Understanding the Difference
A standard office copier handles letter-size (8.5 x 11 inches) and legal-size (8.5 x 14 inches) paper. These machines are the workhorses of most offices, handling everything from memos to contracts.
A wide format printer, also called a plotter, prints on paper wider than 18 inches. These machines are essential for industries that work with large documents like blueprints, CAD drawings, architectural plans, and large-scale marketing materials.
When You Need a Standard Copier
Most Philadelphia offices run well with a standard A3 copier. These machines handle:
- Daily document printing and copying
- Scanning to email and network folders
- Double-sided printing to save paper
- Stapling and hole-punching finished documents
If your team prints fewer than 10,000 pages per month and rarely needs anything larger than 11 x 17 inches, a standard Ricoh copier is your best fit.
When Wide Format Makes Sense
Wide format printers serve a specific but critical need. You likely need one if your team works in:
- Architecture and engineering where blueprints and construction documents are daily output
- Construction management where large site plans need to be printed on demand
- Marketing and signage where posters, banners, and trade show materials are produced in-house
- Manufacturing where technical drawings and schematics are referenced on the floor
Cost Comparison
A standard A3 color copier runs between $5,000 and $25,000 to purchase, or $150 to $500 per month on a lease. Wide format printers start around $8,000 to purchase, with lease options available.
The key cost factor is not just the machine itself but the paper and ink. Wide format media costs more per square foot, so understanding your print volume is essential before committing.
Our Recommendation
Talk to us before deciding. We visit your office, review your current print output, and recommend the right equipment for your workflow. Many Philadelphia offices benefit from having both a standard copier and a wide format printer, especially in industries like construction and architecture.
Call us at (215) 995-2400 for a free consultation.