14 Jun Seven Blueprint Printing Mistakes to Avoid
Blueprinting mistakes can cost you time and money, and will make your clients see you as unreliable and unprofessional. How can you avoid blueprint printing mistakes? The best way to avoid printing mistakes with your blueprints is by being proactive about mitigating errors and reducing risks before you even send the blueprints to your printing shop. Here are seven common blueprint mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure you get high quality printed blueprints.
- Double-Check Your Resolution
Poor resolution is one of the most common causes of poorly rendered blueprints. If you send your printing shop a low-resolution file, they will not be able to print crisp, high-quality blueprints at the proper size and scale. Your files should be at least 300 DPI to guarantee sharp, precise printed blueprints.
- Ensure Proper Scaling
Accurate scaling is crucial for blueprints. Your drawings must be scaled properly to ensure measurements are correct and your team has the information they need to order materials and supplies and begin site preparation. Check your scaling at least twice before sending your file to your printing shop.
- Understand Line Weight
You can use variations in line weight to indicate a difference between elements of your site plan and blueprints. These line weight variations will reduce the risk of miscommunications or misinterpretation of your blueprint design.
- Utilize Margins and Bleeds Properly
Your printer will need space to ensure your blueprint is printed properly. Using proper margins and bleeds will ensure your blueprint is printed correctly on the correct sized paper. You should adhere to industry standards for margins and bleeds, or ask your print shop manager what their standards are.
- Establish Quality Control Procedures
Creating a time-tested and repeatable quality control process will help you catch mistakes before you send your blueprints to the printer. Check the blueprint area by area in a grid pattern to check for errors, typos, and other mistakes. Don’t count on your printing company to catch errors or even know what to look for.
- Choose the Right Paper
The paper you choose will affect the quality and readability of your blueprints. Your print shop manager can help you choose the perfect paper for site plans and blueprints. You should consider the paper’s weight, durability, and finish.
- Consider Lamination
Laminating your blueprints will protect them from the elements and reduce wear and tear from handling. They will also remain legible throughout the life of your project, and can be safely stored when the project is completed.
Print Your Blueprints In-House
Printing your blueprints in-house will give you complete control over the design, printing, and finalization process. At Arizona Business Equipment, we carry a wide range of high-quality wide format printers and plotters in Arizona that are ideal for printing blueprints, site plans, and other non-standard sized documents. Our wide format printers and plotters feature integrated media roll options, PC and web-based submissions, integrated touchscreens, and multi-touch controls. We also offer preventive maintenance and professional repairs. Contact us today to learn more.