Makerspace

A large format printer is exactly what it sounds like, a really large (44") printer. Our Epson SC-P9000 printer is capable of printing on a variety of photo papers as well as banner material. In this workshop you will get to print an image in gallery quality! After taking this workshop you are certified to use our large format printer during drop-in hours. Refer to the makerspace calendar to find when this workshop is offered.

You will learn:
 - To use the Epson Print Layout Software
 - Operate a large format printer
 - Choose the ideal material for your project

Before attending this workshop:
 - Identify an image you'd like to print and email it to yourself
 - Register to attend the workshop

Select a Printing Material

Our large format printer is capable of printing up to 44" wide. The printer accepts both cut sheets as well as rolled media (2" and 3" cores).

Media that our Printer can Handle

• Matte, Luster and Glossy Photo Paper
• Canvas and Banner Media
• Matte poster board
• Adhesive paper
• Vinyl

Media Available in the Makerspace

• Premium Glossy Photo Paper (170)
• Premium Luster Photo Paper (260)
• Enhanced Matte Paper

Which Media is Right for Me?

The three most common media for the large format printer are glossy, luster and matte photo paper. As the names imply, glossy photo paper is reflective while matte is not. Luster photo paper sits somewhere in-between glossy and matte photo paper. Which paper you choose depends on the application for which you are printing. 

Black Inks

The Epson P9000 supports 9 different colors of ink, but can only use 8 cartridges at a time. This is because the P9000 has two different black inks. After selecting your printing media, you must load the printer with the corresponding black ink.

• Photo Black (default): Works with Glossy and Luster photo papers.
• Matte Black: Works with Matte photo papers.
• For a full list of ink/media compatibility refer to the Epson website.

Avoid switching black ink more often than necessary. Switching black ink consumes some ink.

Switching Black Inks

1. Check which black ink is currently loaded. With the printer on, navigate to the home page and look in the bottom right corner. 
2. Press the  button and wait for the printer to finish.

Load the Media

1. Ensure the printer is turned on
2. Open the roll paper cover. Inside should be two media adapters which hold the roll.
3. Holding one media adapter, release the lever to unlock the fins. Insert the media adapter over the roll, then close the lever locking the roll in place. Repeat on both sides.
   • You may have to adjust the core size to fit your roll.
4. There is a guard to the left. Push down on the blue lever to unlock the guard. Slide it all the way to the left.
5. Roll the paper into place.
6. Move the guard to the right so that it holds the roll in place. Pull up the lever to lock it in place.
7. Release the platen by pressing the  button on the printer.
8. Now you can roll the paper down through the machine until it hangs out 2+ inches.
   • Do this carefully. If you cannot easily roll the media through the printer, open the main printer cover and try to slide it the rest of the way. Increasing the suction on the machine may also help.
9. Lock the platen by pressing the  button.
10. The printer will conduct some tests to determine the width and skew of the paper. The printer may ask you what type of paper was loaded. Select the exact material from the list. If the roll has been used before, the printer may automatically scan the paper and determine which paper you have loaded.

Starting a Print

1. Download your design/photo to a lab computer inside the Makerspace. Ideally, your design should be in JPG or PNG format. 
2. Open Epson Print Layout.
3. Open the Image. Navigate to File > Open or use Ctrl+O.
4. Choose your Media Type
5. Oversize the Canvas
   • Purposefully oversize the canvas so you have plenty of extra space (we will re-define the canvas size later).
6. Orient the image:
   • Ensure "Lock Image Aspect Ratio" is checked
   • The paper size is fixed in one dimension (because we can't change how wide the roll is). Rotate your perspective to use the width of the paper most efficiently.
7. Trim the extra whitespace 
   • Look to sliders labeled Width and Height which refer to the size of the image. Play around with the sliders to determine which one has a maximum value of the paper's width (24, 36 or 44). Size the image how you like it and take note of this value.
   • Determine final canvas size: The printer requires a small margin (.12"). So we'll need paper slightly larger than our intended image size. 
   • Open the Paper Size dropdown and scroll to the bottom, selecting "Manage Custom Sizes...". Double-click height to specify a different length.
     • Width = Paper Width
     • New Height = Image Width + Left Margin + Right Margin
8. Click print (or enter on the keyboard) to start