Wide format printers are also known as large format printing devices. Heavy duty and expensive, they’re used to print architectural structures, and other large scale print layouts in the industry. Most wide format printers can be used both as plotters, which are used to draw two-dimensional drawings, and as plotters for replica molding, which is used for three-dimensional graphics.
Large format printers, much like high quality computers, have become crucial for significant architecture and engineering firms in the modern age. The industry has seen a surge recently with digital design taking off, and architects employing computer-aided design software so much that the need for large format printers has increased significantly. Here we’ll discuss the best wide-format printers for architects in 2022.
1. HP DesignJet Studio 2400d
HP Designjet Studio 2400d will be one of the best printers for architects in 2022. It can be used as a point-and-shoot printer or with a controller, which comes in its standard configuration with everything you need to get started. The printer has many inputs and outputs, so it’s relatively easy to set up. HP’s premium inkjet plotter paper is relatively expensive, and will cost you more money in maintenance costs over time, but the quality of the prints is excellent. The HP Designjet Studio 2400d has a maximum operating speed of up to 60 inches per second (IPS).
2. HP DesignJet T650
The HP Designjet T650 comes with simple, easy-to-use software compatible with any operating system, so you don’t need to install anything on your computer. It can be connected to a computer via USB or Ethernet and has memory slots for installing additional storage. It has an automatic feed for A4 and A3 sheets and a touchscreen user interface allowing easy operation. The printer can support printing on various media, including coated and uncoated paper, fabric, and other materials.
3. Epson SureColor P20000
A Professional 64″ photographic printer that delivers the best printer for architects’ quality photos, documents, and color graphics, the Epson SureColor P20000 is an excellent choice for any architect in 2022. The printer has a great ink cartridge that is easy to refill, and a large memory to handle your large files. With over 40 years of experience making printers and wide format printers, Epson is one of the leading manufacturers of printers.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
The Professional photographic inkjet printer can be designed for graphics professionals, is one of the best wide format printers for architects in 2022. It has a large touch screen that makes it easy to navigate and has an internal memory of 256 MB. It can be connected via Ethernet, USB, or Wi-Fi, making it easy to share with your colleagues or work remotely. Thanks to its solvent printer head, it supports many kinds of media, including plain paper, envelopes, and even fabric. Printing is pretty slow at six minutes per A2 page, but it has a high resolution of 600 x 300 dpi and can support up to 20 pages per minute.
5. HP DesignJet T230
It is a large format compact printer that is great for architects who want to print large architectural plans. It publishes documents of A3 and A4 size, with a maximum printing speed of up to 8 images per second. It consumes less paper and ink than other printers in its class, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The HP Designjet T230 has easy-to-use software that lets users create their customizations, allowing them to print directly from or import their designs. The printer comes with a one-year warranty and is easy to assemble.
6. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2000
It has many features make it a good choice for architects: high resolution, 64-bit CPU, and color management. The printer has been developed specifically to meet the needs of professional print designers and can be set up in minutes without the need to install software or drivers. It has a large display screen that allows you to preview, adjust and monitor your print job as it is being printed. It has high print quality, with a maximum resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 dpi, and a top print speed of up to 100 pages per minute. The printer comes with a three-year warranty and has the option to upgrade the security to five years.
7. Epson SureColor SC-T2170
It has a high print resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 dpi, and prints fast thanks to its extensive color ink cartridges. The printer has two different paper sizes that can be adjusted easily with the touch of a button and has bright LED lighting that illuminates the area while printing. It has a small footprint and pigment ink-based printing it comes at a great price. It has a large capacity, a 1.3-liter ink tank, which can deliver up to 870 pages of printouts before it needs to be refilled. The only drawback of this printer is that it does not print as fast as some other printers on the market. Also, it does not have a control panel that allows easy navigation.
8. Epson SureColor SC-P600
The Epson SureColor SC-P600 is one of the most advanced printers of its kind. Epson’s premium UltraChrome HD inkjet cartridges have a maximum capacity of 1.3 liters and use pigment-based ink, making it possible to print with up to 23,000 colors. It comes with a display screen that makes it easier to monitor your print job and has a built-in Ethernet connection to share your printer with other people in your workplace.
9. Canon imagePROGRAF TM300
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM300 is the best printer for architects that can provide great value for your money, thanks to its high-quality output. It has dual paper trays and a memory card reader for enabling fast printing, with a maximum print resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 dpi. It is easy to set up and use and is compatible with most operating systems. It uses five of Canon’s LUCIA PRO pigment inkjet cartridges, providing high-quality photo printing and lower ink consumption. The printer also has a 3.6-inch LCD touchscreen that scans through the different options allowing you to set your print settings. The ink cartridges are easy to refill, making it an environment-friendly and easy-to-maintain printer. While it’s good that the printer comes with some pre-installed software, there is only one option: Canon’s software solution.
The best printers have all the right features to meet your printing requirements, including quality, speed, and color prints. Knowing which models are available on the market is essential to getting the right one. With some research, you can get the printer that suits your needs and budget.