Defining Reprographics as it Relates to Large Format Printing
Analyzing the front lines of the plotter printer industry
The reprographic industry is a relatively small industry with approximately 3000 firms in the United States. It is comprised of entrepreneurial businesses serving predominately the large- and wide-format reproduction needs of the architectural, engineering, manufacturing, retail, and advertising industries. Average sales volume is about $1.5 million and average employee counts are 20-25 people.
Large-format reproductions are produced with a variety of technologies dependent, in part, on the application of the final product and quantity needed. Examples of typical reproduction methods include: diazo (blueline), electrostatic (xerographic), photographic, laser, and ink jet.
Reproductions can be made from the same size or smaller/larger hard copy originals. Prints can also be computer generated from CADD (computer aided design and drafting) files or from a growing variety of desktop publishing and design software packages.
In addition to addressing the large-format reproduction needs of their customers, reprographers frequently sell reprographic equipment and consumable supplies. Other business services such as mounting and lamination, quick copying, microfilming, scanning and facility management are also provided.
Typical items produced by reprographers include architectural/engineering blueprints and renderings, indoor and outdoor signage, maps, billboards, backlit displays, trade show graphics, legal and medical exhibits, etc.
Blueprinting and Reprographing - Future Direction
Over the past couple of years the "blueprinter/reprographer" community has been asking, "What business am I in?" Many have concluded that, "I am in the information distribution business, and I had better provide my customer base with whatever information distribution services they require."
This attitude has created a willingness to accept new ideas, to take a proactive approach to the market, and to work more closely with both customers and vendors, meeting the needs of the market. It is challenging, exciting and progressive.
The originals with which reprographers work often no longer begin life as pieces of paper on a drawing board, but as a series of bits and bytes in a computer. And, the reprographer has to find the best, most cost-effective way to convert electronic data into meaningful prints, graphics, displays and electronic documents.
The reprographic industry has not only accepted the digital and computer revolutions, but is now using these changes to develop new markets and services.