Extra-Large format copier

I searched far and wide for large format scanners and the biggest I found was 42 inches.

I heard of one that was open on one side so you could feed a larger map through and scan half, then feed it through the other way and scan the other half (then stitch them together with software) but I never saw it

Photos seem to be the way to go these days but you have to hold your mouth just right to preserve the ability to scale distances off of it.?ÿ Legibility ought to be good enough with any newer phone camera

Well I would fold the map in thirds and have three scans run so as to provide enough overlap than just stitch the jpg's together in any standard photo program.

I use Netex Printing in Texarkana for my larger than ledger printing and scanning needs. They are the goto people that make copies for contractors in the area that get a digital set of plans and need many copies for their crews and hard copies to mark on.

They will also print at block quality when ask and when the detail requires a better plot. I always have to remind them to print to actual size rather than fit the sheet in order to retain the actual scale of the drawing.

There is also an associate in Texarkana that has a 42in dedicated scanner to obtain the highest dpi scans.

TxDot had some very wide scanners that were multipurpose for scanning to pdf or jpeg and save to file and to serve as a print spool to send the data onto a printer. All that has been collecting dust since they upgraded to Win7 and Win10 because they were programmed for WinXP. I have tried to purchase one but they just sit in place until they get too old and reclaimed by the vendor.

?ÿ

I may have found a place in Dallas. I just really hate the idea of getting inside the city limits of Dallas. I won't know until I call them tomorrow.

Thanks,

James

@jaro

Did you check with Office Depot or Kinko's?

@steve-gilbert

I have checked with 3 different Office Depot stores and all have a 36" width limit. I don't really know what a "Kinkos" is but google says they are now Fedex Office. I can't find anything about maximum size online but I can call the nearest store tomorrow (Tyler) and see what they say.

I called the place in Dallas but got a voicemail system. I sent them a message online with the sizes and they called me back while I was on the road without cell service. The message said they could not do it because their limit is 44 inches TALL and any length. Mine is 42 inches WIDE.

They can do one of the maps, they just don't know it yet! 🙂  

James

I called the only two Fedex Office within 100 miles that have a copy and print center and are not "inside walmart" and both have a 36" limit

I'd try some government organizations too, like DOT or development groups.?ÿ Also, any colleges nearby??ÿ I found our local development corporation had a large format scanner that went up to 50 some inches.?ÿ I needed 43" so it worked.

I know Houston might be a little further away for you, but if you get desperate enough I would recommend contacting Thomas Printworks.?ÿ They did a large wall map for me (it was something like 60" x 96") a few years back when I was still in Houston.?ÿ They always had great, friendly service, and my experience with them dates back at least 25 years, though they do seem to have changed owners since the last time I used them.

Now that I look at their web site a little more, I think it was a name change rather than an ownership change.?ÿ I realize I knew them as Thomas Reprographics.?ÿ They also have several locations in the Dallas area.

TJC used to have a large format scanner.?ÿ It's been years though.?ÿ You might check with Patti Williams. 903-510-2365?ÿ [email protected]

If you just want a scan, use your iPhone. There is a scan app that does a pretty good job. I took some scans of an old painting had them printed and framed and they look just like the original.