The Best Production Printers for Architects in the Salt Lake City Area
As an architect in Salt Lake City, precision, detail, and efficiency are vital to your business. Your designs, blueprints, and renderings must be flawless to ensure that your vision is communicated clearly to clients, builders, and city planners. For this reason, you need a production printer that can handle large formats, offer high-quality resolution, and provide consistent reliability. Whether you’re drafting complex construction drawings or preparing presentations, having the right printer can significantly enhance your workflow.
We’ve put together a detailed look at some of the best production printers available for architects in Salt Lake City. These models are not only top-rated in the industry but are specifically chosen for their ability to meet the unique demands of architectural firms, like yours.
1. Canon imagePROGRAF TZ-30000
Overview: If you are seeking both speed and precision, the Canon imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 is an outstanding choice for architectural printing. This printer is built to handle high-volume output, making it ideal for busy firms that require large-format prints on tight deadlines.
Key Specifications:
- Resolution: 2400 x 1200 dpi
- Speed: Prints up to 4 D-sized prints per minute
- Paper Handling: Supports a wide range of media up to 36 inches wide
- Advanced Scanning: Includes an optional T36 scanner for digitizing documents and blueprints
- Ink System: Utilizes a 5-color LUCIA TD pigment ink system for vibrant colors and sharp lines
Produced Output: The imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 excels at producing highly detailed architectural drawings, CAD prints, and full-color presentations. The precision of its linework and the vibrancy of its colors make it a perfect tool for presenting complex building designs to clients and stakeholders.
MSRP: Starts at around $13,000, depending on additional options like scanners and stands.
2. HP DesignJet T2600 Multifunction Printer
Overview: HP’s DesignJet T2600 is a robust and highly reliable option for architectural firms that require versatility in a production printer. This printer offers exceptional color and black-and-white printing while providing scanning and copying capabilities, all in a single device.
Key Specifications:
- Resolution: 2400 x 1200 dpi
- Speed: Prints 180 A1/D-sized prints per hour
- Paper Handling: Handles media up to 36 inches wide
- Multifunction: Built-in scanning and copying, making it an all-in-one solution for busy architectural firms
- Cloud Connectivity: Integrated with HP Smart App, enabling remote printing and collaboration from mobile devices
Produced Output: The DesignJet T2600 is known for its crisp line accuracy and brilliant color output, making it a great choice for both technical drawings and presentation-quality renderings. With its built-in scanning capabilities, it’s also convenient for firms that frequently need to digitize large-scale documents or blueprints.
MSRP: Starts at around $9,500, with variations based on accessories and service agreements.
3. KIP 600 Series
Overview: The KIP 600 Series offers some of the best black-and-white printing capabilities for architectural documents. It’s designed for large-format printing, particularly focusing on CAD, GIS, and architectural renderings that require consistent and fast output.
Key Specifications:
- Resolution: 600 x 2400 dpi
- Speed: Prints up to 10 D-sized prints per minute
- Paper Handling: Handles media up to 36 inches wide and supports multiple rolls
- Low Operating Costs: Toner-based system reduces cost per page
- Durability: Designed for high-volume, continuous production
Produced Output: Architects who need large quantities of monochrome prints, such as floor plans and construction documents, will appreciate the KIP 600 Series. The toner-based system ensures that prints come out sharp and smudge-free, even after extended periods of handling.
MSRP: Pricing for the KIP 600 Series starts around $15,000 but can vary based on configuration.
4. Xerox VersaLink C8000
Overview: For architects who need a reliable office printer that can handle medium-volume production, the Xerox VersaLink C8000 is a top-tier solution. It’s smaller than some of the large-format printers but provides exceptional quality for in-house color prints and proofs.
Key Specifications:
- Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi
- Speed: 45 pages per minute (Letter/A4)
- Paper Handling: Supports up to 11×17-inch media
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities
- Advanced Security Features: Data encryption and secure printing options
Produced Output: Though it doesn’t handle the same large formats as other production printers, the Xerox VersaLink C8000 is ideal for producing high-quality color renderings, 3D model views, and marketing materials like brochures or proposals. Its relatively compact size also makes it a great option for smaller firms or satellite offices.
MSRP: Starts at $2,500.
5. Epson SureColor T5270D
Overview: The Epson SureColor T5270D is another high-performance option for architects needing precision and quality in wide-format printing. This dual-roll printer offers advanced printing capabilities for large-scale architectural designs, maps, and blueprints.
Key Specifications:
- Resolution: 2880 x 1440 dpi
- Speed: Prints up to 740 square feet per hour
- Paper Handling: Dual-roll support with automatic switching between media
- Ink System: 5-color UltraChrome XD pigment ink for vibrant, smudge-resistant prints
- Connectivity: Cloud-based printing support for mobile and remote operations
Produced Output: The SureColor T5270D produces some of the sharpest, most accurate prints in its class. Its ability to switch between media rolls automatically makes it highly efficient for architects who need to alternate between different types of prints quickly.
MSRP: Starts at approximately $5,000.
Printer Model | Resolution | Speed | Max Media Width | Key Feature | MSRP | Ideal For |
Canon imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 4 D-size prints per minute | 36 inches | High-volume color printing | $13,000 | Complex CAD drawings, large presentations |
HP DesignJet T2600 | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 180 A1/D-size prints per hour | 36 inches | All-in-one: print, scan, and copy | $9,500 | Technical drawings, versatile use |
KIP 600 Series | 600 x 2400 dpi | 10 D-size prints per minute | 36 inches | Fast monochrome printing with low operating cost | $15,000 | Black-and-white floor plans |
Xerox VersaLink C8000 | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 45 pages per minute (Letter) | 11×17 inches | Compact size, high-quality office printing | $2,500 | Color renderings, marketing materials |
Epson SureColor T5270D | 2880 x 1440 dpi | 740 sq. feet per hour | 36 inches | Dual-roll support with automatic switching | $5,000 | Sharp architectural prints, maps |
What to Consider When Choosing a Production Printer
While these five printers all deliver excellent results for architectural applications, the best choice for your firm depends on several factors:
- Volume Requirements: How many prints do you produce daily? High-volume firms will benefit from faster, more robust machines like the Canon imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 or the KIP 600 Series.
- Media Size: If you frequently print large-scale designs, consider a printer with wide-format capabilities, such as the Epson SureColor T5270D or the HP DesignJet T2600.
- Color vs. Black and White: Many architectural firms require both color renderings and black-and-white blueprints. Evaluate your needs for color printing and choose a machine that excels in that area.
- Budget: Printers range in price based on features, speed, and print quality. A smaller firm may prefer a more affordable model like the Xerox VersaLink C8000, while larger firms may need to invest in a high-performance printer with greater capacity.
- Ongoing Costs: Beyond the initial investment, consider the cost of ink or toner, maintenance, and paper. Machines like the KIP 600 Series offer low ongoing costs, which can be a significant advantage for high-output firms.
Start with a Consultation from Associated
Choosing the right production printer can make all the difference for your architectural firm in Salt Lake City. Whether you’re focused on producing detailed blueprints, vibrant presentations, or precise CAD drawings, selecting a printer tailored to your specific needs is key.
At Associated Business Technologies, we understand the unique demands of architectural printing. We offer top-tier brands like Canon, HP, KIP, Xerox, and Epson, ensuring that your firm has access to the best equipment available. With expert support, supplies, and service, we can help keep your workflow efficient and your prints flawless.
If you’re ready to upgrade your production printing capabilities, contact us at Associated Business Technologies. Our team can provide you with a tailored recommendation based on your specific printing needs and budget.