Transform your technical printing workflow with HP DesignJet wide-format plotters engineered for architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and high-volume production environments across Texas.
Our comprehensive HP DesignJet lineup spans entry-level T630 models ($2,000-3,000) to enterprise-class XL3800 MFP systems ($15,000+), delivering precision CAD printing, photo-quality graphics, and advanced scanning capabilities. From Houston to Dallas, Austin to San Antonio, Texas AEC professionals trust TAVCO for HP plotter solutions with professional installation and local support.
Why choose HP DesignJet plotters:
- Legendary reliability — Industry-leading uptime with HP's proven thermal inkjet technology and automated maintenance systems
- Advanced security features — Built-in cybersecurity protection for sensitive technical documents with HP Secure Boot and whitelisting
- Multifunction capabilities — T2600 and XL series combine printing, scanning, and copying in a single space-saving unit
- Professional installation included — Expert setup, network configuration, and training throughout Texas metro areas
HP DesignJet Plotter Comparison Guide
| Model | Print Width | Speed (D-size) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP DesignJet T630 | 36" | 35 seconds | Compact, wireless, mobile printing | Small offices, occasional use |
| HP DesignJet T650 | 36" | 30 seconds | Enhanced security, touchscreen | Mid-size offices, moderate volume |
| HP DesignJet T850 | 36" | 25 seconds | Dual-roll, advanced security, fast | Architecture firms, daily CAD printing |
| HP DesignJet T1600 | 36" | 25 seconds | PostScript, color accuracy, networking | Engineering firms, technical drawings |
| HP DesignJet T1700 | 44" | 30 seconds | E-size capability, dual-roll, PostScript | Construction sites, E-size drawings |
| HP DesignJet T2600 MFP | 36" | 25 seconds | Scan, copy, print, touchscreen | AEC firms needing scan-to-file |
| HP DesignJet Z9+ | 44" | Variable | 9-color, Pantone matching, photo quality | Photography studios, graphics |
| HP DesignJet XL3600dr MFP | 36" | 13 seconds | 6-roll capacity, fastest speed, MFP | High-volume production shops |
| HP DesignJet XL3800 MFP | 36" | 13 seconds | 6-roll, stacker, scan, enterprise-class | AEC firms with 100+ prints daily |
*Print speeds based on Fast mode at standard quality settings. Actual speeds may vary based on file complexity and print settings.
Quick Selection Guide
- Best for small offices: HP DesignJet T630 (compact footprint, wireless printing, under $3,000)
- Best for architecture firms: HP DesignJet T850 (25-second D-size, dual-roll, advanced security, $4,500-5,500)
- Best for construction sites: HP DesignJet T1700 (44" E-size capability, durable output, $7,000-8,500)
- Best for photography studios: HP DesignJet Z9+ (9-color accuracy, Pantone matching, photo quality, $12,000-15,000)
- Best for high-volume production: HP DesignJet XL3800 MFP (fastest 13-second printing, 6-roll capacity, integrated scanning)HP DesignJet Plotter Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer: The HP DesignJet T850 is best for small architecture firms because it offers 25-second D-size printing, dual-roll capability, and advanced security at $4,500-5,500.
Which HP DesignJet is best for a small architecture firm?
For small architecture firms (5-15 employees), the HP DesignJet T850 offers the best balance of speed, features, and value. It prints D-size drawings in just 25 seconds—fast enough for daily project deadlines—and features dual-roll media handling, allowing you to keep bond paper and vellum loaded simultaneously. The T850's advanced security features protect sensitive client drawings with HP Secure Boot, whitelisting, and encrypted hard drive options. At $4,500-5,500 with professional installation, it delivers enterprise-class performance without breaking small-firm budgets. The 36" print width handles the majority of architectural plans (A through D-size), and HP's legendary reliability means minimal downtime during critical project phases.
Quick Answer: HP DesignJet T850 operating costs are $150-200/month for typical architecture firm usage (20-30 D-size drawings daily) using high-capacity 300ml ink cartridges.
How much does it cost to run an HP DesignJet T850 per month?
For a typical architecture firm printing 20-30 D-size drawings daily, expect to spend $150-200 monthly on ink for the HP DesignJet T850. This assumes using high-capacity 300ml cartridges which cost $110-150 each (depending on color) and yield approximately 1,000 D-size prints at 5% coverage. Paper costs add another $50-75 monthly for standard 20 lb bond paper at bulk pricing. Maintenance costs are minimal—HP printheads are built into the ink cartridges, so there are no separate printhead replacements. Plan for approximately $200-275 total monthly operating costs, or about $0.35-0.45 per D-size print when factoring in all consumables. High-volume users can reduce per-print costs by 15-20% using HP's larger 500ml Economy ink cartridges available for select models.
Quick Answer: HP DesignJet T-series plotters are designed for CAD and technical drawings with faster speeds, while Z-series excels at photo-quality graphics with 9-color ink systems and Pantone matching.
What's the difference between HP DesignJet T-series and Z-series plotters?
HP DesignJet T-series plotters (T630, T650, T850, T1600, T1700) are specifically designed for printing technical documents, including architectural plans, engineering drawings, and construction blueprints. They use 4-color pigment inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) for sharp line work and fast-drying times on bond paper. Print speeds range from 25-35 seconds for D-size drawings. T-series models prioritize speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for AEC workflows. HP DesignJet Z-series plotters (Z6, Z9+) are designed for photo-quality graphics, fine art reproduction, and color-critical applications. The Z9+ uses a 9-color ink system (including light cyan, light magenta, light gray) for smooth gradients and expanded color gamut. Z-series models feature built-in spectrophotometers for Pantone color matching, achieving DMAX values exceeding 2.6 for gallery-quality black density. Choose the T-series for technical drawings where speed and line accuracy are crucial; choose the Z-series for photography, proofing, and graphics where color fidelity is paramount.
Quick Answer: A 36-inch HP DesignJet handles A, B, C, and D-size drawings (up to 24"×36"). For E-size drawings (34"×44"), you need a 44-inch model like the T1700 or Z9+.
Do I need a 36-inch or 44-inch HP DesignJet for architecture work?
Most architecture firms find 36-inch HP DesignJet plotters sufficient for daily work, as they handle A through D-size drawings (up to 24"×36")—which represent approximately 85% of typical architectural output. The HP DesignJet T850, T1600, or T2600 MFP (all 36") cover schematic designs, floor plans, elevations, and detail sheets for residential and small commercial projects. However, if your firm regularly works on large commercial projects, hospitality, or institutional buildings that require E-size sheets (34"×44"), invest in a 44-inch model like the HP DesignJet T1700 or Z9+. The 44" width also benefits firms that print marketing materials, presentation boards, or full-bleed graphics. Consider your project mix: if more than 20% of your prints are E-size or larger, the additional $2,000-3,000 investment in a 44" model pays for itself by eliminating outsourced printing costs. For firms exclusively working on residential projects or smaller commercial work, stick with 36" to save on upfront costs, floor space, and ongoing ink expenses.
Quick Answer: HP DesignJet MFP models (T2600, XL3600, XL3800) include integrated scanning and copying capabilities, while standard models are print-only. MFPs cost $3,000-8,000 more than comparable print-only models.
What's the difference between HP DesignJet MFP and standard models?
HP DesignJet MFP (Multifunction Printer) models integrate scanning, copying, and printing into a single unit, while standard models are print-only devices. The HP DesignJet T2600 MFP, XL3600dr MFP, and XL3800 MFP feature high-resolution CIS scanners (typically with an optical resolution of 1200 dpi) mounted on the printer's overhead structure. These scanners capture originals up to the printer's full width (36" or 44") and can digitize documents directly to PDF, TIFF, or JPEG formats, saving them to network folders, email, or cloud storage. The copy function lets you scan and immediately reprint documents without a computer—perfect for duplicating client-marked drawings or creating distribution sets. MFP models cost $3,000-$ 8,000 more than comparable print-only versions, but they eliminate the need for separate large-format scanners ($4,000-$ 7,000) and save valuable floor space. Architecture and engineering firms that frequently digitize paper drawings, archive legacy projects, or distribute hard copies to multiple contractors benefit most from MFP capabilities. If your workflow is primarily CAD-to-print with minimal scanning needs, standard print-only models like the T850 or T1700 offer better value.
Quick Answer: HP DesignJet plotters include HP Secure Boot, firmware whitelisting, encrypted storage, and runtime intrusion detection—essential security for protecting sensitive architectural and engineering drawings.
Why do HP DesignJet plotters emphasize security features?
HP DesignJet plotters target architecture, engineering, and construction firms that handle confidential client data, proprietary designs, and sensitive infrastructure drawings—making them attractive targets for industrial espionage and cyberattacks. HP embeds multiple security layers. HP Secure Boot verifies firmware authenticity at startup to prevent malware infiltration. Firmware whitelisting only allows HP-signed code to run. Encrypted hard drives (optional on T850 and above) protect stored print jobs. Additionally, HP Connection Inspector monitors network traffic for suspicious activity in real-time. These features comply with cybersecurity requirements for government contractors, defense projects, and corporate IT security policies. IT departments can enforce password policies, disable USB ports, require user authentication for print releases, and receive security alerts if firmware tampering is detected. For architecture firms working on unreleased developments or engineering firms designing critical infrastructure, these security features prevent data breaches that could result in competitive disadvantages, regulatory penalties, or liability exposure. The T850 and above include these enterprise security features standard—essential for any firm printing confidential drawings.
Quick Answer: HP DesignJet plotters include 1-year limited hardware warranty standard. Extended warranties and HP Care Pack service contracts provide 3-5 year coverage with next-business-day onsite repair.
What warranty and service options are available for HP DesignJet plotters?
All HP DesignJet plotters include a standard 1-year limited hardware warranty covering parts and labor for manufacturing defects. For business-critical printing environments, HP offers Care Pack service contracts that extend coverage to 3 or 5 years, with a next-business-day onsite repair response. HP Care Packs also include preventive maintenance visits, priority phone support, and automatic replacement of parts for high-use components, such as maintenance cartridges and drive belts. Texas-based TAVCO customers receive additional local service advantages: our Houston-based technicians provide same-day emergency service within metro areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), maintain extensive parts inventory for immediate repairs, and offer annual preventive maintenance contracts ($400-800 depending on model) that include cleaning, calibration, firmware updates, and multi-point inspections. We recommend Care Pack coverage for firms that print 20+ pages daily or operate in time-sensitive environments where downtime impacts project deadlines. For lower-volume users, the standard 1-year warranty, combined with our pay-per-service rates ($150-$ 250 per service call), provides cost-effective coverage. All HP DesignJet purchases through TAVCO include free installation, network setup, and operator training—ensuring your team maximizes uptime and print quality from day one.
Texas HP DesignJet Experts: TAVCO provides comprehensive HP plotter sales, service, and support throughout Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. Our certified HP technicians offer professional installation with network configuration, operator training, and repair response across Texas metro areas. We offer an extensive inventory of HP DesignJet models, ink cartridges, and genuine HP media. Call 866-254-8590 for custom quotes, volume pricing, trade-in evaluations, or to schedule an on-site demonstration. Since 1997, Texas AEC professionals have trusted TAVCO for reliable HP DesignJet solutions backed by local expertise and responsive service.