In the world of design and engineering, precision and accuracy are paramount. That's where large format 24-inch plotters come in. These powerful machines are designed to create high-quality, detailed prints on sheets measuring up to 24 inches wide.
But what exactly are large format plotters, and why should digital artists consider adding one to their arsenal? Let's delve into the world of large format printing and explore the benefits these plotters offer.
Understanding Large-Format 24-inch Plotters
Large format 24-inch plotters are specialized printers that handle oversized media, typically up to 24 inches in width. They utilize various technologies, such as inkjet or toner, to reproduce designs with exceptional detail and color accuracy.
These plotters are widely used in industries like architecture, engineering, construction, and graphic design to produce technical drawings, blueprints, maps, posters, and other large-scale visuals.
Why Digital Artists Should Invest in a 24-inch Plotter?
For digital artists, owning a 24-inch plotter unlocks a world of creative possibilities. It allows them to produce high-resolution prints of their artwork, photographs, or designs at impressive sizes. This can be particularly beneficial for creating eye-catching displays for exhibitions, galleries, or portfolios. Additionally, the ability to print in-house gives artists greater control over the final output, ensuring color accuracy and quality.
In short, large-format 24-inch plotters are not merely printers; they are tools that empower digital artists to bring their visions to life in a tangible and impactful way.
Top 10 Large Format 24-inch Plotters in 2024
Finding the perfect large format plotter for your needs can be a daunting task. Whether you're an architect, engineer, or graphic designer, the right plotter can significantly improve your workflow and output quality. Let's explore some of the top 24-inch plotters on the market in 2024.
1. iDraw Pen Plotter H A1
The iDraw Pen Plotter H A1 is a versatile and innovative drawing robot designed to automate various tasks like drawing, calligraphy, handwriting, and even laser engraving. It's a popular choice among artists, educators, and hobbyists who want to explore creative possibilities with technology.
Features:
- Large A1 drawing area (23.6 x 33.1 inches)
- Compatible with various pen types and laser engraving modules
- User-friendly software interface for easy design and control
- Precise and consistent drawing quality
- Offline working capability
Why Buy?
If you're looking for a multi-functional creative tool that can handle drawing, calligraphy, and laser engraving, the iDraw Pen Plotter H A1 is a great option. Its versatility and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any workspace.
Why Avoid?
While the iDraw Pen Plotter H A1 is excellent for creative tasks, it might not be the best choice for those who need a dedicated large format plotter for high-volume printing.
2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a professional-grade photo printer that delivers exceptional print quality and color accuracy. It's designed for photographers and graphic designers who demand the best possible results for their prints.
Features:
- 12-ink LUCIA PRO ink system for vibrant and accurate colors
- Advanced image processing technology for smooth gradients and sharp details
- Print Studio Pro plug-in for seamless integration with popular photo editing software
- Wi-Fi connectivity for easy wireless printing
- Large 2.5-inch LCD screen for intuitive operation
Why Buy?
If you prioritize print quality above all else and need a reliable printer for your professional photography or graphic design work, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is an excellent investment.
Why Avoid?
This printer is primarily designed for photo printing, and its features might be overkill for those who need a plotter for general use or technical drawings.
3. HP DesignJet Studio 24-in Printer
The HP DesignJet Studio 24-in Printer is a stylish and compact large format printer that's perfect for home offices or small businesses. It's designed to be user-friendly and offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability.
Features:
- Prints up to 24 inches wide
- Dual roll option for continuous printing
- Mobile printing capabilities
- Cloud-based printing solution
- Quiet operation
Why Buy?
If you need a versatile and easy-to-use large format printer for your home office or small business, the HP DesignJet Studio 24-in Printer is a great option. It's compact, stylish, and offers decent performance at a reasonable price.
Why Avoid?
While the HP DesignJet Studio is a good all-around printer, it might not be the best choice for professionals who need the highest level of print quality or advanced features for specialized tasks.
4. Epson SureColor T2170
The Epson SureColor T2170 is a reliable and affordable workhorse designed for technical users like architects and engineers. It boasts speed, efficiency, and high-quality output for line drawings and CAD designs.
Features:
- Prints up to 24 inches wide
- Fast print speeds (A1/D-size in 43 seconds)
- Large, intuitive 4.3" LCD touchscreen
- Wireless connectivity options
- High-capacity ink cartridges for cost-efficiency
Why Buy?
If you need a fast, reliable, and budget-friendly plotter that excels in technical drawings and CAD designs, the Epson SureColor T2170 is a fantastic option.
Why Avoid?
While it's great for technical prints, the T2170 might not be the best choice for those seeking top-tier photorealistic output or vibrant graphics.
5. HP DesignJet T630
The HP DesignJet T630 is a compact and versatile plotter tailored for home offices and small businesses. It's known for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and ability to handle a wide range of printing needs.
Features:
- Prints up to 24 inches wide
- Integrated stand with a built-in media bin
- Wireless and mobile printing capabilities
- HP Smart app for easy setup and printing
- Automatic sheet feeder for efficient printing
Why Buy?
If you value a compact and stylish plotter with easy-to-use features, the HP DesignJet T630 is an excellent choice for a home office or small business setting.
Why Avoid?
While versatile, the T630 might not be suitable for high-volume printing needs or demanding professional environments that require advanced features.
6. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 is a powerful and versatile large-format printer designed for both technical documents and high-quality posters. Its combination of speed, precision, and vivid colors makes it suitable for various industries.
Features:
- Prints up to 36 inches wide (larger than the 24-inch options)
- 5-color LUCIA TD pigment ink system for vibrant prints
- Free Layout Plus software for easy poster creation
- Direct USB printing from thumb drives
- High-capacity ink tanks for cost-effective printing
Why Buy?
If you require a larger format plotter that can handle both technical drawings and vibrant posters with ease, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 is a worthwhile investment.
Why Avoid?
This plotter is a more substantial investment compared to the other two options, so it might not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.
7. HP DesignJet T230
The HP DesignJet T230 is a compact and easy-to-use large-format plotter printer. It can print A1/D plots as fast as 35 seconds. It is compatible with a variety of media, including bond and coated paper, technical paper, film, photographic paper, and self-adhesive. It also supports macOS 10.8 and newer versions of Windows.
Features:
- Smallest large-format plotters based on most compact footprint
- Three-click printing with HP Click software
- Up to 2X faster printing than competitive alternatives
- Up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance
- Up to 31% more line accuracy
- Up to 65% more color gamut
Why Buy?
This printer is a good choice for those who need a compact and easy-to-use large-format plotter printer. It is also a good choice for those who need to print A1/D plots quickly.
Why Avoid?
This printer is discontinued, so HP will not accept returns of this product.
8. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2000
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2000 is a large format printer designed for photographic and fine art printing. It has a 12-color LUCIA PRO pigment ink system that delivers a stunning color gamut and impressive tonal expression. It also features a 1.28” print head, which means faster prints without compromising quality.
Features:
- 12-color LUCIA PRO pigment ink system
- Maximum print resolution of 2400 dpi
- Maximum media roll diameter of 170 mm
- Security features to restrict access and boost security
Why Buy?
This printer is a good choice for those who need a high-quality large-format printer for photographic and fine art printing.
Why Avoid?
This printer is more expensive than some other large-format printers.
9. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 is a large format printer that uses LUCIA PRO pigment ink. It is designed for high-quality printing of graphics and fine art.
Features:
- 12-color pigment ink
- Maximum print resolution of 2400 dpi
- Maximum media roll diameter of 170 mm
- Security features to restrict access and boost security
Why Buy?
This printer is a good choice for those who need a high-quality large-format printer for printing graphics and fine art.
Why Avoid?
This printer is more expensive than some other large-format printers.
10. HP DesignJet T210
The HP DesignJet T210 is a 24-inch wide printer that can print on a variety of media types, including paper, banner paper, glossy photo paper, and high resolution paper. It also has Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. Users can print from laptops, PCs, smartphones, and tablets. The HP DesignJet T210 comes with a variety of introductory ink cartridges.
Features:
- 24-inch wide printer
- Prints on a variety of media types
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity
- Can print from laptops, PCs, smartphones, and tablets
Why Buy?
This printer is a good choice for those who need a versatile large-format printer that can print on a variety of media types.
Why Avoid?
This printer is not as fast as some other large-format printers.
Conclusion
The search for the ideal large format plotter in 2024 depends largely on your specific needs and budget. Whether you prioritize speed, precision, color accuracy, or versatility, there's a plotter on this list to suit your requirements.
For creative professionals and hobbyists looking to turn digital art into reality, the iDraw Pen Plotter H A1 stands out as a new and innovative tool, offering a range of drawing and engraving capabilities.