Large format scanners in Ontario were used a couple decades ago primarily in the CAD market. Originally, these specialized devices scanned drawings and other large engineering and architecture documents. However, new applications evolved over time and these scanners today serve a much broader market.
Perpetuating the growth of large format scanners in Ontario was the introduction of color capability. As technology advanced to a point of capture colors, the number of uses increased. Also fueling growth is the greater affordability combined with improved performance. Costs have come way down since the early days and performance has skyrocketed.
Large format scanners in Ontario have become a business tool just like regular printers. Depending on the nature of your business, you may find a large format scanner makes good sense to have in-house. As with all other investments, however, you need to carefully weigh the costs and benefits.
Uses for Large Format Scanners in Ontario
The following applications are common in today’s market:
Scan to File. If a business has invested significant amounts of money in drawings, it wants to ensure it can maintain those drawings in good condition. Also, if the drawings need to be changed in any way, they would have to be completely re-drawn.
However, scan to file applications let users take these large format drawings, scan them, and load them into other computer applications such as CAD software. Once in a digital format, the document can be preserved and changed if needed.
Scan to Print. Used in conjunction with a large format printer, these scanners can reproduce items like posters. Many businesses find this capability useful. Copy businesses, photo labs, architects and more can add lucrative services to their portfolio by using large format scanners to capture documents and then output them on a large format color printer.
In part two of this series we will discuss when it makes sense to invest in a large format scanner. In the mean time, contact MES Hybrid for more information on large format scanners in Ontario.