Choosing The Right Large Format Scanner For Your Application

Increasing quality and decreasing prices of digital imaging technology over the past few years have made large format scanning an increasingly affordable and useful way to preserve, archive and facilitate reproduction of larger documents. Recent applications of this technology are far-reaching, including the preservation of historically significant documents and indigenous textiles and clothing, paintings, photographs, maps, blueprints, technical drawings and much more.

Large format scanners, also sometimes called wide format scanners, come in many different sizes, types and resolutions. It's important to fully understand the needs of your organization in order to purchase the best one for your needs at the lowest price point. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start shopping.

1) How wide are the items to be scanned? The width of the scanner is the most important factor in its price. Large format scanning devices come in many different sizes, generally ranging from 25 inches to 44 inches wide. Popular sizes include 36 inch models that can accommodate engineering drawings, as well as 42 and 44 inch scanners that better match the typical wide format printer sizes. Fortunately, prices for imaging technology have dropped considerably since 2006, making these larger formats more accessible. A few models are made in 48 inch and 56 inch sizes.

2) What types and thicknesses of items will be scanned? The majority of large format scanners are sheet-fed, drawing paper through the device to pass over a stationary scan head. Sheet-fed models take less space than their flatbed counterparts and are limited only by width rather than length. Some can be fed from rolls as well as individual sheets. However, if you need to scan a delicate item that could be damaged or distorted when being fed through a sheet-fed device, or something that is thicker than paper, a flatbed large format scanner may be your best bet.

3) Will you be scanning photos and artwork, or line drawings and maps? CIS (Contact Image Sensor) technology is best at reproducing fine line details and capturing colors in blueprints, CAD and technical drawings as well as maps. CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) is better at capturing detail in photos and other artwork. Also, due to greater illumination and depth of focus, CCD imaging is ideal for scanning heavily creased or folded documents. CIS technology is typically less expensive than CCD.

4) What resolution will be needed for the items being scanned? Most print applications utilize a resolution of between 200 and 400 DPS, so a large format scanner that has resolutions of above 400 DPS will generally produce good results. However, in cases where you need to reproduce very fine detail, or you intend to enlarge a scanned document, higher resolutions may be preferable.

5) Color versus black and white? Monochrome or grayscale scanners are typically less expensive than color ones. However, in many cases the cost difference is not that significant. If you're planning on scanning monochrome items that are faded, you may get better results with a color model.

6) How important is processing time? Speed is the final consideration for your purchase.

Once you've determined the answers to these questions, you will be better equipped to select the right large format scanner for your application. Used or reconditioned models are available and can offer good quality for less than half the price of new ones.