Engineers require printers that can handle large format prints, produce high-quality images, and handle multiple media types. The best printer for engineers should also be cost-effective, efficient, and easy to use. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
When it comes to purchasing a printer for engineering work, there are a few things you should consider. First, the printer should be able to print large format documents, such as blueprints, schematics, and diagrams. Second, the printer should produce high-quality images with precise lines and colors. Third, the printer should be able to handle different media types, such as glossy paper, cardstock, and vinyl.
Other important factors to consider when purchasing a printer for engineers include connectivity options, printing speed, and cost per page. You want a printer that can connect to your computer or mobile device easily and quickly. Printing speed is also essential, especially if you need to print a large number of documents. Finally, you want a printer that is cost-effective, with a low cost per page and long-lasting ink or toner cartridges.
In this article, we will review the best printers for engineers, taking into consideration all the factors mentioned above. We will provide an in-depth analysis of each printer, including its features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you are an architect, designer, or engineer, we’ve got you covered with the best printer options for your needs.
Best Printers for Engineers
As an engineer, you need a printer that can handle your technical drawings and documents with precision and accuracy. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best printers for engineers. These printers are designed to meet the specific needs of engineers, providing high-quality prints and efficient performance. Whether you’re working on a large-scale project or a small prototype, these printers will help you bring your ideas to life.
HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer
If you’re looking for a printer that’s perfect for home use, the HP Smart-Tank 5000 is a great option. With its high-capacity ink tank and wireless connectivity, it’s a smart and connected printer that makes printing seamless for the whole family.
Pros
- The HP Smart-Tank 5000 is fully loaded with savings, making it the best option for low-cost, high-volume printing. It comes with up to 2 years of Original HP Ink included, allowing you to get up to 6,000 black or color pages right out of the box.
- With print, copy, and scan capabilities, plus borderless, mobile, and wireless capabilities, the HP Smart-Tank 5000 is a versatile all-in-one printer that can handle all your printing needs.
- The HP Smart-Tank 5000 delivers color graphics and crisp text for your everyday prints, making it a great option for engineers.
Cons
- The HP Smart-Tank 5000 is not the fastest printer on the market, with a maximum print speed of 10 pages per minute for black and 5 pages per minute for color.
- While the HP Smart-Tank 5000 is easy to use, some users have reported challenges with the installation of the print cartridge, which can be tricky to install.
- The HP Smart-Tank 5000 is a little larger than some users expected, which could be a problem if you have limited space.
The HP Smart-Tank 5000 is a great option for anyone looking for a low-cost, high-volume printer that can handle all their printing needs. With its high-capacity ink tank and wireless connectivity, it’s a smart and connected printer that makes printing seamless for the whole family. While it may not be the fastest printer on the market, it delivers color graphics and crisp text for your everyday prints, making it a great option for engineers.
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer
If you’re an engineer looking for a printer that can handle technical line drawings, renders, posters, and maps, the HP DesignJet T210 is an excellent choice. With high-speed printing and a variety of connectivity options, you’ll be able to print your projects quickly and easily.
Pros
- Fast printing speed
- High-quality results
- Variety of connectivity options
Cons
- Large and heavy
- Expensive
- Limited media size options
The HP DesignJet T210 is designed for engineers who need to print large and detailed technical drawings quickly and easily. With a printing speed of up to 45 seconds per page on A1/D size, you can get your projects printed in no time. The printer also features HP Bright Office Inks, which provide up to 31% more line accuracy and up to 65% more gamut, ensuring that your prints are of the highest quality.
One of the standout features of the HP DesignJet T210 is its variety of connectivity options. You can connect to the printer via Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi Direct, or Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. You can also print from virtually anywhere with the HP Smart app, which allows you to manage your plotter and print files from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.
However, the HP DesignJet T210 is quite large and heavy, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the printer is quite expensive, making it a significant investment for your engineering needs. Finally, the media size options are limited to up to 24-inch wide media rolls (large format) and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets (wide format) using the included automatic sheet feeder accessory.
In conclusion, if you’re an engineer looking for a high-quality printer that can handle technical line drawings, renders, posters, and maps, the HP DesignJet T210 is an excellent choice. Its fast printing speed, high-quality results, and variety of connectivity options make it a great investment for your engineering needs.
HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
If you’re an engineer looking for a reliable printer, the HP OfficeJet 8015e could be a good option for you.
Pros
- Fast printing speeds for increased productivity
- Custom mobile shortcuts for easy printing from anywhere
- Includes optional HP+ Smart Printing System for automatic updates and increased security
Cons
- Monthly fee applies after the first three months of free printing with HP+ subscription
- Copy function can be slow
- Paper tray takes some getting used to
With fast color printing, copying, and scanning capabilities, the HP OfficeJet 8015e is perfect for small businesses and home offices that need to print professional-quality documents like forms, reports, brochures, and presentations. Its custom mobile shortcuts make it easy to print from virtually anywhere, and the optional HP+ Smart Printing System keeps the printer up to date, secure, and ready to print at any time.
However, the HP+ subscription does come with a monthly fee after the first three months of free printing, and the copy function can be slow. Additionally, the paper tray takes some getting used to.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable printer that can handle your engineering needs, the HP OfficeJet 8015e could be a good choice for you.
Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer
If you are an engineer looking for a reliable printer that can handle your work, the Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a great option.
Pros
- Never run out of ink with Alexa notifications and smart reorders.
- Wireless 3-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan).
- Auto 2-Sided Printing.
Cons
- Small OLED display.
- Slow startup.
- Matte plastic material.
This printer allows you to connect to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low on ink. You can even enroll in smart reorders, which ensures that you never have too much or too little ink supplies. With wireless 3-in-1 capabilities, you can print, copy, and scan with ease. The auto 2-sided printing feature saves you time and paper.
However, the small OLED display may be difficult to read, and the printer may have a slow startup time. The matte plastic material may also not be as visually appealing as a high-gloss finish.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a reliable and efficient option for engineers in need of a printer that can handle their workload.
Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
If you’re looking for a compact and economical printer for your home, home office, or small office, the Brother MFC-J1010DW could be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The Brother MFC-J1010DW is compact and economical, perfect for small spaces and budgets.
- This inkjet all-in-one delivers full functionality plus fast print and scan speeds.
- The simple to use Brother Mobile Connect App delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and printer management from your mobile device.
Cons
- The printer uses a lot of ink to do maintenance.
- Some users have reported difficulty navigating the menu during setup.
- The cost of replacement ink cartridges can be high.
The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a versatile printer that offers a range of features, including wireless printing from your desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. The printer is compact and economical, making it a good choice for small spaces and budgets. The Brother Mobile Connect App makes it easy to manage your printer from your mobile device, and the printer also features a 1.8-inch color display to navigate on-screen menus.
One of the downsides of this printer is that it uses a lot of ink to do maintenance. Some users have also reported difficulty navigating the menu during setup. Additionally, the cost of replacement ink cartridges can be high.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and feature-rich printer for your home or small office, the Brother MFC-J1010DW could be a good choice.
Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser Printer
If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient printer for your engineering needs, the Brother HL-L2350DW is a great choice.
Pros
- Print more, wait less with class-leading speeds of up to 32 pages per minute.
- Accommodate your evolving needs with a 250-sheet paper capacity that handles letter or legal sized paper.
- Enjoy flexible printing options with built-in wireless or USB interface and print wirelessly from mobile devices.
Cons
- The manual feed slot may require some extra effort to handle a variety of papers and sizes.
- The printer lacks color printing capabilities.
- The printer may be louder than some other models.
The Brother HL-L2350DW is a compact and reliable printer that delivers fast and efficient printing for your engineering needs. With its class-leading print speeds of up to 32 pages per minute, you can get your work done quickly and efficiently. The 250-sheet paper capacity helps improve efficiency with fewer refills and handles letter or legal sized paper.
The printer offers flexible printing options with built-in wireless or USB interface and the ability to print wirelessly from mobile devices. This makes it easy to print from anywhere in your home or office without the hassle of cords and cables. The manual feed slot offers flexible paper handling for a variety of papers and sizes, such as card stock, envelopes, etc. to help you create professional looking documents.
While the printer lacks color printing capabilities, it is a great choice for those who primarily need black and white printing. The printer may be louder than some other models, but it is still a reliable and efficient choice for your engineering needs. Overall, the Brother HL-L2350DW is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient printer for their engineering needs.
Canon PIXMA MG3620 Wireless All-In-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile and Tablet Printing, Red Red Printer
If you’re an engineer looking for a printer that can handle your professional needs, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a solid choice that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Mobile Device Printing: Print from your iPhone, iPad, Android or tablet with ease.
- Quick and Easy Wireless Setup: Get your printer up and running in no time.
- Powerful Printing Options: Airprint, Google Cloud Print, NFC, Mopria and Canon Print offer a variety of ways to print.
Cons
- Slow Printing Speeds: With a maximum print speed of 9.9 ppm for monochrome and 5.7 ppm for color, this printer may not be the best choice for high-volume printing needs.
- Limited Paper Capacity: With a maximum input sheet capacity of 100, you may need to refill the paper tray frequently.
- No Ethernet Port: This printer only offers USB connectivity, which may be inconvenient for some users.
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a compact and space-saving printer that offers the convenience of mobile and tablet printing. The wireless setup is quick and easy, and the printer offers a variety of powerful printing options. However, the slow printing speeds and limited paper capacity may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the lack of an Ethernet port may be inconvenient for those who prefer a wired connection. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable printer for your engineering needs, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is worth considering.
HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e All-in-One Printer
If you’re looking for a printer that can handle all of your engineering needs, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e All-in-One Printer is a great choice.
Pros
- With print speeds up to 20 ppm (black) and 10 ppm (color), you won’t have to wait long for your documents to print.
- The 225-sheet input tray and 35-sheet automatic document feeder make it easy to handle large print jobs.
- The printer is HP Instant Ink eligible, which means you can save money on ink and never run out.
Cons
- The printer is a bit on the heavy side at 17.6 pounds.
- The initial page print time is 18 seconds, which is a bit slower than some other printers on the market.
- While the printer is wireless, USB, and Ethernet compatible, it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e All-in-One Printer is a great choice for engineers who need a reliable and efficient printer. With fast print speeds, a large input tray, and HP Instant Ink eligibility, this printer is designed to handle all of your printing needs. However, if you’re looking for a printer that is lightweight and has Bluetooth connectivity, this may not be the best option for you.
Paragraph 1: The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e All-in-One Printer is a versatile and efficient printer that can handle all of your engineering needs. Whether you’re printing large documents or handling a high volume of print jobs, this printer is designed to keep up with your demands.
Paragraph 2: With a range of features, including a large input tray, automatic document feeder, and HP Instant Ink eligibility, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e All-in-One Printer is a great choice for engineers who need a reliable and efficient printer. Additionally, the printer is wireless, USB, and Ethernet compatible, making it easy to print from a range of devices.
Paragraph 3: However, if you’re looking for a printer that is lightweight and has Bluetooth connectivity, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e All-in-One Printer may not be the best option for you. Additionally, the initial page print time is a bit slower than some other printers on the market. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient printer for your engineering needs, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e All-in-One Printer is a great choice.
MinZhi Portable Thermal Printer
If you’re an engineer looking for a portable, inkless printer that can print high-quality documents, then the MinZhi Portable Thermal Printer may be a good option for you.
Pros
- This inkless printer uses thermal technology, which means you won’t have to replace ink cartridges or toner cartridges. Instead, you can print using thermal paper, which is a cost-effective alternative to traditional ink cartridges and paper.
- The printer features a high-resolution printhead that allows you to print documents, custom labels, and black and white images in clear and professional quality. You can easily print recipes, forms, letters, assignments, study materials, contracts, sheet music, and travel documents.
- This is a compact, sensitive printer that weighs only 1.7 pounds, about the size of two smartphones. You can easily put it in your briefcase and backpack and print it anytime and anywhere during travel, business trips, office, school, and car. Also, it can be given as a gift to your friends and relatives.
Cons
- This portable thermal printer is generally compatible with a variety of operating systems and applications, including iOS, Android, and Windows. However, it only supports a variety of paper sizes, including 8.5″x11″ US Letter & Legal, A4 & A5, and 2″, 3″, and 4″ thermal paper. Ordinary copy paper is not supported.
- The portable thermal printer supports Bluetooth and USB connections. However, you need to install the driver from the official website to connect via USB-C on your PC. The app also needs improvement, and users may experience difficulty importing documents.
- The printer has a maximum print speed of 30 pages per minute, which may not be fast enough for some users who require a high-volume printing.
The MinZhi Portable Thermal Printer is a good option for engineers who need a portable, inkless printer that can print high-quality documents. The printer’s thermal technology and high-resolution printhead make it a cost-effective and reliable option for those who need to print on the go. However, users may experience difficulty importing documents through the app, and the printer’s limited paper size compatibility may be a drawback for some users.
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer
If you’re an engineer looking for a reliable all-in-one printer, the Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer is an affordable option that delivers consistent black and white prints at speeds up to 34 pages per minute.
Pros
- Combines space-saving efficiency and premium monochrome print quality with affordability
- Produces black and white documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm
- Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless, Ethernet, or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
Cons
- Limited to black and white printing
- Some users have reported difficulty setting up the printer
- May not be suitable for high-volume printing needs
This printer features a 250-sheet paper tray to reduce paper refill frequency and a 50-page auto document feeder for convenient, time-saving multi-page copy, scan, and fax. The integrated 2.7” touchscreen makes navigation easy and allows you to print-from and scan-to popular cloud-based apps.
The Brother Mobile Connect app allows you to print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go.
When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50% on Brother Genuine Toner.
Overall, the Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer is an efficient, time-saving addition to any workspace that combines four critical business functions in one compact footprint.
Canon PIXMA TS3520 Compact Wireless All-in-One Printer, Black TS3520 – Black
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly printer that can handle basic printing needs for engineering projects, the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is a solid choice.
Pros
- Adjust settings on the 1.5” SEGMENT LCD SCREEN and straightforward buttons.
- COMPACT DESIGN to fit your space – available in black or white.
- Great document and photo print quality from 2 CARTRIDGE FINE HYBRID INK SYSTEM.
Cons
- No duplex printing.
- No Ethernet connectivity.
- Slow printing speed.
This printer is easy to set up and use, with a hassle-free printing experience from both smartphone and computer. It also offers a dedicated rear paper tray for loading plain or photo paper. However, it does not have the ability for duplex printing and Ethernet connectivity. Additionally, its printing speed is not the fastest, but it still produces great document and photo print quality from its 2 cartridge fine hybrid ink system.
Overall, if you’re looking for a basic printer with a compact design that can handle your engineering printing needs, the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is a solid choice.
Brother Printer RHLL2395DW Monochrome Printer with Scanner and Copier 2.7in
If you are an engineer looking for a reliable printer that delivers efficient performance, the Brother Printer RHLL2395DW Monochrome Printer with Scanner and Copier 2.7in is worth considering.
Pros
- With class-leading print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute, this printer is engineered for productivity.
- The flatbed scan glass allows for convenient copying and scanning right from the device.
- Wireless mobile device printing and “touch to connect” printing and scanning with NFC delivers added convenience.
Cons
- This printer only prints in monochrome, so if you need to print in color, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
- The manual feed slot is the only option for printing on a variety of papers and sizes, such as card stock and envelopes.
- The printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 22.7 pounds, so it may not be easy to move around.
The Brother Printer RHLL2395DW Monochrome Printer with Scanner and Copier 2.7in is a great choice for engineers who need a reliable, efficient printer. With fast print speeds and convenient features like mobile device printing and NFC connectivity, this printer is designed to help you get your work done quickly and easily.
The 250-sheet paper capacity also helps improve efficiency by reducing the need for refills, while the flatbed scan glass makes it easy to copy and scan documents right from the device.
While this printer only prints in monochrome, it is still a great choice for engineers who primarily print text documents. The manual feed slot also allows for printing on a variety of papers and sizes, although it may not be as convenient as having a dedicated tray.
Overall, if you are an engineer in need of a reliable, efficient printer, the Brother Printer RHLL2395DW Monochrome Printer with Scanner and Copier 2.7in is definitely worth considering.
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer
If you’re an engineer looking for a portable and cost-effective printing solution, the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer is worth considering.
Pros
- Inkless printing technology saves money on ink, toner, and ribbons
- Ultra-portable design makes it easy to carry around
- Seamless Bluetooth connectivity for easy printing from smartphones and laptops
Cons
- Only compatible with thermal paper
- Setup can be daunting for first-time users
- Limited printing speed
This compact and lightweight printer is perfect for on-the-go printing during travels, work, or university. With its advanced thermal technology, it eliminates the need for ink, toner, or ribbons, making it more economical than traditional options. The package includes a printer, 3 rolls of thermal printing paper, a carrying case, a charging cable, instruction manual, and a guide card.
Weighing just 1.75lb and measuring 1.7in thick, the Gloryang portable printer is incredibly lightweight and compact. It easily fits into backpacks or briefcases, making it ideal for emergency scenarios, contracts, office documents, and more.
The Gloryang mobile sticker printer effortlessly connects to iOS & Android devices via Bluetooth. It also serves as a compact printer for laptops and computers. Simply download the app “PrintGo” for smartphone printing and install the driver for laptops. Connects via USB cable when you use a computer to print. Print anytime, anywhere.
Experience crystal-clear printing with the Gloryang portable travel printer. Equipped with 2 built-in 2600mAh batteries, it offers up to 3 hours of continuous printing and 360 sheets on a single charge. With an impressive 90-day standby time, it’s perfect for busy professionals and students.
Say goodbye to clutter with the built-in paper bin of the Gloryang printer. It saves space and keeps your workspace tidy, whether you’re on the go or in a car. With two ways to load thermal paper and the ability to print documents ranging from 2 to 8.5 inches, it caters to various printing needs.
Overall, the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer is a great option for engineers who need a portable and cost-effective printing solution. However, it’s important to note that it’s only compatible with thermal paper and has limited printing speed.
Buying Guide
When choosing a printer for engineering purposes, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Print Quality
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a printer for engineering purposes is print quality. You need a printer that can produce high-quality, detailed prints with precision and accuracy. Look for printers with high resolution and DPI (dots per inch) ratings to ensure that your prints come out looking crisp and clear.
Print Speed
Another important factor to consider is print speed. As an engineer, you may need to print large documents or blueprints quickly and efficiently. Look for printers that can handle high volumes of printing and have fast print speeds to ensure that you can get your work done quickly.
Connectivity
It’s also important to consider connectivity options when choosing a printer. Look for printers that offer a variety of connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth, to ensure that you can easily connect your printer to your computer or mobile device.
Paper Handling
When choosing a printer for engineering purposes, it’s important to consider paper handling. Look for printers that can handle a variety of paper sizes and types, including heavy cardstock and glossy paper, to ensure that you can print all of your documents and blueprints without any issues.
Cost
Finally, cost is always a consideration when choosing a printer. Look for printers that offer a good balance of features and affordability to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Keep in mind that while some printers may be more expensive upfront, they may save you money in the long run with lower ink or toner costs.
By considering these key features, you can choose a printer that meets all of your engineering needs and helps you get your work done quickly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should be considered when choosing a printer for engineering drawings?
When choosing a printer for engineering drawings, it is important to consider features such as print resolution, paper handling capacity, and connectivity options. A high print resolution is essential for producing detailed engineering drawings, while a large paper handling capacity is necessary for printing large format plans. Additionally, connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet allow for easy sharing of the printer among multiple users.
How do inkjet and laser printers compare for producing construction plans?
Inkjet printers are generally better for producing color construction plans with fine details, while laser printers are better for producing black and white plans with sharp lines and text. However, some high-end laser printers can produce color prints with good detail as well.
What are the top-rated printers for architects and their detailed designs?
Some of the top-rated printers for architects and their detailed designs include the HP DesignJet Z9+ and the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000. These printers offer high print resolution, large paper handling capacity, and excellent color accuracy.
What printer specifications are crucial for printing large format maps and drawings?
When printing large format maps and drawings, it is important to have a printer with a large paper handling capacity and the ability to handle different paper types and weights. A high print resolution is also important for producing detailed maps and drawings.
Can you recommend a printer that handles both text documents and detailed engineering graphics well?
The Epson SureColor P800 is a great printer that can handle both text documents and detailed engineering graphics with ease. It offers high print resolution, excellent color accuracy, and a large paper handling capacity.
What are the most cost-effective printers for frequent engineering and design print jobs?
Some of the most cost-effective printers for frequent engineering and design print jobs include the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 and the Canon PIXMA TR8520. These printers offer a good balance of print quality and affordability, making them ideal for small engineering firms and home offices.