In MMD 17.07.08, Mike Walter wrote:

> Hi all, I am looking to gain access to a large flat bed scanner that
> can scan a poster that is 39" wide and 54" tall. A black and white
> scanner with capabilities to download the image to a computer file
> is preferred.

Do you have a series of these posters, or just a one-time application?

Many (most?) print shops are set up for just such a project, and they
use sturdy graphics paper with best (long-enduring) inks.  Shop around
and investigate their offers; you'd be surprised how fairly-priced
these can be in a shop so equipped.

I do a lot of 19" wide by as 3 or four feet long posters and banners
on my printers, and yes, I have stitched some after the fact,  but I
mostly outsource the larger for posters or staging graphics.  Remember,
if you do it yourself you consume a lot of ink as well as the hassle.

Check out some of the "large format printing" ads in the monthly
Horsetrader Catalog to compare pricing amongst competitors and give
them a call: http://www.printrade.com/ 

Many shops offer pricing on canvas or fabric suitable with grommets,
as well as paper or card stock for banner and display printing.  Some
offer stand-up frames suitable for museum or convention booth displays.
(You may have to run it through a local print shop if the best prices
are offered "to trade only".)

I would hate to see unnecessarily wasted energy and money at your end
when there are competitive alternatives.  This is probably more than
you are seeking, but just think how printing it yourself will look with
your inks if your printer is not designed for such massive use.

Another alternative is to photograph the poster and import that photo
into your computer graphics program to adjust it and personalize it
further (tweak copyright notices, etc.) and save it as a printable file
to take to the local printer.  Most shops accept JPG or PDF files to
print to your specified size.

Paul Kealy
StentorVox.com