As cities and government agencies continue to evolve, so does the need for effective large format printing solutions. While many entities already possess a plotter, not all are optimized for current demands.
Whether it’s upgrading older models or integrating more advanced technology, understanding the best large format printers available is crucial for efficient operation.
In this blog post, we’ll learn from our Certified Large Format printing experts at Steven Enterprises about what the best large format printer models are for cities & other government businesses.
What Large Format Printer Do Most Cities Have?
Well, the first time a city bought a large format plotter dates back to about the 1960s. This is when the first plotter was created, known as a “pen plotter” back then.
Pen plotters are friendly robots from a not so distant past. As Tobias Toft puts it in this article, “they’re the missing link between pencils and laser printers.” Pen Plotters are lovely pieces of high precision technology, using regular pens that are computer-controlled to draw on regular paper with incredible speed and precision.
They would draw blueprints for tweedy engineers and turtlenecked architects back in the 70’s and 80’s, they would draw colorful charts on transparencies for slick investment bankers to present on overhead projectors, and they probably also drew the schematics for the laser- and inkjet printers that replaced them a decade later. While expensive at the time, they were beautifully engineered, high-quality machines, which is still used by some cities around the country.
Once the print head was invented, many cities and state agencies upgraded their large format printing equipment to this faster, more sophisticated technology. Meaning that most now own either a large-format inkjet printer or an LED toner-based printers (depending on their business needs).
READ MORE: Toner vs. Ink Large Format Printers: Cost and Usage Comparison for Businesses
Depending on the size of your operation, you’re likely going to have multiple large-format inkjet printers on-site to be able to keep up with the demand.
What are the common applications for large format printers in government entities?
Back in the day, every plan to build something had to be printed and run through the city for approval. While that’s still true today, most of it has gone digital.
That said, many city planners and state agencies still make heavy use of the large format printers to mark up the blueprints they receive.
Another common application for toner-based printers is to make larger posters to be distributed in city hall or around the city. Since they need to be able to weather the outdoors for longer periods, this higher-quality printing technology is a must.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Plotter
If you’ve had your large format printer for over 5 years, your printer is likely due for an upgrade. The main reason being the quality of the prints you could be getting, but also just out of increased efficiency!
Here are some reasons why it might make sense to upgrade:
- Improved printing quality: Not all cities know how much the technology has improved since these original series of the large format inkjets and toner based printers came out. For example, the line printing for blueprints far more crisp and precise. Also, the durability and color consistency of the prints is also night and day from what is used to be!
- Faster printing speeds: The best improvement in the technology is the speed. New large format printers need only 1 minute to print out 30 drawings. Older models needed a minimum of 2 minutes. So if your operations ever need to print in bulk, this can be a huge time saver!
- Multi-functional machines: The best part about upgrading your large format printer is that the newer models come with a scanner built into it. Since so much of the city planning process is digitized, having the option to scan is great. It’s an easy way to simplify communications with the foreman on the construction job site.
- Save costs buying color: If you need options to print in color, the newer models are going to be far cheaper than the old ones. The reason for this is that the older models use dye-based ink. This ink is far more expensive than the pigment ink that the newer plotters use. The pigmented ink is also far more durable (lasting about 6 months outside in the elements vs. max 3 months). As a result, the costs are lower by avoiding reprints!
Top Large Format Printers for Government Businesses in 2025
Every business is different. This is why we highly recommend you book a free consultation with a Steven Enterprises certified printing expert to purchase the right large format printer.
Since we work with many cities and state municipalities, here are the top printers they invest in.
HP 3600/3800 Large Format Printer
Productive, efficient, and secure. The HP DesignJet XL 3600 and HP DesignJet XL 3800 Multifunction printers are the top choice for government businesses.
They keep construction projects moving with the fastest color printer at 6A1/D color pages per minute in its class. Not only is it a fast first page out, it also has excellent color and monochrome print quality.
If your goal is to have a simple and optimized system, this is a great printer to invest in. It includes easy one-click copy and scan workflows, features that reduce your environmental impact. Not to mention, it’s a more compact printer than the older models, providing you additional workspace for other uses.
To learn more about the HP Large format printers, click here.
KIP Black & White Large Format Printer
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the KIP large format printers are also a great option.
KIP is a leading global supplier of digital printing and scanning solutions for color and monochrome wide format documents. Offering an extensive product range that meets the ever-increasing demand for fast, high-quality, cost-effective reproduction.
KIP’s advanced product technology leads the market in performance, reliability, and value with an exceptionally low cost of operation.
Click here to learn more about KIP large format printers.
Need Help Finding the Right Large Format Printer for Your Business?
Investing in a modern large format printer can transform the way cities and government agencies handle their printing needs. From improved operational efficiency to higher quality outputs, the benefits are clear.
If you’re considering upgrading your equipment or need advice on the best model for your specific needs, don’t hesitate to contact Steven Enterprises. Our certified printing experts are here to provide tailored solutions and support. This way ensuring you choose the right printer to meet your city demands!
Visit our website or contact us directly for a free consultation. During out call, you’ll discover how the latest in large format printing technology can benefit your operations.