Question 1

What is the difference between a 24-inch and a 36-inch large format printer?

Accepted Answer

A 24-inch printer handles documents up to A1 (594mm wide) in a single pass, while a 36-inch model extends to A0 (841mm) and larger banner formats. For most architects and engineers working to standard drawing sizes, 24-inch is sufficient and considerably cheaper to buy and run. The 36-inch format becomes worthwhile if you regularly produce A0 site plans, large presentation graphics or banner output — but don't upsize purely as a precaution, as the running cost difference is real.

Question 2

Are HP DesignJet printers better than Epson SureColor for professional use?

Accepted Answer

Neither brand is universally better — they excel in different areas. HP DesignJet models are widely regarded for reliability, fast first-print times and strong driver support across Windows and macOS, making them a safe choice for technical and CAD workflows. Epson SureColor, particularly the P-series with UltraChrome pigment inks, leads on colour gamut and photographic output quality. For pure colour accuracy and fine art reproduction, Epson is our preferred recommendation; for a workhorse CAD printer in a busy office, HP's ecosystem and UK service network are hard to beat.

Question 3

How much does it actually cost to run a large format printer per page?

Accepted Answer

Expect to pay roughly £0.50 to £1.50 per A1 colour page in ink costs alone, depending on ink coverage, ink system type and whether you're using standard or high-capacity cartridges. Pigment-based systems typically sit at the higher end of that range but deliver superior longevity. Add media costs — bond paper rolls are inexpensive, but heavyweight matte or photographic paper can add £0.50–£2.00 per sheet. High-yield cartridge options, available on most mid-range models, are the single most effective way to reduce running costs.

Question 4

Do I need a RIP (Raster Image Processor) for a large format printer?

Accepted Answer

For basic CAD and technical document printing, the bundled printer driver is usually sufficient. A RIP becomes important when you need precise colour management, spot colour matching, tiling of oversized files, or production-level job queuing. Most professional Epson and HP models above 2,743 £ include basic colour management software; dedicated third-party RIPs (such as Wasatch or Caldera) are an additional investment but essential for print service providers and colour-critical studios. If you're printing for clients who specify Pantone or CMYK profiles, budget for a RIP from the outset.

Question 5

What are the pitfalls of buying a cheap large format printer?

Accepted Answer

The main trap is underestimating running costs. Entry-level models below 1,431 £ often use standard-yield cartridges with a high cost per page — a printer that costs less upfront can end up costing significantly more over 12 months of regular use. Also watch for models that charge separately for the stand (essential for floor-standing units), the auto-cutter, and extended warranty. A second pitfall is buying a 24-inch printer when your workflow regularly requires A0 output, then tiling prints manually — a frustrating and time-consuming workaround. Always verify maximum print width against your actual document sizes before purchasing.

Question 6

Is Wi-Fi connectivity reliable enough for large format printing in a studio environment?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi works well for occasional and moderate-volume printing, and all current models support at least 802.11n. For a busy studio printing large files continuously, a wired Ethernet connection is more reliable and faster — a 500MB CAD file over Wi-Fi can cause noticeable delays compared to Gigabit Ethernet. Most models in this catalogue support both, so there's no reason not to use Ethernet as the primary connection if your studio layout allows it. Wi-Fi is genuinely useful for mobile printing from tablets and phones, which is a legitimate use case for site-based architects.

Question 7

Can large format printers handle canvas and fine art media, or only paper rolls?

Accepted Answer

Most mid-range and above large format printers support a range of media beyond standard bond paper, including heavyweight matte, glossy photo paper, canvas and some specialist substrates — provided the media thickness falls within the printer's rated tolerance (typically up to 300–450 gsm). Canvas printing specifically requires a pigment ink system for adequate adhesion and longevity; dye-based models are not recommended for canvas. Always check the manufacturer's approved media list for the specific model, as feeding unsupported media can cause jams and void the warranty.

Large Format Printers Price Comparison

Canon imagePROGRAF GP-2600S large format printer Wi-Fi Bubblejet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A1 (594 x 841 mm) Ethernet LAN

Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 large format printer Wi-Fi Bubblejet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A0 (841 x 1189 mm) Ethernet LAN

Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 large format printer Wi-Fi Inkjet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A1 (594 x 841 mm) Ethernet LAN

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 large format printer Wi-Fi Bubblejet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A1 (594 x 841 mm) Ethernet LAN

Canon imagePROGRAF GP-4600S large format printer Wi-Fi Bubblejet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A0 (841 x 1189 mm) Ethernet LAN

Canon imagePROGRAF TX-3200 large format printer Bubblejet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A0 (841 x 1189 mm) Ethernet LAN

Canon imagePROGRAF TX-4200 large format printer Wi-Fi Inkjet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI Ethernet LAN

Epson SureColor P20500 large format printer Inkjet Colour

HP Designjet T630 36-in Printer 2025 edition

HP Designjet T230 24-in Printer 2025 edition

HP Designjet T250 24-in Printer 2025 edition

HP Designjet T650 24-in Printer 2025 edition

HP Designjet T850 36-in Multifunction Printer

HP Designjet T950 36-in Multifunction Printer

HP Designjet T850 36-in Printer

HP Designjet T1600 36-in PostScript Printer

HP Designjet T1600 36-in Printer

HP Designjet T1600dr 36-in Printer

HP Designjet Z9+ 24-in PostScript Printer

HP Designjet T1700 44-in PostScript Printer

HP Designjet T1700dr 44-in Printer

HP Designjet T1700dr 44-in PostScript Printer

Large Format Printers Price Comparison