Posted by Main Takeaway: HP offers a robust lineup of wide format printers, from 11×17″ all-in-
ones like the OfficeJet Pro 7740 to 24″ and 36″ DesignJet plotters. They printers
cater to architects, engineers, graphic designers, photographers, and small offices
who aim for high-quality large-format output.
Main Takeaway: HP offers a robust lineup of wide format printers, from 11×17″ all-in-
ones like the OfficeJet Pro 7740 to 24″ and 36″ DesignJet plotters. They printers
cater to architects, engineers, graphic designers, photographers, and small offices
who aim for high-quality large-format output.
HP’s Wide Format Printer Portfolio
Here are the major categories of wide format printers by HP:
11″×17″ (Tabloid/A3) All-in-One Printers
HP OfficeJet Pro 7740
- Print, copy, scan, fax up to 11×17″
- ISO speeds up to 21 ppm black/17 ppm color
- 35-sheet ADF; auto duplex
- High-yield cartridges available for lower cost per page
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e
- All-in-one tabloid printer supporting borderless double-sided prints
- Wireless, Ethernet, mobile printing; 500-sheet capacity
- Sharp graphics and solid document speed for business use
24″–36″ DesignJet Plotters
- Prints A1/D in 24 sec (90 D plots/hr)
- Pigment-based inks; integrated cutter, media bin, roll feed
- Multifunction variants include scanning and copying
HP DesignJet T630/T830 (24″)
A1 in 30 sec (T630) or 26 sec (T830)
Dye-based color, pigment black; ENERGY STAR certified
T830 adds integrated scanner for multifunction workflows
Specifications and Use Cases of HP Wide Format Printers
Wide format models vary by print width, speed, resolution, and media support. Here
are the major specs:
- Resolution: Up to 2400×1200 dpi optimized
- Media Types: Paper, vinyl, canvas, films, fabrics
- Ink Technology: Dye-based for vibrant color; pigment for durability
You can use HP wide format printers for the following applications:
- Architecture & Engineering: CAD prints, blueprints, schematics
- Graphic Design & Advertising: Posters, banners, fine art
- Photography & Fine Art: Giclée prints on canvas or archival paper
- Business & Marketing: Signage, point-of-sale graphics
Output Quality of Wide Format Printers
HP’s large-format printers deliver consistent color management and sharp line
accuracy. Pigment inks resist fading and highlighters, while integrated cutters and
media trays streamline production.
Best HP Wide Format Printers and Costs
Here’s our handpicked collection of the best HP wide format printers for engineering
firms, AEC professionals, repro houses, small offices, and print shops.
HP PageWide XL 5200 MFP
Specifications:
- Print speed up to 20 D/A1-size prints per minute
- Maximum print width 40 in (1,016 mm)
- Resolution: 2,400 dpi optical
Ideal Use Cases:
- High-volume environments printing 5,000–10,000 sq ft/month
- Enterprise repro houses handling CAD drawings, GIS maps, posters
Cost: Between $25,900 and $47,300
HP PageWide XL 4250 MSP
Specifications:
- Print speed up to 12 D/A1-size prints per minute
- Maximum media width 42 in (1,067 mm)
- Pigment-based inks for water and fade resistance
Ideal Use Cases:
- Medium-sized engineering firms printing ~5,000 sq ft/month
- On-demand color prints of CAD and technical documents
Cost: Between $24,000 and $26,510
HP DesignJet XL 3800 MFP
Specifications:
- Print speed up to 6 A1/D-size color prints per minute
- Maximum print width 36 in (914 mm)
- 6-ink drop-on-demand thermal inkjet system
Ideal Use Cases: - Architects and designers needing superior line accuracy and color fidelity
- Fine-art reproduction and poster printing with pigment inks
Cost: $21,780
HP DesignJet T1600 (PostScript)
Specifications:
- Throughput up to 180 D-size prints per hour
- Maximum width 36 in; footprint just 55 in wide
- Supports Adobe PostScript and HP-GL/2
Ideal Use Cases:
- Small offices requiring professional plotting on a budget
- Departments producing mixed-media prints: CAD, maps, concept art
Cost: $4,995.00
Concluding Words
HP’s wide format lineup is aimed for speed, cost-efficiency, and maximum
productivity. Beginning from tabloid all-in-ones to industrial-grade plotters, all serve
many specific professional and small-office needs. They are ideal for big and small
tasks, like printing architectural plans or full-color banners and are backed by reliable
HP Printer Support. It makes way for consistent, high-quality large format output.
Why is HP being discontinued?
Some older wide-format models (e.g., T120, T130 series) have reached end-of-sale
status as HP updates its DesignJet lineup. HP continues to support existing units
under its warranty and offers service plans, ensuring HP Printer Support for legacy
devices.
What are the disadvantages of wide format printers?
Wide format units incur higher upfront costs, occupy significant floor space, require
specialized maintenance, and have greater ink and media expenses per page. They
demand trained operators for color calibration and media handling.
What HP printer is wide format 11×17?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 and OfficeJet Pro 9730e both handle 11×17″ (Tabloid/A3)
prints, offering multifunction capabilities and auto duplex scanning/printing.
What is the best wide format printer?
For professionals: HP DesignJet T850 (36″) for high throughput and integrated
scanning. For small offices: HP DesignJet T830 (24″) multifunction for compact, full-
workflow support. For budget 11×17 prints: HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 balances cost,
speed, and quality.
Who uses wide format printers?
Architects, engineers, city planners, graphic designers, marketing teams,
photographers, fine-art print studios, and signage providers rely on wide format
printers to produce large, detailed, color-critical outputs.