I've decided to enter this century (a decade late) and purchase a new plotter.
I'm looking at the HP Designjet T120 and T520 ePrinter series. These are new and have some nice features. I'll probably go with T520, 24 inch version.
If anyone has one of these plotters I'd appreciate some feedback.
I have an HP Designjet 600 more than twenty years old. It still works but its hard to get to work on the network and can't do any of the modern shading and such. The new plotters are also color which would be nice.
These new HP's are directed towards the individual or very small shops (like me). The pricing seems reasonable.
So is anyone out there using one of these? I'd also like to know how permanent a mylar plot they make. Does it make a plot suitable for public record filing and recording.
I picked up a 36" 520 a couple months ago to replace an HP 500 that was 12 years old.
The plusses:
Connects through wifi
Fast plotting
Individual color cartridges
Easy setup
Separate single sheet feeder (good for 11x17" prints)
Smaller footprint
Negatives:
Isn't as sturdy as the old plotters
The paper hopper gets in the way, just waiting for someone to kick it and break.
Any plotter should be able to print quality prints on Mylar, I've never had any problems with any plotter.
Personally, I prefer the 36" because it gives more options for paper sizes. I never go over 36" wide but I have some consultants who use 30"x48" sheets for all jobs. We also get more prints out of a 150' roll. We do cut 18"x24" sheets but we rarely use C size so it's not a big issue.