Canon or Epson Plotter?

[Gregg Spadaro]

I am currently in the market for a large format plotter that can handle both color and bw. Although I sometimes print 30×42, most of my prints are 24×36 so going with a smaller model. I am trying to balance many options such as initial price, size, cost of ink, quality, options, etc. After a lot of research, I have narrowed my search to the Epson t3270 and the Canon ipf685. Both are just under $3k but there is a nice Black Friday deal on the Epson. Does anyone have experience with either of these plotters? I would specifically like to know if I need the Adobe Postscript 3 Hardware Module add on for the Epson in order to print PDF documents. Thank you in advance.

[Andrew Garulay, RLA]

I don’t have experience with the Epson. I can tell you that I am very pleased with the very affordable HP T120 (24″) that I bought last spring. I’m particularly happy with the ink consumption being low. I got it on sale for $850 directly from the HP website. I just bought a full re-stock of ink for $136.

Most of my plans are b&w, so I like to use very fine lines in plant symbols. I’m pleased with the print of the fine lines.

Another thing that works for me is that I have limited space and I have it on top of a flat file rather than on a separate stand.

The Epson or Canon may be better for you, but I thought I’d share my experience with the T120 just in case it will work for you. I did not have high expectations for the T120, but I’m completely happy with it.

[Gregg Spadaro]

Thanks for the feedback Andrew. I looked at the HP’s and found that the cost of ink per ml was higher than the other 2. Good to hear that ink cost is a non-issue. Will have to give it another look.

[Andrew Garulay, RLA]

I replaced my black starter ink with an 80 ml for the second time just last week. I bought the printer in February. I’ve gone through at least 10 rolls of 24″x 150′ bond using mostly b&w line drawings. I just replaced the starter color ink (12ml) with 29 ml cartridges.

This is an image of my typical 24″x 36″ b&w print with some parts blurred out as an example of my ink demands. I have printed at least 350 of similar prints. I do color renderings for presentation drawings, but not very often … probably 20 since I bought this. Depending on your needs, it may be just as good for you.

[Gregg Spadaro]

It sounds like your printing volume is similar to mine for both bw and color. Thanks again for sharing Andrew.

[Alan Ray, RLA]

hp-120

I’ve used hp since the early 90″s,,,

never have had even a service call needed…

my friends with calcomps and summas complain

that they are always needing repairs…sooooo…

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