Plotter printers are a specialized type of printer designed to produce large-format, high-quality prints. They are commonly used in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, as well as in graphic design and other fields that require detailed, high-resolution prints. If you’re in the market for a plotter printer, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase.
First and foremost, you’ll want to think about the type of work you’ll be doing with your plotter printer. Will you be printing architectural drawings, maps, or posters? Different types of plotter printers are optimized for different types of prints, so it’s important to choose one that will meet your specific needs.
Another important consideration is the size of the prints you’ll be producing. Plotter printers come in a range of sizes, from desktop models that can handle prints up to 24 inches wide, to large-format models that can produce prints that are several feet wide. Make sure to choose a plotter printer that can handle the size of prints you need.
Other factors to consider include print resolution, ink type, and connectivity options. Higher resolution prints will generally look better, but will take longer to produce and use more ink. Different types of ink are optimized for different types of prints, so it’s important to choose the right ink for your needs. Finally, consider whether you need your plotter printer to be connected to a network, or if a USB or Wi-Fi connection will suffice.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best plotter printers on the market, taking into account factors like print quality, size, and connectivity options. Whether you’re a professional in the AEC industry or a graphic designer looking to produce high-quality prints, we’ve got you covered.
Best Plotter Printers
If you are a graphic designer, architect, or engineer, you know the importance of having a reliable plotter printer. A plotter printer is a large format printer that produces high-quality prints with exceptional precision. Whether you need to print blueprints, posters, or banners, a plotter printer can handle the job. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best plotter printers on the market to help you make an informed decision.
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer
If you’re an architect, engineer, or construction professional in need of a reliable plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T210 might be a good option for you.
Pros
- You can print high-quality technical line drawings, renders, posters, maps, and professional sewing patterns.
- The printer is designed to fit your office space and budget.
- You can print from virtually anywhere with the HP Smart app, and print multiple files in as little as one click.
Cons
- Some users reported printer head problems and installation issues.
- The print quality is average, and the printer is noisy.
- The printer is expensive compared to other plotter printers in the market.
The HP DesignJet T210 is a versatile plotter printer that can handle various media sizes and types. With its high-speed printing and intuitive driver, you can save time and get high-quality results. The HP Click software and HP Smart app make it easy to create eye-catching posters and manage your large format printing from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.
The printer’s eco-friendly design reduces CO2 emissions and uses up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance. However, some users reported printer head problems and installation issues, and the printer is expensive compared to other plotter printers in the market. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable plotter printer with decent features and connectivity options, the HP DesignJet T210 might be worth considering.
HP DesignJet T650 Large Format Printer
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T650 is a great choice.
Pros
- Fast printing speed of up to 25 seconds per page on A1/D size
- High-quality results with HP Bright Office Inks that offer up to 31% more line accuracy and up to 65% more gamut
- Sustainable design that reduces CO2 emissions up to 7.3 tons/year by using up to 30% recycled plastic during the manufacturing process
Cons
- Expensive compared to other plotter printers on the market
- May be too large for some office spaces
- Limited connectivity options compared to other printers
This printer is ideal for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who require precise and accurate line-quality and crisp text. It can also be used to create professional quality posters with ease. With the HP Click software, you can design and print beautiful posters in minutes, even if you have no graphic design experience.
The HP DesignJet T650 is designed to fit your office and budget, with the world’s smallest plotters that use up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance compared to some competitor plotter printers. It also offers a variety of media sizes, including up to 36-inch wide media rolls and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets.
With the HP Smart app, you can manage your plotter printer from virtually anywhere, anytime. You can print and share files from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer with just one click. The app also offers HP/GL-2 support and true print preview, so you can print with confidence.
Overall, the HP DesignJet T650 is a great investment for those in need of a reliable and efficient plotter printer. With its fast printing speed, high-quality results, and sustainable design, it’s a printer that will meet all of your needs.
HP DesignJet T630 (T600 Series) Large Format Wireless Plotter Printer – 36″
If you’re looking for a reliable plotter printer for your technical drawings, renders, posters, and maps, the HP DesignJet T630 is a great option. With its fast printing speed, high-quality results, and user-friendly features, this printer is popular among architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
Pros
- Fast printing speed of up to 30 seconds per page on A1/D size, allowing you to be more productive and save time.
- High-quality results with HP Bright Office Inks that plot up to 31% more line accuracy and up to 65% more gamut.
- User-friendly features like HP Click software that makes job submission and poster creation easy, and the HP Smart app that lets you manage your printer from anywhere.
Cons
- Expensive upfront cost compared to other plotter printers on the market.
- Large and bulky design that may not fit well in smaller offices or workspaces.
- Limited media size options, with a maximum of 36-inch wide media rolls and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets using the included automatic sheet feeder accessory.
The HP DesignJet T630 is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable and high-quality plotter printer. With its fast printing speed and user-friendly features, it can help you be more productive and efficient in your work. However, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget or with limited office space. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality plotter printer that can handle your technical drawings, renders, posters, and maps, the HP DesignJet T630 is worth considering.
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient plotter printer for your technical drawings, renders, posters, and maps, the HP DesignJet T210 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Fast printing speed of up to 45 seconds per A1/D plot, allowing you to be more productive and save time
- High-quality results with HP Bright Office Inks that offer up to 31% more line accuracy and up to 65% more gamut
- Space-saving design that fits perfectly in your office and uses up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance compared to other competitor plotter printers
Cons
- Some users reported issues with printer head replacements, which can be expensive
- The print quality may not be as sharp as some other high-end plotter printers
- The included software may not be as advanced as some professional graphic design software
The HP DesignJet T210 is a versatile and cost-effective option that can handle a wide range of media sizes and types, including 24-inch wide media rolls and 13-inch by 19-inch sheets. With its automatic sheet feeder accessory and various media handling options, you can easily print multi-size projects without manually switching the media source.
Moreover, the printer comes with several useful software tools, such as HP Click for creating eye-catching posters, HP Smart app for managing your large format printing and printer virtually anywhere and anytime, and HP Print Preview for Windows for an intuitive driver and true print preview.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and space-saving plotter printer that offers high-quality results and fast printing speed, the HP DesignJet T210 is definitely worth considering.
HP DesignJet T650 Large Format 36-inch Plotter Color Printer
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T650 is a great choice.
Pros
- The printer is designed for technical line-drawings, renders, posters, and detailed map prints, making it ideal for architects, engineers, geographic firms, and construction professionals.
- With high-speed printing as fast as 26 seconds per A1/D plot, you can avoid waiting by the printer and be more productive.
- The printer is designed to fit your office, saving space, and uses up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance compared to some competitor plotter printers.
Cons
- The printer is quite heavy, weighing 76 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the HP print app, which can be frustrating.
- While the printer is relatively cost-effective, it may not be the most affordable option on the market.
The HP DesignJet T650 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient plotter printer. With high-speed printing and a range of features designed to make your life easier, this printer is perfect for architects, engineers, geographic firms, and construction professionals. While it may be heavier than some other models, the printer’s compact design means it can still fit comfortably in your office. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T650 is definitely worth considering.
HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Wireless Plotter Printer
If you’re an architect, engineer, or construction professional looking for a reliable plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T630 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Print high-quality technical line-drawings, renders, posters, and maps with precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text
- Prints as fast as 30 seconds per A1/D plot, saving you time and making you more productive
- Save space with the world’s smallest plotters designed to fit your office
Cons
- The printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 77 pounds
- The ink cartridges can be quite expensive
- Some users have reported issues with the printer drivers and the HP app
The HP DesignJet T630 is a great choice for professionals who need to print high-quality technical drawings, renders, and posters. With its fast print speeds and high accuracy, you can be sure that your prints will look great every time.
The printer is also designed to be compact and space-saving, making it a great choice for smaller offices. And with its easy-to-use job submission tool and HP Smart app, you can manage your printing and printer from virtually anywhere.
However, some users have reported issues with the printer drivers and the HP app, so it’s important to keep that in mind before making your purchase. Additionally, the printer is quite heavy and the ink cartridges can be expensive, so be prepared for those potential downsides.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T630 is definitely worth considering.
Canon PIXMA TS9520 All In one Wireless Printer Home or Office| Scanner | Copier | Mobile Printing with AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, Black, Works with Alexa, One Size
If you’re looking for an everyday printer that can do it all, the Canon PIXMA TS9520 may be the perfect choice for you. With its wireless capabilities, AirPrint support, and ability to print on various paper types and sizes, this printer is extremely versatile and ready to handle many different needs.
Pros
- The PIXMA TS9520 has a 5 Color Individual Ink System, which means it’s ready for sharp black text and great looking photos. It can even support various paper types and sizes, from 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches to 11 inches x 17 inches.
- You can print from all your favorite devices, whether that is a smartphone, tablet, or computer. With AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, the PIXMA TS9520 has you covered.
- With 11 inches x 17 inches paper support, booklet layout copy, oversized scanning, and Auto Document Feeder for multi-page documents, the PIXMA TS9520 is extremely versatile and ready to handle many different needs.
Cons
- The printer is quite bulky and may take up a lot of desk space.
- The ADF on top is of poor quality and may not feed paper properly.
- The printer does not support borderless printing for certain paper types, such as envelopes, high-resolution paper, T-Shirt transfer, and photo stickers.
The Canon PIXMA TS9520 is a great all-in-one printer for those who need versatility and convenience. With its ability to print on various paper types and sizes, this printer is perfect for creative projects, while its wireless capabilities make it easy to print from any device. However, the printer’s large size and poor quality ADF may be a drawback for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile printer, the Canon PIXMA TS9520 is definitely worth considering.
Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Wireless Printer
If you’re looking for a high-volume printer that won’t break the bank, the Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Wireless Printer is worth considering.
Pros
- With an exceptional value and ink savings of $1,175 from the full set of ink bottles included in the box, you get two additional bonus black bottles for even more savings.
- Get over 30 times the amount of ink compared to equivalent standard black and color ink cartridge sets with Canon MegaTank Ink Bottles.
- Print, copy, scan, and connect to your smartphone, tablet, and computer with ease. Even print beautiful borderless photos from 3.5” x 3.5” square to 8.5” x 11” letter size.
Cons
- At 17.8 pounds, this printer is quite heavy and may not be easy to move around.
- The printer does not have a print feeder, which means you can only manually print on it.
- While the printer is wireless, it doesn’t support NFC connectivity.
The Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Wireless Printer is a great option for those who need a high-volume printer that can handle a variety of tasks. With its exceptional value and ink savings, you can print up to 6,000 black text pages or 7,700 color pages per each full ink bottle set. The printer uses both pigment-based and dye-based ink, allowing for long-lasting and sharp black text as well as vibrant and colorful images.
In addition to its impressive page yield, the printer is ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certified, making it an eco-friendly choice. You can also enroll in smart reorders with Alexa to ensure that you never run out of ink or toner.
While the printer is heavy and doesn’t have a print feeder, it’s still a great option for those who need a reliable and cost-effective printer that can handle a variety of tasks.
HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Wireless Plotter Color Printer – 24″, with Auto Sheet Feeder, Media Bin & Stand (5HB09A),Black
If you’re looking for a plotter printer for technical line-drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, and detailed map prints, the HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Wireless Plotter Color Printer is a great option. It’s popular among architects, engineers, geographic firms, and construction professionals.
Pros
- The printer is designed to be compact and fits well in an office setting.
- The HP Click software (included) makes it easy to create and print professional quality posters.
- The printer is eco-friendly, using up to 30% recycled plastic during the manufacturing process and reducing CO2 emissions up to 7.3 tons/year.
Cons
- The printer is not the fastest option on the market, with a print speed of up to 30 seconds per A1/D plot.
- The initial setup and driver installation can be a bit challenging.
- The printer is relatively expensive compared to other plotter printers.
The HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Wireless Plotter Color Printer is a solid choice for those in need of a plotter printer for technical drawings and detailed prints. The compact design and eco-friendly manufacturing process are added bonuses. However, the slower print speed and higher price point may not be ideal for everyone.
HP DesignJet T230 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Color Printer
If you’re looking for a large format plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T230 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Portable and network-ready
- Sustainable design using up to 30% recycled plastic
- Includes 2-year Warranty Care Pack
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with aligning the paper feed
- Wireless setup can be tricky for those with limited IT skills
- A few users have received damaged or used printers upon delivery
This printer is ideal for architects, engineers, and designers who need to print large format plans and drawings. The T230 is easy to use and prints great in both black and white and color. Its sustainable design is also a plus for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
One of the standout features of the T230 is its portability. It’s easy to move around the office or take to job sites as needed. Plus, it’s network-ready, so you can easily connect it to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network for easy printing from multiple devices.
While most users have had positive experiences with the T230, some have reported issues with aligning the paper feed. This can be frustrating, but it seems to be a relatively minor issue that can be resolved with a little troubleshooting.
Overall, the HP DesignJet T230 is a solid choice for those in need of a large format plotter printer. With its portable design, network connectivity, and sustainable materials, it’s definitely worth considering.
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20 24″ Large Format Poster & Plotter Printer
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient plotter printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With the ability to print multi-size documents up to 24 inches, the imagePROGRAF TC-20 is perfect for printing posters, flyers, blueprints, line drawings, and office/retail signage.
- The roll-fed to cut-sheet paper feeds make it easy to print documents up to 24 inches wide directly from your home or office without outsourcing.
- The 4-color ink bottle system delivers crisp text and vibrant images at 1200 dpi with resistance to highlighter and water.
Cons
- The ink bottles are designed to fit only the correct ink color tank, which can be inconvenient if you need to switch colors frequently.
- Some users have reported that the original ink runs out very fast since a bunch is used to prime the printer.
- The printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 32.2 kilograms, which can make it difficult to move around.
The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20 is a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile and reliable plotter printer. With its large-format printing capabilities, excellent print quality, and easy-to-use features, it’s perfect for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re printing posters, flyers, blueprints, or office/retail signage, the imagePROGRAF TC-20 can handle it all.
Setting up the printer is fast and easy, thanks to the intuitive touchscreen control panel and animated installation guides. And once you’re up and running, the top and front interior access to the TC-20 printer makes it easy to refill ink tanks, replace paper rolls, and perform routine maintenance.
In addition to its wired and wireless connectivity options, the imagePROGRAF TC-20 is also energy-efficient, with ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold certification. So if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient plotter printer that can handle all your printing needs, the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20 is definitely worth considering.
HP DesignJet T850 Large Format 36-inch Color Plotter Printer
If you’re an AEC, GIS, or MCAD professional looking for precise, accurate line quality and crisp text in your prints, the HP DesignJet T850 Large Format 36-inch Color Plotter Printer might just be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Includes 2-year Warranty Care Pack for peace of mind
- Wide range of media sizes and types supported
- Efficient ink maintenance routines to reduce waste
Cons
- Large size takes up a lot of space
- Expensive compared to standard printers
- Not suitable for home or personal use
The HP DesignJet T850 is an ideal choice for professionals who require high-quality prints with precise line quality and text. With a maximum media roll diameter of 100mm and up to 36-in wide media rolls, this plotter printer can handle a wide range of media sizes and types, including bond, coated, and heavyweight paper/media rolls.
One of the standout features of the HP DesignJet T850 is the included 2-year Warranty Care Pack. This includes onsite and remote support, HP parts, and fast device service if your issue can’t be resolved. Repairs are performed by HP technicians using 100% genuine HP parts, giving you peace of mind that your printer is in good hands.
The HP DesignJet T850 also includes efficient ink maintenance routines, reducing energy and ink waste. You can also enjoy auto-scheduled printer on/off usage, which helps to further reduce energy usage. With pigment-based HP Flex Tech Inks, you can achieve high-quality CAD and renders across print sizes.
However, the HP DesignJet T850 is a large printer and takes up a lot of space. It’s also expensive compared to standard printers, making it less suitable for home or personal use. Overall, if you’re a professional looking for a reliable and high-quality plotter printer, the HP DesignJet T850 is worth considering.
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 36-inch 5-Color Inkjet Printer Plotter
If you’re looking for a high-quality plotter printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 is a great choice. With its WiFi compatibility, small footprint, and exceptional Canon print quality, this printer is sure to meet your needs.
Pros
- WiFi Compatible: This printer can easily connect to your WiFi network, making it simple to print from your computer or mobile device.
- Small Footprint: Despite its large 36-inch size, this printer has a small footprint, making it easy to fit into your workspace.
- LUCIA TD Pigment Inks: The LUCIA TD Pigment Inks used in this printer produce high-quality, long-lasting prints that are resistant to fading and smudging.
Cons
- Limited Print Speed: With a maximum print speed of 3 ppm for both monochrome and color, this printer may not be the best choice if you need to print large volumes quickly.
- Limited Connectivity: While this printer does have WiFi connectivity, it does not support other types of connectivity, such as USB or Ethernet.
- Expensive: With a higher price point than some other plotter printers, this printer may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget.
Overall, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality plotter printer that produces exceptional prints. While it may not be the fastest or most affordable option, its WiFi compatibility, small footprint, and LUCIA TD Pigment Inks make it a great choice for those who value quality over speed.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best plotter printer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important features to keep in mind when making your decision:
Print Quality
One of the most important factors to consider is print quality. Look for a plotter printer that produces high-quality prints with crisp lines and vibrant colors. Consider the resolution, color gamut, and ink type to ensure that the printer is capable of producing the type of prints you need.
Size and Capacity
Plotter printers come in a range of sizes, so it’s important to consider the size of the prints you need to produce. Look for a printer with a large enough print bed to accommodate your largest prints, and consider the capacity of the ink cartridges to ensure that you won’t need to replace them frequently.
Connectivity
Consider the connectivity options for your plotter printer. Look for a printer that can connect to your computer or network via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi. This will make it easy to print from multiple devices and locations.
Software
The software that comes with your plotter printer is also an important consideration. Look for software that is easy to use and offers the features you need, such as the ability to adjust print settings and manage print queues.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the plotter printer. Look for a printer that offers the features you need at a price that fits your budget. Keep in mind that higher-end printers may offer better print quality and more features, but they may also come with a higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should you look for in a plotter printer for a small business?
When selecting a plotter printer for your small business, consider the print quality, speed, and connectivity options. A high print resolution is important for producing sharp and detailed prints. Look for a printer with a fast printing speed to increase productivity. Connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet can make it easier to print from multiple devices.
Which plotter printer is preferred by architects for professional use?
Architects require high-quality prints with precise lines and details. The HP DesignJet Z9+ is a popular choice for professional architects due to its high print resolution and color accuracy. It also has a wide color gamut and can print on a variety of media types.
How do you select the best large format printer for artistic applications?
When selecting a large format printer for artistic applications, consider the print quality, color accuracy, and media handling capabilities. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a popular choice for artists due to its high print resolution and color accuracy. It also has a wide color gamut and can print on a variety of media types, including fine art paper.
What are the top large format printers recommended for professional photographers?
Professional photographers require high-quality prints with accurate colors. The Epson SureColor P10000 and P20000 are popular choices for professional photographers due to their high print resolution and color accuracy. They also have a wide color gamut and can print on a variety of media types, including glossy and matte paper.
What considerations are important when choosing a plotter for printing construction plans?
When selecting a plotter for printing construction plans, consider the print speed, media handling capabilities, and connectivity options. A fast printing speed is important to increase productivity. Look for a printer that can handle large media sizes and different media types. Connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet can make it easier to print from multiple devices.
How can you determine the durability and longevity of a plotter printer?
The durability and longevity of a plotter printer can depend on several factors, including the quality of materials used and the frequency of use. Look for printers with a solid build quality and a manufacturer’s warranty. Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the printer’s reliability and longevity.
