The short answer: Choose a wide-format printer around the largest drawings you need, your normal and peak print volumes, colour requirements and whether you need large-format scanning. Then compare the total cost, software compatibility and local support. Test real project files before committing.
When a drawing changes before a meeting or a site team needs a fresh plan set, waiting for an external print run can interrupt the day. An in-house wide-format printer gives your team more control over when drawings are produced.
But the right machine for a small architecture studio may be different from the one needed by a construction office printing multiple project sets. This guide explains the decisions to make before requesting a quote.
Do you need an A1 or A0 printer?
Start with the largest drawing size you regularly use. Standard A1 is 594 × 841 mm; A0 is 841 × 1189 mm. A 24-inch wide-format printer generally accommodates standard A1 drawings, while a 36-inch model generally accommodates standard A0 drawings. Confirm the exact model’s printable area, margins and supported media before ordering.
| Your requirement | What to shortlist |
|---|---|
| Drawings up to standard A1 | An A1-capable model; assess whether its roll handling and speed fit your workload. |
| Regular standard A0 drawings | An A0-capable model with sufficient printable width and appropriate media support. |
| Mixed sizes and frequent paper changes | Compare sheet feeding, roll changes, automatic cutting and any multiple-roll options. |
| Scanning marked-up large drawings | A wide-format multifunction system or a compatible separate large-format scanner. |
If you only need A0 occasionally, compare the cost of owning an A0-capable device with using an external provider for those jobs. Allow for turnaround time and collection as well as the printing invoice.
Should you choose inkjet or toner?
KMBE’s wide-format printer range includes HP DesignJet and KIP equipment, with ink-based and toner-based options listed. Ask for a shortlist suited to your mix of technical drawings, colour information and output volume.
Compare the proposed devices using the same files. Look at fine lines, small text, grey areas, colour keys and solid fills. Also check how quickly the output can be handled and whether the recommended paper suits its intended use. Neither technology should be chosen on a general assumption that it is always cheaper or faster.
How much printing capacity do you need?
Count completed drawing sets as well as individual sheets. Record your typical weekly output and the busiest tender, issue or handover periods. Include reprints and revisions.
Ask the supplier to demonstrate a complete representative PDF set. Time the process from submitting the job to collecting usable output, including processing, cutting and paper changes. Advertised print speed alone does not tell you how long a full job will take.
For a smaller studio, a simple workflow and compact footprint may matter most. For a busy project office, unattended output, media capacity and handling larger batches may carry more weight.
Do you need to scan and copy large drawings?
Printing and scanning are separate requirements. A wide-format printer does not necessarily include a scanner. If you need to capture marked-up plans or archive paper drawings, check the scanner’s maximum document width, supported originals, colour capability and file destinations.
Test a typical marked-up sheet. Make sure fine annotations remain readable and that staff can save the file into the correct project location without unnecessary steps.
Check scale, file handling and revision control
Bring PDFs exported from the applications your team uses. Confirm operating system support, the proposed print software and any requirements for processing complex drawings.
Check these points during a demonstration:
- Does the selected paper size match the source drawing?
- Does the output retain the intended scale when printed at the required settings?
- Are fine lines, hatching, fonts and colour legends clear?
- Can staff preview the job and avoid unnecessary blank or duplicate pages?
- Can a complete mixed-size set be submitted and collected easily?
Automatic “fit to page” settings can change drawing scale. Verify the output against a known dimension or scale bar where appropriate, and follow the drawing’s instructions about using stated dimensions. Keep printed sets tied to your document-control process so superseded revisions are removed from use.
Compare total costs, including outsourced printing
Look beyond the equipment price. Include ink or toner, paper, printheads or maintenance items where applicable, service, software, delivery, installation and staff time. Ask how coverage affects the cost of a line drawing compared with a heavily shaded or rendered sheet.
A practical comparison is:
In-house monthly cost = equipment cost allocated monthly + consumables + media + service/software + staff time.
Compare that with outsourced printing, delivery or collection, and time spent arranging the work. Use your own volume estimates; there is no single break-even point that suits every firm. Ask about finance options for the shortlisted equipment and confirm the terms.
Plan for installation and ongoing support
Check the machine’s full working space, including roll loading, output collection and scanner access. Confirm delivery access, network setup, environmental requirements and who will train staff.
Discuss service and support for your location and selected model. Ask what is covered, which consumables you should keep on hand and how you will handle urgent work if the printer is unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a plotter and a wide-format printer?
“Plotter” is commonly used for modern wide-format printers producing CAD drawings and plans. Confirm the actual printing technology and capabilities of the model being quoted rather than relying on the name.
Can an A1 printer print A0 plans?
An A1-only printer cannot produce a full-size A0 sheet. It may allow a reduced or tiled version, but that is different from a full-size A0 drawing and may change scale or require assembly.
Do construction plans need colour printing?
It depends on the documents. Colour can help distinguish services, annotations or drawing information. Test your files to see whether monochrome output preserves everything the reader needs.
Is it cheaper to print plans in-house?
It depends on volume, consumable costs, equipment costs and staff time. In-house printing may also improve turnaround. Compare both options using a representative period and include peak workloads.
Find a wide-format printer that fits your projects
Talk to KMBE about wide-format printing. Tell us your location, largest drawing size, approximate weekly output, colour and scanning requirements. A sample project PDF will help us assess suitable options.
Plan your equipment and ongoing support
For a wider review of your business printers and service arrangements, explore KMBE managed print services. Discuss the specific support available for your proposed wide-format model when requesting a quote.
