The Best CAD Printers for Architects in 2023

As an architect, having a reliable and high-quality printer is essential to bring your designs to life. In 2023, there are several printers on the market that offer excellent print quality, reliability, and speed. In this article, we will discuss some of the best CAD printers for architects in 2023. Please note that these printers are not ranked in any particular order but are simply our top picks.

HP PageWide XL Series Printers

The HP PageWide XL series printers are some of the most popular printers in the architecture industry. They are known for their speed, reliability, and high-quality prints. The PageWide XL printers use HP’s PageWide technology, which uses a stationary printhead that spans the entire width of the paper to produce high-quality prints at a fast speed. The PageWide XL series includes models such as the 4200, 5200, and 8200.

The HP PageWide XL 5200 is a top-of-the-line model in the series and is capable of printing up to 20 D-size prints per minute, making it an ideal choice for architects who need to print large format plans quickly. The printer has a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi and uses HP’s PageWide XL pigment ink technology, which produces prints that are both water and fade-resistant. The printer also features an integrated 1200 dpi scanner, allowing architects to quickly scan and print hard copy plans.

The HP PageWide XL 4200 is another great option for architects who need a reliable and efficient printer. This model is slightly slower than the 5200, printing up to 15 D-size prints per minute, but it still offers high-quality prints with a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. It also uses HP’s PageWide XL pigment ink technology and has an integrated 1200 dpi scanner.

For architects who need even faster printing speeds, the HP PageWide XL 8200 is a great option. This model can print up to 30 D-size prints per minute and has a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. Like the other models in the series, it uses HP’s PageWide XL pigment ink technology and has an integrated 1200 dpi scanner.

Overall, the HP PageWide XL series printers offer architects a range of options to suit their printing needs. Whether you need the fastest printing speeds or the highest quality prints, there is a PageWide XL model for you.

HP DesignJet XL 3600

The HP 3600 printer is another excellent choice for architects who need to print high-quality plans quickly. This printer is designed to produce vivid and detailed prints at a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. The HP 3600 printer is also very reliable and can print up to 31 pages per minute. The printer is also easy to use, with a large touchscreen display and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, this printer is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it is designed to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Canon Colorwave 3500

The Canon Colorwave 3500 printer is a versatile printer that can handle a variety of print jobs, from black-and-white line drawings to color renderings. This printer uses Canon’s CrystalPoint technology, which produces high-quality prints with sharp lines and vivid colors. The Colorwave 3500 printer is also very reliable and can produce up to 225 D-size prints per hour. This printer is also designed to be eco-friendly, with low running costs and a low carbon footprint.

Honorable Mentions

Epson SureColor T517

The Epson SureColor T5170 printer is a great choice for architects who need to print detailed and accurate plans. This printer uses Epson’s PrecisionCore technology to produce high-quality prints with a resolution of up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. The SureColor T5170 printer is also very reliable and can produce up to 34 pages per minute. Additionally, this printer is designed to be user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display and a simple interface.

Océ ColorWave 500

The Océ ColorWave 500 printer is a versatile printer that can handle a wide range of print jobs, from black and white line drawings to color renderings. This printer uses Océ’s CrystalPoint technology, which produces high-quality prints with sharp lines and vivid colors. The ColorWave 500 printer is also very reliable and can produce up to 225 D-size prints per hour. This printer is also designed to be eco-friendly, with low running costs and a low carbon footprint. Something to note, the ColorWave 500 has been out for many years. It is what we would call a legacy model. It was replaced by the Canon/Oce 3500. There are many of these still out in the field and they are extremely popular, however, we would not recommend getting one if possible. This is a list of the most popular CAD printers in 2023 and we feel that the ColorWave is still very popular for the reasons mentioned above.

Final Thoughts for the best CAD printers for architects in 2023

In conclusion, the HP PageWide XL series printers, the HP 3600 printer, and the Canon Colorwave 3500 printer are all excellent choices for architects who need a reliable and high-quality printer. Additionally, the Epson SureColor T5170 printer and the Océ ColorWave 500 printer are both honorable mentions that offer great print quality and reliability. Regardless of which printer you choose, make sure it meets your specific needs and requirements, and you will be able to produce high-quality prints quickly and efficiently

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