TL;DR
- Superior Image Quality: PostScript technology ensures crisp lines, smooth gradients, and vibrant colors—critical for detailed architectural and engineering plans.
- Seamless PDF Printing: Directly print PDFs without file conversion, saving time and simplifying workflows for busy professionals.
- Reduced Errors: Enhanced image processing reduces banding and imperfections, delivering consistent and reliable results.
- Versatile Print Options: Easily submit print jobs via USB, network folders, email, or cloud, accommodating your team's dynamic needs.
- Professional Font Support: Access a comprehensive font library for polished, professional-looking documents every time.
- Time-Saving Features: With first-page-out speeds and efficient processing, PostScript plotters keep your projects moving forward.
Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals rely on precise, high-quality printed documents to bring their visions to life and ensure projects are executed flawlessly.
But with so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding on the right plotter, especially when balancing cost with performance.
Understanding the advantages of PostScript plotters—renowned for delivering exceptional image clarity and efficiency—can make all the difference in elevating your work and streamlining your operations.
What are Postscript Plotters?
Renowned for their exceptional output quality, PostScript plotters are the go-to choice for producing detailed technical drawings, blueprints, and architectural plans. Utilizing PostScript – a universal printing language – these plotters guarantee consistent and accurate results across diverse applications, making them indispensable in the AEC industry.
Postscript allows the printer to render text and graphics accurately and precisely on the page. And, because Postscript is a page description language, it is used for printing documents that integrate text, images, and color area fills.
Pictured: Postscript output vs non-Postscript printing on HP DesignJet
This attribute means that your documents and images will have sharp, clean lines
Improved Image Quality: With PostScript, expect unparalleled text and graphics rendering accuracy. This quality ensures crisp lines and smooth color transitions, crucial for plans and drawings where clarity is non-negotiable.
Enhanced Image Technology: Experience reduced banding and superior output quality thanks to advanced smooth shading and high-resolution gradient fills. These features are vital for presenting detailed architectural and engineering projects.
Increased Font Set: The extensive font set available with PostScript printers adds a professional touch to all documents, ensuring that every submission meets the high standards expected in the AEC sector.
Direct PDF Printing: Given the prevalence of PDF formats in AEC project plans, the ability of PostScript printers to print PDFs streamlines workflows, enhancing productivity directly.
Flexible Print Job Submission: Catering to the dynamic needs of AEC professionals, these printers support various submission methods, from USB and network folders to email and cloud options.
Examples of popular HP Postscript Plotters
DesignJet XL-3800 MFP
The HP DesignJet XL-3800 MFP is a game-changer for AEC professionals who demand high-quality printing and fast turnaround times. This multifunction printer boasts impressive speeds of up to 6 A1/D color pages per minute, significantly outpacing its competitors.
Pictured: HP XL3800 MFP (6 D-size sheets per minute postscript printer)
With a first-page-out time of just 20 seconds, the XL-3800 eliminates waiting and keeps your projects moving forward. This powerful machine also features HP Flex Tech Inks, ensuring vibrant colors and environmentally friendly printing.
Whether printing complex CAD drawings, colorful renders, or large-scale presentations, the HP XL-3800 MFP delivers exceptional performance and sustainability, making it a top choice of Postscript-enabled printers for demanding professionals.
DesignJet XL-3600 PS
This mid-level model is perfect for AEC professionals needing reliable light production printing. It processes PDFs directly, streamlining workflows for today’s digital-first construction environment. The XL-3600 offers diverse print submission options, from USB and shared folders to email and cloud integration, making it highly adaptable.
This DesignJet XL offers many ways to submit a print job. These options include direct printing from a USB flash drive; a network shared folder, email printing, HP driver for Windows, HP Print Service for Android, Apple AirPrint driver for macOS and iOS, and others.
Learn more about the HP DesignJet XL3600 PS
DesignJet Z6 PS Printer
Designed for graphic-heavy projects, the Z6 is ideal for architects and designers needing top-tier image quality. Its PostScript engine accelerates complex file processing and delivers precise color matching, including PANTONE emulation. The Z6 supports a range of platforms, making print job submissions seamless and efficient.
The HP Z6 plotter can also emulate PANTONE colors for complete color accuracy. Like the other DesignJet models, the Z6 offers multiple ways to submit print jobs. These options are via Apple AirPrint, direct printing from a USB flash drive, email printing, HP Click, HP driver for macOS, HP driver for Windows, HP driver for Linux, printing support for Chrome OS, HP Print Service Plugin for Android, HP Smart app for iOS and Android, HP SmartStream.
Learn more about the HP DesignJet Z6 PS Printer
Summary
Today, investing in a PostScript plotter remains a strategic choice for AEC professionals. The upfront cost pays off through superior image quality, reduced errors, and streamlined workflows. Whether working on intricate CAD drawings or large-scale presentation boards, PostScript technology ensures your output meets the highest industry standards.
Need guidance on selecting the right PostScript plotter for your needs? Our experts are here to help.
1 comment
Tawanda Hamandishe
Very helpful, thank you.