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Top Large Format Printer Brands in 2026 (& Why You’d Choose Them)

Top Large Format Printer Brands in 2026

Large format printers are crucial across numerous industries, from architecture and engineering to signage production and design firms. 

Each business faces unique challenges and printing demands, which is why multiple large format printer brands have emerged as top choices in today’s market.

At Steven Enterprises, we’ve supported businesses with equipment purchases for over three generations. We continually educate ourselves about the latest models released by various brands.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top five large format printer brands in 2026, highlight their best-selling models, and explain which applications each brand excels at serving.

1. HP: The Technical Printing Powerhouse

HP has long been renowned for technical large format printers, consistently releasing new models with innovations in speed and AutoCAD technology. 

These printers have become indispensable for fields requiring detailed drawings and plans, particularly architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing.

Why Choose HP?

HP printers excel as the “one-stop shop” for AEC firms. 

They handle everything from technical blueprints to short-run graphics, making them remarkably versatile for businesses that need both precision technical prints and occasional marketing materials.

The HP DesignJet line is backed by HP’s extensive service network and robust security features which is critical for firms handling sensitive project documents.

Top HP Models for 2026

HP DesignJet XL 3800 MFP

The XL 3800 is HP’s sweet spot for medium-sized AEC operations. It produces 6 D-sized color prints per minute with excellent CAD line quality and vibrant graphics delivered by HP’s pigment-based inks. 

The multifunction capability adds scanning and copying, making it a complete document management solution.

Ideal For: Architectural, engineering, and construction firms printing below 5,000 square feet per month who need superb CAD line quality at a competitive price point.

HP DesignJet XT950 MFP

The XT950 is an entry point into HP’s professional MFP lineup, offering reliable performance for smaller teams or satellite offices. 

It balances affordability with HP’s renowned print quality and ease of use.

Ideal For: Smaller AEC firms or branch offices needing occasional large format printing with scanning capabilities.

2. Canon & Océ: For Technical Excellence + Graphics Innovation

Canon’s acquisition of Océ in 2009 created a printing powerhouse that combines technical document expertise with cutting-edge graphics capabilities. 

Today, the Canon/Océ brand offers solutions spanning from traditional AEC applications to high-end UV graphics production.

Why Choose Canon/Océ?

The Canon/Océ portfolio is unique in offering both worlds: proven technical plotters for AEC workflows and advanced UV printers for graphics production. 

This versatility makes Canon/Océ an excellent choice for businesses serving diverse markets or planning to expand their service offerings.

Top Canon/Océ Models for 2026

Océ PlotWave T35

The PlotWave T35 continues to serve as a reliable workhorse for AEC firms in 2026.

Built on the proven 6th generation PlotWave platform, it features Océ’s patented Radiant Fusing technology for instant-on printing with no warm-up time and exceptional energy efficiency.

Ideal For: Small to medium AEC workgroups with moderate technical document printing needs who value reliability and eco-friendly operation.

Canon Colorado M-Series

Canon Colorado M3

For businesses focused on outdoor graphics and signage production, the Colorado M-Series gives Canon’s innovative UVgel technology with FLXfinish+ capabilities.

These printers excel at producing durable, weather-resistant graphics with exceptional color quality.

Ideal For: Print service providers, sign shops, and marketing agencies producing outdoor signage, vehicle wraps, and retail displays.

3. Mutoh: The Outdoor Graphics Specialist

Mutoh has built its reputation on delivering reliable, high-quality printers specifically engineered for outdoor signage and specialty applications. 

Their XpertJet series combines versatility with durability, making them favorites among sign shops and print service providers.

Why Choose Mutoh?

Mutoh printers are purpose-built for businesses focused on outdoor signage, vehicle graphics, and sticker production. 

Their ink formulations are optimized for outdoor durability, and their print-and-cut models integrate perfectly into sign production workflows.

The brand’s commitment to specialty applications means you’re getting technology refined specifically for outdoor graphics, not a general-purpose printer adapted for signage work.

Top Mutoh Models for 2026

Mutoh XpertJet C641SR Pro

The C641SR Pro is a compact print-and-cut solution ideal for businesses producing decals, labels, and smaller-format signage. The integrated cutting capability eliminates the need for a separate cutter, streamlining your production workflow.

Ideal For: Sign shops and print service providers specializing in custom decals, vehicle graphics, and indoor/outdoor stickers.

Mutoh XpertJet 1682SR Pro

For larger-format signage production, the 1682SR Pro provides professional results up to 64 inches wide. 

The printer handles a wide range of substrates and produces vibrant, durable prints suitable for long-term outdoor exposure.

Ideal For: High-volume sign shops producing banners, vehicle wraps, and outdoor advertising displays.

4. KIP: The Toner Technology Leader

KIP has established itself as the premier manufacturer of toner-based large format printers. 

Their LED toner technology provides exceptional quality with lower running costs compared to inkjet systems, making them extremely popular for high-volume environments.

Why Choose KIP?

Toner-based printing offers several distinct advantages for the right applications. 

KIP printers:

  • Produce waterproof prints immediately (no drying time required)
  • Offer faster print speeds for black-and-white documents
  • And typically cost less per square foot than comparable inkjet systems

For businesses printing 10,000+ square feet monthly, the cost savings of toner technology can be substantial, approximately half the per-square-foot cost of ink-based printing.

Top KIP Models for 2026

KIP 71 Series

KIP 71

The KIP 71 Series represents the foundation of KIP’s toner printer lineup. These monochrome systems deliver exceptional speed and reliability for technical document workflows, making them ideal for busy AEC operations.

Ideal For: Architecture and engineering firms with high volumes of black-and-white technical prints who prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness.

KIP 700 Color Series

When you need both technical documents and color graphics, the KIP 700 Color Series delivers. 

These printers combine KIP’s toner technology benefits with full-color capability, opening up applications beyond pure technical printing.

Ideal For: AEC firms and reprographics shops that need both technical prints and color output for presentations, marketing materials, and client deliverables.

Choose the Right Large Format Printer Brand for Your Business

With five excellent brands offering distinct advantages, how do you select the right large format printer for your operation?

There isn’t a single “best” large format printer brand in 2026, the right choice depends entirely on your specific applications, print volumes, and workflow requirements.

  • Choose HP if you need versatile equipment that handles both technical and graphics applications with industry-leading support.
  • Choose Canon/Océ if you want proven AEC technology (PlotWave) or are expanding into high-end UV graphics production (Colorado).
  • Choose Mutoh if outdoor signage and specialty graphics are your primary focus and you value purpose-built equipment.
  • Choose KIP if high-volume production and lowest cost per square foot are your top priorities.

Want to Find Your Perfect Large Format Printer?

Our printing specialists have helped hundreds of businesses navigate these decisions, and we’re here to help you too.

We’ll discuss your specific applications, volume requirements, and budget to recommend the ideal equipment for your operation, whether that’s HP, Canon/Océ, Mutoh, KIP, or a combination of brands.

Contact us today or give us a call at 800-491-8785 for a personalized consultation. 

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2026 Top Canon OCE Plotter Printers: Organized By Print Speed & Price

2026 Top Canon OCE Plotter Printers

When the Océ PlotWave launched in 2009, these large format printers offered reliable, easy production of high-quality prints. Many AEC firms chose the Océ brand because of their built-to-last design philosophy and engineering excellence.

In November 2009, Canon and Océ announced a conditional agreement whereby Canon would buy all the shares of Océ in a fully Canon-funded, public cash offer. 

This strategic merger combined Océ’s technical document expertise with Canon’s global innovation and manufacturing capabilities.

Based on more than a decade of market-leading success, the 6th generation of the popular Canon Océ PlotWave printers continues to serve the market. 

In this article, we’ll explain what makes the Canon Océ PlotWave printers so popular and review the top models our printing experts recommend to customers in 2026.

Canon’s Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Canon continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence across all product lines. 

In early 2025, Canon was honored with the Excellent Production Support in Advanced Packaging award by TSMC. 

This recognizes the company’s contributions to semiconductor manufacturing through equipment that excels at both precision and productivity.

While this award focuses on Canon’s semiconductor technology, it reflects the same engineering philosophy that drives their large format printing division: 

  • Precision
  • Reliability
  • And continuous innovation

…to support customer success

Why AEC Professionals Choose Canon Océ PlotWave Printers

The PlotWave T-series printers are developed for producers of technical drawings and designs who want an integrated, easy-to-operate solution. 

These large format printers have been specifically engineered for users in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing companies.

Compared to other technical large format printers on the market, the Canon Océ PlotWave stands out as one of the most versatile options available. 

Walk-up users appreciate the ability to combine printing, scanning, and copying tasks on a single device with support for a wide variety of media.

Key features include:

1. Patented Radiant Fusing Technology

One of the key features that distinguishes the Canon Océ PlotWave from competing printers is Radiant Fusing technology. 

This is an eco-friendly fusing method that provides instant printer availability with no warm-up time. 

Some of its practical benefits:

  1. Immediate Productivity: You won’t have to wait for the printer to warm up means your team can start printing the moment they arrive at the office or return from lunch.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Radiant Fusing consumes less energy and emits less noise and ozone than conventional fusing methods. The PlotWave is Energy Star® 3.0 certified and uses toner bottles with an average of 50% recycled materials.
  3. Environmental Responsibility: For businesses with sustainability initiatives, the PlotWave’s eco-friendly design supports your environmental goals while providing exceptional print quality.

2. Advanced Software and Controller

Business owners who invest in the Canon Océ PlotWave appreciate the convenient, fast, and reliable multitasking enabled by the secure POWERsync controller (running on Microsoft Windows® 10 IoT LTSC21).

The printer includes the complete PRISMA and Clear Connect software suite, making it easy to manage complex jobs and avoid costly misprints.

Despite the sophistication of the driver software applications, the Canon Océ PlotWave maintains an intuitive user interface that minimizes training time for new users.

3. Practical Design Enhancements

The 6th generation of the Canon Océ PlotWave includes thoughtful updates that improve day-to-day usability:

Automatic Remaining Media Indicator: Always know when you’re running low on paper before starting large print jobs.

Optional User Attention Light: This innovative feature sits on the back of the printer and provides at-a-glance status information. 

A green light indicates the printer is ready to use, while a flashing red light alerts team members that attention is needed. This is particularly valuable in busy workgroups where multiple people share the equipment.

Top Canon Océ PlotWave Models for 2026

Let’s examine the three primary models in the PlotWave T-series:

Canon Océ PlotWave T35: Entry-Level Excellence

Ideal For: Small to medium workgroups with moderate printing needs

Print Speed: Approximately 3-4 D/A1 pages per minute

Configuration: Available with 2-4 media rolls

Price Range: Entry-level pricing makes this an accessible option for growing firms

Don’t let the “entry-level” designation fool you. 

The plotWAVE T-35 incorporates all the core PlotWave technologies including Radiant Fusing, the POWERsync controller, and support for the PRISMA software suite.

For architectural firms, engineering consultancies, or construction companies with steady but not overwhelming print volumes, the T35 gives reliable performance without unnecessary features you won’t use. 

It’s particularly well-suited for offices where printing happens throughout the day but doesn’t require the highest possible speed.

The T35’s compact footprint and lower acquisition cost make it an excellent choice for:

  • Satellite offices that need local printing capabilities
  • Design firms transitioning from outsourcing to in-house printing
  • Businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness without compromising quality

Canon Océ PlotWave T55: The Balanced Workhorse

Ideal For: Medium to large workgroups with substantial daily print volumes

Print Speed: Approximately 5-6 D/A1 pages per minute

Configuration: Available with 2-4 media rolls

Price Range: Mid-range investment for increased productivity

The PlotWave T55 is the sweet spot for many AEC operations. The increased print speed compared to the T35 translates to meaningful productivity gains when you’re printing multiple sets of construction documents or processing batches of technical drawings.

This model excels in environments where:

  • Multiple team members need regular access to the printer throughout the day
  • Project deadlines require faster turnaround on document sets
  • Print volume justifies the investment in higher speed capabilities

The T55 offers the same robust build quality and feature set as the T35, but with enhanced throughput that keeps pace with demanding workflows.

 For many businesses, this model delivers the optimal balance of capability, speed, and value.

Canon Océ PlotWave T75: Maximum Performance

Ideal For: High-volume production environments and large workgroups

Print Speed: Approximately 7-10 D/A1 pages per minute

Configuration: Available with 4-6 media rolls for maximum versatility

Price Range: Premium pricing for premium performance

The PlotWave T75 is designed for operations where printing speed and capacity are critical business requirements. 

With print speeds up to 10 D/A1 pages per minute and the ability to configure with up to six media rolls, this model handles the most demanding production scenarios.

Consider the T75 if your operation features:

  • Consistent high-volume printing throughout the workday
  • Large workgroups where printer access bottlenecks would impact productivity
  • Requirements for multiple media types that benefit from a 6-roll configuration
  • Project-based workflows where speed directly impacts project delivery timelines

The T75’s multi-roll capability is particularly valuable for firms that regularly switch between different paper types, weights, or sizes. 

Instead of manually changing media throughout the day, you can keep all your commonly used stocks loaded and ready.

Selecting the Right Canon Océ PlotWave for Your Business

With three solid options in the PlotWave T-series, how do you determine which model best fits your needs?

Consider Your Print Volume

Start by analyzing your actual printing patterns over the past six months:

  • How many pages do you print daily?
  • Do you have peak periods (end of month, project deadlines) with substantially higher volume?
  • How often do users wait for prints to complete?

If you’re printing fewer than 100 pages per day with occasional spikes, the T35 likely provides adequate capacity. 

Operations consistently printing 100-300 pages daily will appreciate the T55’s faster throughput. High-volume environments exceeding 300 pages per day should seriously consider the T75.

Evaluate Your Workgroup Size

The number of people sharing the printer matters:

  • Small teams (3-5 users): T35 typically sufficient
  • Medium workgroups (6-15 users): T55 recommended to prevent bottlenecks
  • Large departments (15+ users): T75 ensures everyone has timely access

Media Requirements

Think about the variety of media types you use:

  • Standard applications (1-2 media types): 2-roll configuration adequate
  • Diverse needs (3-4 media types): 4-roll configuration reduces media changes
  • Maximum versatility (5-6 media types): 6-roll T75 configuration eliminates most manual interventions

Budget and ROI

While the T75 offers impressive performance, it may represent over-investment for many operations. The key is matching capability to actual requirements:

  • The T35 delivers excellent ROI for small to medium operations where speed isn’t the primary constraint. 
  • The T55 provides the best cost-per-page economics for many mid-size firms when factoring in productivity gains. 
  • The T75 makes financial sense when printer bottlenecks are costing your firm billable time or impacting project delivery.

Make the Right Canon OCE Printer Investment for Your AEC Workflow

The Canon Océ PlotWave T-series will continue to set the standard for technical document printing in 2026. 

Whether you choose the T35, T55, or the high-performance T75, you’re investing in proven technology backed by Canon’s engineering excellence and Océ’s deep expertise in AEC workflows.

Ready to find your perfect Canon Océ PlotWave printer? Contact our printing experts or call us at 800-491-8785 for a personalized consultation. 

We’ll analyze your workflow requirements and recommend the model that delivers optimal performance and value for your operation.