HP Large Format announce a host of new print solutions

HP Large Format has announced a host of new end-to-end print solutions and products, designed with the aim of boosting productivity and sustainability for the Architects, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

According to a report published by HP, the construction industry, despite its global output of $13trn (£20trn) in 2023, faces significant productivity challenges. HP claims that by 2040 the industry is expected to grow by 70%, but that engineers and contractors are already struggling to meet current demands.

The updates from HP aim to tackle these demands, with updates to relevant printers, drivers, and other associated technologies.

Among the announced products is a redesign of the HP DesignJet T200/T600 Printer series 2025 Edition. The T200 series is said to be “the world's smallest large-format plotters”.

The printer series is now fully integrated with the HP app, which will allow jobs to be printed virtually. This is advertised as a major benefit to the AEC industry, which often works and prints remotely or on site.

With an accessory added to the printer, it is now possible to print multi-size A4, A, and A1/D sized projects, without needing to manually switch the media source.

The redesign of the printer series also has sustainability as a core focus. The series is now made with at least 40% recycled plastic, up from 30% in its previous version, and is the first HP wide-format printer containing recycled metal.

In addition, the update to the series has added a printer on/off auto scheduler, which is said to provide energy savings of up to 65%.

Among the other announced products is an upgrade kit for the HP SitePrint. The robotic machine scans building sites in order to process the information into documents such as blueprints, ready for either printed or digital use. Its smart navigation system processes obstacle data captured by a depth camera and can automatically navigate around a space while scanning.

The announced value pack for the SitePrint introduces features including a supposed 30% improvement in print accuracy.

HP has also revealed its latest Click Driver software, which works in conjunction with its wide-format printers. The software allows users to print directly from any Windows 11 program, including common CAD applications.

The Click Driver gives options such as “print preview”, “save to PDF” and “send to print” all in one place, providing an integrated system that aims to avoid reprints, unseen errors, and wasted print resources.

“We urgently need to narrow the gap between the construction industry’s lagging productivity and its critical economic and societal role,” says Daniel Martinez, global head and general manager of HP Large Format.

“HP equips the sector with the right tools to improve communication, collaboration, and unlock growth leveraging hardware and software solutions that are intuitive, efficient and responsibly designed.”

Speaking in more detail about the announced products, Martínez comments: “HP’s DesignJet Series is designed with simplicity, sustainability, and security in mind. Thanks to the printer on/off auto scheduler saving up to 65% energy in our HP DesignJet T200/T600 Printer series 2025 Edition, we know our large format printers are working towards HP’s sustainability goals.”

“And connecting the printer with HP Click Driver provides intuitive and effortless printing, while making sure that users avoid unnecessary waste and reduce energy consumption, contributing to our goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions across our entire value chain.”