One of the most unique features of select Konica Minolta copiers and multi-function printers is the ability to create banners. In fact, I have not seen any other copier or printer manufacturer offer this option with office equipment.

Having a vinyl banner made professionally can be expensive, especially if you do not need it for a long period of time. A color banner that’s printed on a Konica Minolta looks truly impressive and is simple and cost-efficient to make. I have invited our trainer Mike Irwin to provide a step-by-step guide for you.

1. Purchase Pre-Cut Banner Paper First
The 11-in. x 40-in. banner is the most common size made with a Konica Minolta copier. The paper comes pre-cut and is available in a variety of weights. I usually recommend the heavier stock because it’s quite durable. Order here!

2. Create Your Banner in Microsoft Publisher or a Similar Program
The second thing you’ll need to do is create your banner in some type of desk top publishing program. Microsoft Publisher is common in an office setting and very easy to use. Create a custom size banner (11″ x 40″) from the blank page template and not from one of the templates as this is a different type of banner. After the banner looks exactly how you want it to look, save it.

Note: before you can print a banner, you’ll need to pre-program the 11-in. x 40-in. size and name it “banner” in your print driver. I will explain how to do this in a future blog post.

3. Put Your Konica Minolta into Banner Mode
On the Konica Minolta control panel, choose Utility/Counter. On the the touch screen select banner printing, select “allow” and then press OK. The copier is now in banner printing mode and cannot be used for anything else.

In fact, unlike other features, there is no automatic “time-out” with banner mode. The printer will stay in banner mode until you exit it. So, before you take this step, it’s a good idea to make sure no one else needs the copier for any other type of printing.

4. Send the Banner to the Printer
Click on print options/properties and choose the correct size paper (pre-programmed “banner”). Then, send your banner to the printer. You must do this before loading any type of paper into the bypass tray. The Konica Minolta must receive the entire file before it will be ready to print.

5. Load the Banner Paper into the Bypass Tray 
Once the printer gets the entire file, the touch screen will prompt you to load the end of the pre-cut banner paper into the bypass tray. You will need to hold the other end of the banner up. The “complete” button (lower right-hand corner of the control panel) will light up when the end of the banner paper is placed properly into the tray.

6. Press the Complete Button and Let the Copier Do Its Work
When the complete button lights up, press it. The printer will pull the paper in slowly; you can gradually let the other end go. The finished product will come on on the finisher tray or, if you don’t have one, on the middle tray. Support the banner as it comes out.

7. Exit Out of Banner Mode
Just click on the exit option. The copier will return to its normal function.

This banner-printing feature is perfect for schools, churches, print shops and more. And, in all the organizations throughout Canton, North Canton, Green, Akron and Youngstown where I’ve trained people to use it, they love it! The quality is phenomenal.

If you’d like to learn more about how to use your Konica Minolta printer, contact us.