Overview
The large format plotter is available to print posters for displays and presentations for staff and students of the University of Birmingham.
The posters are printed on a 36 inch wide high gloss paper roll, length is trimmed automatically by the plotter, width manually by the user. We do not print on cloth.
Standard paper sizes include A0, A1, Arch E.
Custom page sizes can be accommodated up to 917mm (36.1") by 15m (50ft). 907mm max printable width.
To chop off the excess paper from smaller posters there is a guillotine available.
Hours
Please be aware that the staff providing the printing service are not dedicated to this task, and you are strongly advised to leave plenty of time between your print job submission and the required by date. The usual hours for the printing service are 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm.
Job Submission
To ensure that you provide all the right details, and to make plotting your job easier, please use the provided system.
You can bring posters on memory sticks as a last resort, but the job submission form needs to be completed anyway.
The posters can be collected from Poynting Physics (R13), basement. Directions can be found here
The most straight forward access is through Physics West (R8). From the Physics West entrance opposite the clock tower, go down the stairs, then turn right, go down the corridora.
File Formats
PDF is the recommended file format because you can review exactly what will
be sent to me outside of the application that created the poster.
Microsoft Office users are recommended to export as a PDF and submit that.
Mac & Unix users should always export/print to PDF rather than an office
file.
Alternatively, you can send Microsoft Office, Libre/Open Office and most
standard image types.
Important: If you send a native document format please make sure all pictures and fonts are embedded in the poster. (File > Options > Save >> Embed fonts in the file = ticked)
Page Costs
| Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| Arch E | £26 |
| A0 | £25 |
| A1 | £20 |
| Custom page | £ poa |
Payment:
Your New Core account code or project number is all we need.
We cannot accept cash payments.
Paper sizes
- A0 = 841 x 1189 mm
- A1 = 594 x 841 mm
- Arch E = 914 x 1219 mm (max printable width is 907mm)
Custom sizes: As long as the inked area and the paper length doesn’t exceed a standard size we will use the standard rate for that size. You need to put your custom size requirements in the comment section when submitting your poster. The maximum printable width is 907mm (on 917mm wide paper), the length will be as required, the paper is on a roll.
Multiple small pages printed on one large page: If you send one file with all the formatting already done then I’ll print it, for example 2 A1 posters on an A0 page. .
Poster Creation Tips
Example files
Application page size
You should always set your application's page size to the sizes above. If you use an application page size that is very small e.g. A4 and I have to enlarge it to fit your requested page size you may be disappointed with the print quality.
Finally...
If you need to contact someone:
Email: Poster King
Plot queue administrator: John Bryant ext 4-6471 Poynting Physics Room PB8E.
Maintained by Poster King
Last Updated: 27-Nov-2023