.

Tag: Canon Pro Series