Wide Format Printers for Professional and Studio Use

Contents:

Wide format printers are designed for users who need larger print sizes, higher detail, and better control over output quality. They are commonly used by photographers, designers, architects, and print shops.

Some models focus on photo and fine art printing, while others are built for technical drawings or large commercial graphics. The printers below represent different professional needs and budget levels.


Wide Format Printers (Comparison Table)

Printer Max Print Size Type Price
Epson SureColor S80600 64-inch Eco-Solvent $25,945
Epson SureColor P900 17-inch Photo Inkjet $1,149
HP DesignJet T230 24-inch Inkjet $995
HP DesignJet Z6 PostScript 44-inch Inkjet $4,995
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M 24-inch Inkjet MFP $1,099

Epson SureColor S80600 (64-inch)

Epson SureColor S80600 Printer

Screenshot from the Epson website

The Epson SureColor S80600 is a wide format printer built for professional print environments. Although it comes with a high price, many users consider it a worthwhile investment for commercial production rather than home or casual printing.

This model is commonly chosen by print shops and designers who work with banners, vinyl, posters, and display graphics. It uses UltraChrome GS3 inks to support a wide color range and detailed output on many media types.

Key Features

  • Maximum print width: 64 inches
  • Eco-solvent ink system
  • Supports vinyl, film, canvas, and specialty media
  • Advanced color control options
  • Designed for continuous production workloads

Pros:
✔️ Suitable for large-scale graphic printing
✔️ Handles demanding commercial projects
✔️ Strong color depth for signage and displays

Cons:
❌ Very expensive for individual users
❌ Large footprint
❌ Not intended for casual or low-volume printing


Epson SureColor P900 (17-inch)

Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Wide Format Printer

Screenshot from the Epson website

Compared to the Epson SureColor S80600, which is built for large-scale commercial graphics, the Epson SureColor P900 targets a very different type of user. It is designed for photographers and creatives who need precise image output rather than oversized prints.

This printer uses pigment-based inks to produce detailed images on photo paper and fine art media. It is a good fit for users who prioritize image quality over print size.

Key Features

  • Maximum print size: 17 inches
  • Advanced photo ink system
  • Supports roll paper and cut sheets
  • Wireless and USB connectivity
  • Touchscreen interface

Pros:
✔️ High detail for photo and art printing
✔️ Compact for a wide format photo printer
✔️ Supports specialty papers

Cons:
❌ Limited print width compared to large-format models
❌ Confusing menu navigation
❌ Extra steps for thick paper


HP DesignJet T230 (24-Inch)

HP DesignJet T230 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer

Screenshot from the HP website

The HP DesignJet T230 is an entry-level wide format printer designed for technical drawings and plans. It is commonly used by architects, engineers, and students who need accurate line work.

This model focuses on simplicity and space-saving design, making it suitable for small offices or home workspaces.

Key Features

  • Maximum print width: 24 inches
  • Inkjet printing system
  • Supports CAD drawings and posters
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
  • Compact body design

Pros:
✔️ Affordable wide format option
✔️ Easy to place in small spaces
✔️ Good for plans and diagrams

Cons:
❌ Limited color depth for graphics
❌ Not designed for heavy workloads
❌ Basic control panel


HP DesignJet Z6 PostScript (44-Inch)

HP DesignJet Z6 Large Format 44-inch Printer

Screenshot from the HP website

The HP DesignJet Z6 PostScript is built for users who need speed and larger output sizes. It is often found in production environments handling posters, presentations, and graphic-heavy documents.

With PostScript support, it works well for complex files and design software workflows.

Key Features

  • Maximum print width: 44 inches
  • PostScript support
  • High-speed printing engine
  • Network and USB connectivity
  • Large media handling

Pros:
✔️ Produces sharp, detailed prints
✔️ Suitable for frequent large prints
✔️ Integrated trimmer saves time

Cons:
❌ High maintenance and repair costs
❌ Color range may feel limited
❌ Occasional software or driver issues


Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M (24-inch)

Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M Large Format MFP

Screenshot from the Canon website

The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M is a multifunction wide format printer aimed at small studios and home offices. It combines printing, scanning, and copying in one device.

This model is often used for posters, documents, and basic graphics, offering flexibility without the scale of commercial printers.

Key Features

  • Maximum print width: 24 inches
  • Print, scan, and copy functions
  • Inkjet printing system
  • Wireless and USB support
  • Compact wide format design

Pros:
✔️ Multi-function capability
✔️ Suitable for mixed document types
✔️ Easier to manage than large production models

Cons:
❌ Not designed for high-volume output
❌ Average performance for detailed graphics
❌ Slower than single-function printers


Summary

Overall, these wide format printers are built for different types of work.

The Epson SureColor S80600 fits commercial printing environments, while the Epson SureColor P900 focuses on photo and fine art output.

Models like the HP DesignJet T230 and Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M offer more affordable options for technical drawings, studio tasks, and everyday wide format printing.

The right choice depends on print size requirements, workload, and how much flexibility is needed.

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