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Large format printers are essential if your company needs to print out large documents, posters and other marketing materials. It’s even more crucial for architectural, engineering and construction firms which rely on precise and accurate technical printouts. Techgearoid puts it simply: These days, everything has gone digital and that includes blueprints. As processes become more digitised, so should your large format printer.

It’s important to have a high tech and easy plotter that can keep up with modern times — you wouldn’t want to be using the latest computer/software but an outdated plotter that is unable to support the level of detail that your software can produce. Or, a printer lacking the technology that makes it ink efficient adding more recurring costs for the company.

Oftentimes, the biggest challenge is not knowing how the latest plotter technology can impact work processes and workflows, hence, most companies don’t know when is the best time to switch plotters or don’t know where to start. A helpful tip from Techradar’s review of the best large format printers is to find a size you need and determine your actual budget. To help you out, we’ve narrowed it down to our top five picks of easy plotters that use the latest plotter technology.

Easiest plotter for micro or small companies: HP DesignJet T200 series

Sustainable plotter: HP DesignJet T600 series

Design meets function: HP DesignJet Studio

For medium to large offices: HP DesignJet T2600 MFP series

Getting a multipurpose printer means you won’t need a separate printer, scanner and copier. The HP DesignJet T2600 MFP series is easy plotter to operate, thanks to its multifunction (scan, print, copy) and its 15.6-inch touch screen. This allows you to access shared folders to print and scan via its embedded web server where you can view and change your printer settings, access diagnostics reports and keep an eye on your ink consumption to optimise and improve printing.

It also uses ink spraying method for nozzle maintenance which uses lower amounts of ink as compared to the traditional ink purging method. This nozzle cleaning innovation means each ink cartridge can last you longer.

High volume production: HP Pagewide XL

When you’re working in a fast-paced office with high print out volume, you’ll need a high-performance plotter that can deliver high quality results. The HP Pagewide XL is a reliable plotter that’s build to last and keep up with heavy workloads. Thanks to modern plotter technology, it has a fast print speed of four to six A1 pages per minute—perfect for large workgroups.

It uses HP SmartStream job preparation and processing software that helps manage projects and promises to help you finish jobs twice as fast. Since you’ll be managing large volumes of printouts, ink efficiency is a key consideration and the HP Pagewide XL also has HP SmartTracker software that can analyse printing costs to help maximise ink efficiency across work processes.

Plotter technology has certainly come a long way. WIFI printing, ink efficiency, modern design and high-tech software all play a role in helping you get the most out of your plotter.

Want to get more insight and read more about how precision printing reduces delays and lapses in your next project?