Large Format Scanner – Defined
A large format scanner is also known as a blueprint scanner, or a wide format scanner. It is equipment that makes a digital image from a hard-copy original. To be considered as a large format scanner, the blueprint scanner is typically a minimum of 24 inches wide. However, the blueprint scanner can be wider, up to 60 inches wide. 
A large format scanner can be a flatbed scanner or more commonly, a roll-fed scanner. A roll-fed scanner allows the user to feed in the original and it pulls the original through the wide format scanner. The scanning technology in a large format scanner is either CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or CCD (Charge-Coupled Device), here is a detailed explanation: What are CCD & CIS, And How Do They Differ?. The quality of large format scanners can differ, some can be easier to use than others, there can be compatibility issues, and there are varying levels of support.
For precision imaging with large format scanners, especially tailored for tasks like blueprint scanning. Let’s discuss the processes and applications that make them work.
How Do Large Format Scanners Work?
The Process of Scanning
Large format scanners employ cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest level of detail capture. The scanning process involves the following key steps:
High-Resolution Capture
- Large format scanners excel in high-resolution capture, preserving intricate details with clarity.
- This is particularly crucial in tasks like blueprint scanning, where every line and annotation must be accurately reproduced.
Guided Movement
- In a roll-fed scanner, the movement of the original through the scanning process is carefully guided.
- Roll-fed scanners, offer a seamless experience, pulling the original through the scanner with precision.
Technology Selection: CIS vs. CCD
- The choice between CIS (Contact Image Sensor) and CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) significantly influences the scanning quality.
- Explore our guide on What are CCD & CIS, And How Do They Differ? for a detailed explanation of these technologies.
Applications for a Large Format Scanner
Blueprint Scanning
- Large format scanners are the key equipment for blueprint scanning, providing unmatched precision in digitizing architectural engineering and construction plans or drawings.
- The wide format scanner accommodates even the most expansive blueprints, ensuring all detail are displayed.
Art and Graphic Design
- Artists and graphic designers benefit from large format scanners in preserving intricate details of artwork.
- Utilizing a high quality large format scanner &/or incorporating higher resolution can help to ensure that the digital reproduction captures the true essence of the original.
Mapping and GIS
- In the realm of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), where there is often a lot of intricate detail, high quality large format scanners are utilized to the digitization of maps, providing detailed and accurate representations.
Large Format Scanner Features
Blueprint scanning demands a level of precision that goes beyond standard scanning capabilities.
Versatility in Size
The width of the large format scanner determines the maximum size that the blueprint scanner can handle. The shorter side of the original must be at or smaller than the scanners maximum scan width. For example, if you have a 24 inches wide scanner, and yet you want to scan a drawing that is 36″ x 48″, unfortunately, this would be beyond that which the blueprint scanner can handle. To scan a drawing that is 36″ x 48″, the minimum scan width would have to be 36 inches wide or wider.
Roll-Fed Efficiency
- The technology in the rollers enhances efficiency in blueprint scanning, allowing for the seamless scanning of long and detailed documents.
- Users can effortlessly feed the original, and the scanner expertly guides it through the scanning process.
- Utilizing a roll-fed large format scanner to scan sets of plans can be easy with the right set-up and process in place; whereby the user mainly focuses on systematically feeding in the paper one after the other.
Enhanced Detail Capture
- Large format scanners, with guided movement, excel in reproducing every line and annotation with precision.
- Integrated with scanner operating software can allow for pre-scanning set-up and post-scanning adjustments. These can be features like:
- setting size
- setting resolution
- soft handling for delicate originals
- setting image type
- Auto-rotate
- Auto-align / deskew
- Smooth / sharpen filter
- Black/white, or RGB level adjustments
- Histogram view
- Multi-page scanning
- Saving in various file formats
- Automatic file naming templates
- With full scan functionality and full image adjustment controls scanning becomes easy and can aid to providing pristine digital images.
Quality Variations and Considerations
User-Friendliness
- The ease of use varies among different large format scanners. Some are designed with intuitive design interfaces, ensuring a smoother scanning experience.
- If the scanner operating software is easy to use, it can certainly impact the user’s scanning experience. If the scanner operating software is easy to learn and use, it makes for a more seamless operation.
Compatibility Issues
- Compatibility with various systems and software can be a factor to consider. It’s essential to choose a scanner that seamlessly integrates into your existing workflow.
- Make certain that the large format scanner is compatible with your operating system. Most large format scanners are not compatible with Mac operating systems; this could be an important factor to consider.
Support Levels
- The level of support provided with large format scanners can differ. Consider the support options available, especially if you are new to large format scanning technology.
- We have a policy that is unprecedented, in that we provide free phone support for the life of any large format scanner that we sell. We believe that we should support our customers when they are going to need us the most; this is when difficulty is encountered, but since we do not know when you are going to have difficulty, we make it for the life of the blueprint scanner.
In Summary
A large format scanner is a powerful and useful tool, especially for tasks like blueprint scanning. The combination of advanced technology, versatile design, and meticulous attention to detail makes them an indispensable asset in various industries.
If you have questions about blueprint scanners, if you are in the market for a large format scanner; or if you are seeking help in deciding which specific scanner might be right for your particular needs, call our experts at (602) 224-9971 or contact us now, we’re happy to help!