HP DesignJet 1050 & 1055CM

Between Encad, Canon or Hewlett-Packard , the later offers a better large format inkjet color plotter and printer for architectural drawings, engineering drawings, and related graphic design, such as 3D renderings. Hewlett-Packard creates a large format printer to meet every need. Since Hewlett-Packard began large format with CAD plotters years ago it is no surprise that the y have continued the tradition of architectural plotters by producing wide format inkjet printers like the DesignJet 488. The HP DesignJet 1055CM is the top of the line for design graphics, CAD, and architectural models, while the 4xx and 7xx series are the more popular choices.

Yet if a consumer is looking for a large format printer that does it all, then The HP DesignJet 1055CM is an excellent choice. The 1055 is even able to produce photo-realistic enlargements. To turn the 1050 or 1055 into a photo-realistic printer all it takes is the appropriate RIP. The picture at left is an image from the FLAAR Photo Archive showing the 1055CM printing at a DRUPA tradeshow using PosterJet RIP software. PosterJet RIP software is frequently used to turn the 1050 and 1055 into photo-realistic printers. For information on PosterJet RIP, in USA contact is Ken Stokes, Tel.:(800) 350-1366 Fax: (805) 684-7090, e-mail ken@scarabgraphics.com

ColorDNA is a provider for HP printers nationwide. They specialize in HP DesignJet printers for signage, CAD, GIS, photos, and general applications. E-mail colorguru@colordna.com for further information. Members of the FLAAR staff have visited the ColorDNA facilities and have even tested the original HP UV inks there. We only recommend HP dealers whom we know, and whom we trust.

We at FLAAR cover architectural plotters and printers because of the review editor ’s long standing involvement with architecture. Professor Nicholas Hellmuth studied architecture during his undergraduate education and has extensive familial involvement with the architecture firm Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, HOK Architects. The architectural departments of the universities at which FLAAR labs are located, Bowling Green State University, Ohio and Francisco Marroquin University, Guatemala, also make extensive use of the HP DesignJet 1055 and 1055 CM. The faculty’s and students’ experiences allow FLAAR staff to accurately comment on the performance value of each printer within the FLAAR Reports.

Most recently updated, June 8, 2005.
Previous updates: Feb. 2003 / Oct. 20, 2001,