Introduction
From architects, designers to artists, many individuals, and companies work with large prints much bigger than the standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper. This is where plotter printers come into play and can be used because as opposed to outsourcing the printing task, you can do it yourself at home or in the office. For anyone unfamiliar with plotter printers, it is a large printer that uses rolls of media for the output production and can deliver prints of different sizes depending on an individual’s needs and the capacity of the printer. The printers can be used for multiple applications including line drawing, rendering, mapping, orthophotos, point of sale/display, graphics design, posters, photos, digital fine art, banners, light boxes – film and exhibition and event graphics. The printers also work with a variety of media which include but are not limited to plain bond paper, backlit film, adhesives, and fabric.
However, plotter printers tend to not only be expensive, but there is a wide variety of options in the market. So how does one know which plotter printer to consider? When buying a plotter printer, some of the things that you need to look at are the printers image quality, software, design, performance, supported media, ink type, and consumables.
However, as previously mentioned, your need takes precedence, and then the other elements follow. Below we have compiled a comprehensive and well-researched list of plotter printers that we have not only put to the test but can work with the different budgets that individuals may have.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2000 24” Photo Printer
Intro
Boasting an innovative 12 ink system, 320 GB hard drive, and an L-COA image processing chip, this printer is one of the best plotter printers that you can consider purchasing. We were pleasantly surprised by its capability given that 1.) the 12 ink system allows you to switch effortlessly between matte black and photo black inks,
2.) and you can adjust your works color reproduction as you go it was hard not to fall in love with this printer. This printer delivers quality (it has a maximum resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi) and a delightful printing experience since it is equipped with the latest features and trappings as far as printing technology goes. With a USB port, Wi-Fi connectivity, it is possible to use this printer without a computer. One can operate the printer from the 3.5-inch touchscreen
Pros
- The printer is equipped with an inbuilt LED color densitometer
- The performance of the printer is one of the best we have seen for its price range, and the L-COA processor only enhances the printer’s capacity.
- Given how complicated using plotter printers can be, the imagePROGRAF PRO-2000 24” is easy to use.
- It is equipped with a 320 GB hard drive for extra storage should you need it.
Cons
- If your purpose for a plotter printer is borderless printing, we would recommend choosing a different printer.
HP DesignJet T520 24” Photo Printer
Intro
This printer makes it easy to create large-format images as it works on both roll and sheet media up to 24” in width. It boasts features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, a large color touchscreen for operations, USB 2.0, Ethernet connectivity and the HP Thermal Inkjet Technology. This printer is capable of delivering excellent print quality as it has a maximum resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi for sharp, detailed graphics and documents. Supporting Apple AirPrint, HP Mobile Printing, and HP ePrint printing technologies, you can use your printer with your mobile phone as it works well with both Android and iOS devices. The speed capabilities of this printer are also excellent as it capable of producing a D-size or single A1 print in approximately 35 seconds.
Pros
- The printer’s document feeder system is versatile as you can either use the manual sheet feed, the front-loading roll feed or a multi-sheet tray for A3 sizes sheets.
- In comparison to other plotter printers, the Designjet T520 is compact and ideal for use at home or in small offices.
- The automatic cutter simplifies tasks in case you are using a roll of paper and delivers clean cuts on your documents.
Cons
- You have to update the printer’s firmware by yourself as it does not do so automatically.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 44” printer
Intro
The imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 44” is a plotter printer that delivers imagery that is nothing short of spectacular. It boasts a number of trappings which work in unison to facilitate the beautiful imagery including the L-COA PRO high-speed image processing engine, a high-precision mechanical platform, and a twelve-color LUCIA PRO pigmented ink set with Chroma Optimizer and Canon’s FINE technology with a 1.28”-wide 12-channel print head. The printer’s maximum resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi ensures the image you produce with this printer is high quality, vibrant and brilliant as the printer’s LUCIA PRO ink formulation facilitates for an expanded color gamut, more profound color expression, and smoother gradients.
Other features that the printer is equipped with include; An integrated 320GB hard drive capable of handling tasks thrown at the machine, a large 3.5” color LCD touchscreen for maneuverability, a USB port to facilitate printing from a thumb drive, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
Pros
- You can get an optional dual roll for fast swapping/ high volume jobs. You can opt to use the dual roll feeding mechanism when undertaking production jobs.
- Shifting between matte black and photo black inks happens seamlessly without having to stop to change cartridges.
- The output tray/ basket is versatile and can be adjusted for flatbed stacking, as a slope for print display and finally as a catch basket.
- Users receive a variety of management tools and software to help them with operations on the printer.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- The printer is huge and has a larger footprint than other printers mentioned in our list.
HP Designjet Z5600 PostScript 44″ Printer
Intro
If you are a company with limited budgets but are looking for a printer that delivers value alongside high-quality graphics and texts, then the DesignJet Z5600 should be at the top of your considerations. The printer utilizes the HP thermal print technology and boasts a six-ink printing system, USB, Ethernet, 320 GB hard disk and a maximum resolution of Up to 2400 x 1200 dpi.
Even though it is not equipped with all the printer tech bells and whistles, it is functional for if you are on a budget.
Pros
- Users get several software and management tools to use with the printer. For example, you can apportion the costs of media and ink to different users, departments, and projects.
- You can effortlessly switch between plain to photo paper and back again without experience any lags thanks to the printer’s dual roll design. The multi-roll greatly enhances media loading efficiency.
- The printer can be used with a wide variety of mediums ranging from canvas, backlit films, vinyl banner, poster stock as well as bond, plain or adhesive backed papers.
Cons
- The printer’s output durability is limiting. If you intend to create outdoor prints, then you should opt for a different plotter printer other than the HP DesignJet Z5600.
- In comparison to its competitors, the printer’s cartridges can only hold half the in that they do, which means you will be refilling your ink rather frequently.
Final thoughts
When it comes to choosing a plotter printer, things can get a little complicated. This is because there are many printers, each with its unique features, benefits, and disadvantages. Some of the vital elements that you should consider when purchasing plotter printer include:
Size; Plotter printers are available in different sizes. From 17-inch models going on to 24-, 36-, 42- or even 64-inch model, your needs/purpose should dictate the printer size that you should choose. While it is possible to size a print down by adjusting the printer’s trappings, you cannot size up once you have purchased a printer.
Budget; and dedicated technician support. However, this is not the case with plotter printers as they require for you to pay attention to both these things. This is because plotter printers are a considerable investment, and therefore, the cost of plotter printers varies depending on the printer’s capabilities. Some printers are equipped with functionalities such as scanning, automatic sheet cutting, and the ability to print on variety of media, and all these things influence the cost. Nevertheless, you can find printers upwards of 2000 dollars for the basic models.
Service support and contracts: often when purchasing standard printers, users typically do not put much weight to things such as warranty guarantees recommended that you are buying service contract that includes onsite repairs and covers both the printer’s hardware and software.
Purchasing a plotter printer requires a fair amount of thought. If you are reading this review, it means that this is a purchase you are considering. We recommend that you take your time before making your decision so that you are sure of what you want. Talk to other people who have used plotter printer before, read more review articles and finally, read more reviews. (No, this is not a mistake!)
Happy shopping and printing.