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Architects often require several tools to help them achieve best results. Whichever stage of the project they are in, they will require large printouts such as blueprints, diagrams, renders, posters, project proposals, maps, designs, and other documentation. Having the right large format printer that can deliver high quality printouts is a key factor in helping architects achieve best results — even score new projects. Not sure where to start? We list five things to look for when it comes to finding the best large format printers for architects.

“We need a plotter that can help us reduce costs.”

Aside from the upfront cost of a large format printer, ink consumption makes up majority of a large format printer’s running costs. Because of this, architects who require a lot of large format printouts are always looking for a plotter that can help lower these recurring costs.

Ink efficiency and ink wastage are also often overlooked in the hunt to get the best large format printer. It’s important to note that while some plotters may cost less upfront, inefficient ink consumption and ink wastage can rack up higher monthly recurring costs which means architectural firms might end up spending more in the long run.

The HP DesignJet T2600 Multifunction printer series is a great option if you’re looking for an efficient plotter. This large format printer made it in Techradar’s list of best large format printers for 2021, where it was described as “premium plotting at a fair price” and being ideal for use in an architectural firm thanks to its integrated stand and compact size.

Like all HP DesignJet printers, the T2600 series uses ink spraying instead of the usual ink purging method, allowing for less ink wastage during nozzle cleaning. It also consumes less ink than other large format printer models which means one cartridge can go a long way before it needs to be replaced. This multifunction printer is also more than capable of printing maps, technical drawings, posters and renders with precise, accurate and crisp lines.

“We don’t have much space for a bulky large format printer.”

The plotter’s size and design can be a concern if you can’t afford to have a dedicated room for machinery and equipment, especially if you’re an architectural firm that needs to have great visual impact to capture your clients’ attention. Wouldn’t it be great to have a large format printer that strikes a good balance between being aesthetically pleasing and highly functional? That’s when you need to be on the market for the best A3 printer for architects that can deliver both.

If you’re looking for the best large format printer for architects who want to take a design approach to their equipment, opt for plotters that have great visual impact like the sleek and visually stunning HP DesignJet Studio or a desktop printer like the HP DesignJet T200 printer series that won’t ruin your company’s interior design aesthetic. Designboom called the HP DesignJet Studio “furniture that prints” and a plotter that creates a new printing experience for architects and other creatives by delivering a seamless, end-to-end journey, making it a great addition to the creative process.

Architectural prints, engineering plans, or technical drawings usually require printers that can deliver the following functions: precision in line weights, clarity in colour distinctions, texture retention, text legibility, and character acutance.

The HP T Series printers are great options when looking for the best large format printers for architects. It’s listed in the Wide Format Company’s top five CAD printers for architects as a printer that offers a “radically simple experience” for users. The models in this printer series delivers high productivity suitable for medium to large workgroups, with bright and precise colours (even on plain paper!). It can also reproduce transparencies, layers, colour palettes, and gradients with embedded Adobe PDF Print Engine.

There is a large format printer for every need and the best for one company may not be the best for another. When it comes to looking for the best large format printers for architects, it’s more important to find out what you need before looking for a printer that can support your company functions and give you high quality output.