How to Rent a Plotter for Your Large Format Printing
When you need a large-format printer for only a few months, such as for a film shoot, job site trailer, or special event, purchasing outright can feel like overkill.
Renting a plotter solves that dilemma by giving you professional-grade printing capabilities without the long-term costs and responsibilities of ownership.
At Steven Enterprises, we have helped organizations across industries manage short-term printing needs through flexible rental plans, on-site setup, and comprehensive support.
Let’s investigate why you should rent a plotter rather than buy one.
Who Should Rent a Plotter?
1. Movie & TV Production Studios
Film and TV productions often require on-set printing for set designs, location layouts, and promotional materials.
Because each show’s shooting schedule might last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, renting a plotter allows studios to scale up or down without paying for a device they may not use after production wraps.
Case in Point: A streaming studio needed a wide-format solution for a 6-month pilot series. By renting an HP Z9 from Steven Enterprises, they printed 500+ large-format designs — everything from storyboards to promotional posters — and saved roughly $22,000 over buying a new device or outsourcing. Once the show was green-lit for Season 2, they confidently purchased the Z9 outright, proving its value and reliability.
2. Construction & Engineering Teams
Many construction and engineering projects happen at temporary job sites lasting just a few months. Quick access to large-format blueprints, permits, and as-builts can save critical time and keep projects moving forward.
When the project ends, you don’t have to store or resell the equipment you used. Simply return it, and you’re done — no ongoing maintenance or depreciation to manage.
3. Event Planners & Trade Shows
One-time or seasonal events—such as trade shows, festivals, or holiday promotions—often demand vibrant banners, directional signage, and floor plans on a tight deadline. Owning a plotter that sits idle for most of the year isn’t cost-effective.
Rent a wide-format printer for the duration of your event schedule. Afterward, return the machine and eliminate the headaches of storage or maintenance.
Plotter Models Available for Rent
Beyond the popular HP Z6 and HP Z9 for large-format color printing, we also offer additional HP plotter models that provide scanning, dual-roll printing, and high-speed output.
HP T2600 Multifunction Printer
- Key Features:
- Prints up to 180 D/A1 pages per hour
- Integrated 100-page output stacker for higher productivity
- Built-in scanner and advanced collaboration tools
- Best For: Construction offices that need rapid blueprint printing and scanning capabilities without tying up the budget for a permanent machine.
HP PageWide XL 3600 MFP
- Key Features:
- 30% smaller footprint and quieter operation compared to similar devices
- Fast 30-second first page out
- Automated scanning and post-editing features for quick markups
- Best For: Fast-paced environments that require both color and monochrome prints at high speed. It’s also great for engineering teams that regularly need to revise plans or create detailed technical documents.
What Do You Get with Your Plotter Rental?
Depending on the model and configuration, purchasing a new wide-format printer can easily cost $8,000–$20,000.
Renting lets you pay a predictable monthly rate (often $325–$400) and invest your capital elsewhere. When you rent a plotter from Steven Enterprises, you get a complete, worry-free printing solution that includes:
- Full On-Site Setup & Installation: We’ll deliver the machine to your location, set it up, and walk you through the fundamentals — from loading paper and inks to performing basic troubleshooting.
- Ongoing Service & Support: If there’s a malfunction, our certified technicians will come on-site to fix it at no extra charge — unlike owning a printer, where post-warranty repairs are out-of-pocket. If persistent issues arise, we can swap the plotter so you’re not left waiting for lengthy repairs.
- Flexible Rental Terms: Whether you need the device for two months, six months, or a year, we tailor the rental period to match your project timeline. When your job is done, simply return the plotter. If your printing needs change, you can upgrade to a different model without the hassle of selling or replacing owned equipment.
- User Training: We’ll train your team on tasks like loading media, installing ink cartridges, and clearing paper jams. This will reduce downtime and maximize the value of your rental.
Note: Paper and ink are not included in the monthly fee. However, we can supply them at competitive rates, or you can purchase these supplies from your preferred vendor.
Explore a Plotter Rental for Your Next Project
With Steven Enterprises, you can focus on your project’s success, not the overhead of printer ownership. Whether you’re managing a movie set, running a construction site, or planning a one-time event, our HP plotter rentals make it easy to produce professional documents and graphics on demand.
Call us now at (800) 491-8785 to discuss pricing, model availability, and rental terms or request a custom quote via our website. We’ll match you with the ideal Plotter and set up flexible rental terms tailored to your needs.