The evolution of color printing over the last five years has been nothing short of revolutionary, especially with the advent of the HP DesignJet XL 3800 Large Format Printer.
This breakthrough technology has significantly lowered the financial barrier to high-quality color printing for businesses, marking a departure from the era when such capabilities commanded a price tag upwards of $100,000.
Now, with the HP DesignJet XL 3800, businesses can access unparalleled color printing quality for around $15,000, making it a pivotal year for businesses to reassess their printing infrastructure.

Why Businesses Need the HP DesignJet XL 3800 Large Format Printer

For any business still operating with an outdated large format printer, whether it’s an older HP model or alternatives like OCE or KIP printers, the HP DesignJet XL 3800 presents a timely upgrade opportunity.
Specifically, these are machines that our customers are turning in to upgrade to the new HP printer HP just released: HP DesignJet XP 3800.

• OCE PlotWave 345-365-3000/3500
• KIP B & W models 
• KIP 7100/7170

This printer not only offers a reduction in upfront costs compared to the HP XL 4200 but also brings enhanced speed, color capabilities, and overall quality to your printing operations.
It’s designed to replace the need for multiple printers, consolidating your printing infrastructure into a single, efficient unit.

Top Reasons to Upgrade to the HP DesignJet XL 3800 Multi-Function Printer

1. Unparalleled Color Printing with the HP DesignJet XL 3800

The shift from toner to inkjet technology, has always been something that sets HP plotters apart from the competition.
With the release of this new HP DesignJet XL 3800, HP sets the bar even higher. They’ve now come out with “pigmented ink” that is made to withstand the outdoors. Other HP printers use dye-based ink, which can result in the colors fading and losing their vibrancy if it gets rained on. The new pigmented ink, on the other hand, is waterproof and will not fade in sunlight.
Businesses accustomed to the limitations of toner printers can now enjoy vibrant, high-resolution outputs that will last. The new HP DesignJet XL 3800 is able to replace both your black & white printer and your toner-based printer, saving you both some space in your office and cutting your costs in half.

2. Enhanced Speed in Printing 

In sectors where time is as critical as quality, the HP DesignJet XL 3800‘s impressive print speeds and rapid start-up times offer a competitive edge.
This printer is more than twice as fast at starting up as the one you have in your office.
For example:

• HP XL 3600 prints 2-3 pages per minute
• But the new HP XL 3800 prints 6 pages per minute!

Another example:

• Older HP black and white printers take 30-40 seconds to start up
• The new HP XL 3800 printer takes only 20 seconds!

If you’re working in an engineering team, architects firm, or construction company, these speed improvements really add up. Consider upgrading to the new HP DesignJet XL 3800 large format printer so you can get your plans out quicker.

3. Batch Scanning Efficiency Features

In addition to the speed of printing, the scanner is also quite unique.
The new HP DesignJet XL 3800 plotter has advanced scanning capabilities to further streamline operations, enabling teams to handle large document volumes more efficiently than ever before.
With batch scanning, you’ll no longer need to save each individual scan as a PDF. Instead, you’ll simply make all your scans and then at the end save everything as 1 single PDF document.
If you’re a city or municipality, the batch scanning of documents and shipping it over to your planning department is a common part of your week. This feature will not only help your team do that with ease, it’ll also help avoid issues with your computers getting blocked or slowed down by your high-volume scanning demands.

4. Compact Design for Modern Workspaces

The HP DesignJet XL 3800‘s design considerations extend beyond printing capabilities.
Its compact size and ease of installation ensure that even businesses with limited space can benefit from its advanced features without significant logistical challenges.
How compact you ask? This new printer is only 2-feet wide, 3-feet tall, and roughly 5-feet long. Meaning it’s much smaller than the HP XL 3600.
If needed, you can easily fit this printer in your building elevator so you can transport it wherever it needs to go!
When installed, it’ll also be able to go right against the wall so it’s out of the way.

5. Reduced Operating Costs

Through smart engineering and larger ink cartridges, the HP DesignJet XL 3800 Multi-Function Printer achieves lower per-square-foot printing costs, translating into long-term savings for businesses with intensive printing needs.
To illustrate how, let’s compare it to the older model:

• HP XL 3600 runs on 300ml cartridge of ink with ~800-1000 pages per cartridge (assuming it’s line drawings 24×36”)
• The new HP XL 3800 runs on the larger 500ml cartridges with ~1500-2000 pages per cartridge

This means that you’ll need to buy less ink overall to be able to get your pages printed.
If you’re doing big print jobs consistently, this can end up being a huge cost saving in your overall operating costs!

6. Better Economic Footprint 

The HP DesignJet XL 3800 not only excels in performance and cost-efficiency but also in its environmental impact.
Featuring reusable cartridges and compatibility with eco-friendly materials, it is the beacon of HP’s Sustainability Program and helping us all take a step forward in sustainable printing solutions.

Fun fact: The machine was originally made of 85% post-consumer recycled materials and intentionally packaged in cardboard instead of plastic wrap, to help further reduce the footprint of producing the machine.

So if you’re conscious about recycling, this is a printer to upgrade to guilt-free!
Plus, if you have an older black and white HP printer, OCE toner printer, or KIP toner printer, you’ll be able to use the same 3” core paper on your new machine. Making it possible for you to not waste supplies when you upgrade to the new HP DesignJet XL 3800!

7. Built-in Security Features 

Last, but definitely not least, the new HP DesignJet XL 3800 comes with a very strong built-in security feature set.
So if your business is very focused on security, for example government businesses or even cities, this printer will be able to meet the latest security demands with the HP Wolf Security system installed.

Decided If the HP DesignJet XL 3800 is Right for Your Business?

The HP XL 3800 Large Format Printer stands out as a robust solution for businesses looking to upgrade their printing capabilities without compromising on quality, speed, or environmental responsibility.
While it may not be the universal choice for every business, its benefits are undeniable for those it suits. For companies prioritizing printing efficiency, the HP XL 4200 may still be worth considering for its superior speed.
However, for a balanced blend of performance, quality, and sustainability, the HP XL 3800 is an investment that promises to deliver on all fronts.

Need Some Help Purchasing the Right Plotter?

If you’re interested in the HP XL 3800, or would like more information about the right printer to upgrade to for your unique business, let’s talk.
Our Equipment and Account Specialists have years of in-depth industry experience in the printing industry.
Contact us today by filling out this form or give us a call right away at 800-491-8785.