Searching for a laser printer with a size of 13 by 19 inches.
Searching for a laser printer with a size of 13 by 19 inches.
I notice many inkjet choices available, but my usage is not constant, which would mean I'd waste cartridges unnecessarily. Laser toner lasts longer if humidity is controlled. I'm not interested in plotter models. It's unclear if I can skip MFC or AIO printers. I just need a printer. I'm in the US and 13x19 seems to be Supertabloid size.
Thank you, Jeff
How irregular? Perhaps your optimal choice is to
have another person handle it.
If in the US, Kinkos, OfficeMax or comparable places.
Looking through available sources uncovered several listings. One refurbished HP tabloid color laser printer fits prints up to 12.6 x 18.5 inches—close enough. Another model from Lexmark claims compatibility with "Super Tabloid (12" x 18")". Likely more options exist, but the price range for these printers is around $1500 to $3500, including consumables. This makes it worthwhile to use a different vendor unless you require frequent large-format printing.
For that frequency, use a printer—like OfficeMax, etc.
You don’t have to invest in a big printer every two months.
I also suggest you look into companies that print before purchasing a printer. After discovering how inexpensive FedEx was, I realized I might never own another printer for the small amount I use printing.
Last time I felt a bit uncomfortable when I needed to print just a few black and white pages and used their self-service machine, ending up with a charge on my credit card for less than $1.
I appreciate all the responses you've received! Though my usage tends to be seasonal, it's still significant. We have a budget set aside to keep a machine prepared when needed. It does seem there are limited choices in this area for large format printing unless we consider using a plotter style approach. There could be potential savings by opting for roll paper instead of pre-cut sheets. If anyone knows of a laser printer that prints 13 x 19, please share it. A 11 x 17 size isn't as large as I need, but it might be one of the few available options.
By the way, there are some minor details to note. You mentioned a specific size for the paper, and we're assuming that applies to the actual sheet, not just the printed output. Most printers leave a small unprinted area around the edges—about a quarter inch on each side—which stops ink or toner from going beyond the paper boundaries and getting trapped inside. This matters when you're printing posters or signs with an "edge bleed" effect. That means the image needs to extend all the way to the paper's edge. The method is straightforward: use paper slightly bigger than the final size, print the image at its intended dimensions, then trim the edges. As a result, the image size must be smaller than the paper size. I considered this when you mentioned your seasonal projects involve posters.
Do you require a printer capable of handling and printing on paper measuring 13" by 19" with completely white, unprinted edges? Or would you prefer a printer that can print an image of that same size? Finding a printer's published specifications that indicate the maximum image size can be challenging.
I dedicated many years to developing printer drivers and controllers. Every one of them was designed for lasers and managed sizes beyond typical requirements. Some operated using rolls of paper, then trimmed to exact dimensions. The manufacturers I’m familiar with that support this level are Ricoh and Xerox. No one could afford one of these options. Costs began near $100,000 in the USA and increased significantly. All required substantial 220V or 440V 3-phase power in a climate-controlled setting. Yet, if you’re looking to create something custom in a printer, a small business or someone willing to invest heavily might find Xerox suitable. However, such specialized printers aren’t usually advertised on standard consumer sites—you’d need to contact a sales representative. Tabloid magazines are relatively easy to locate, but beyond that, the price of a laser printer for larger paper sizes isn’t worth it.