Home / Wide-Format Printers / Canon imagePROGRAF
Canon · Wide-Format Plotter
36" color graphics & photo printer
Analyst take
Not sure if the TM-305 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
Overview
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-305, Thermal inkjet, 2400 x 1200 DPI, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, JPEG, PDF, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Matte black, Yellow, PF-06, A0 (841 x 1189 mm)
Expert analysis
Key takeaways
A coordination drawing needs the quiet authority of a crisp black line, while a phasing plan needs color that remains intelligible when the yellow hatch meets a cyan utility route. The Canon TM-305 is a 36-inch-class thermal-inkjet wide-format printer for that intersection: A0 technical documents, PDF sets, HP-GL/2 files, and color-marked construction output on roll or cut-sheet media.
Its practical appeal is a compact, networked production device rather than a multifunction hub. Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, a 500 GB internal drive, and native HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, JPEG, and PDF support give CAD and document-control teams several submission paths. The trade-off is clear: it has no scanner or copying function, so marked-up plans and archive conversion need a separate workflow.
The TM-305 is particularly well suited to architecture, engineering, surveying, and contractor offices that need color and monochrome drawings up to A0, but do not need to scan or copy at the machine. It accepts roll paper and cut sheets, supports plain paper in its paper tray, and accommodates media from 0.003″–0.031″ (0.07 – 0.8 mm). That gives a team a workable range for everyday plan sets, presentation-oriented drawing output, and color-coded coordination documents.
The 3-inch touch display and 2 GB of RAM are useful operational details, but the more consequential workflow facts are the supported page-description languages. HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL matter in legacy CAD environments; PDF and JPEG support matter when project teams distribute controlled drawing packages as files rather than plotted originals. For teams comparing workflow choices, use the TM-305 and Canon TM-300 comparison.
The printer uses five colors—black, cyan, magenta, matte black, and yellow—with a PF-06 print head. That configuration is relevant to AEC color communication, where discipline colors, highlighted revisions, and utility overlays need to remain distinct rather than merely bright. The supplied information does not include measured ICC gamut or color-accuracy results, so it would be overreach to make a color-fidelity claim from the ink configuration or 2400 x 1200 DPI specification alone.
Borderless output is supported at widths from 8 through 36 inches, including A-series sizes from A0 through A3+. For applications where edge-to-edge graphics matter, confirm the intended media and exact job size during evaluation. The machine’s maximum roll length is 708.7″ (18 m), and its maximum roll diameter is 5.91″ (15 cm); those limits deserve attention in offices seeking long unattended runs.
Within the listed Canon TM family, the Canon TM-300 36-in is the closest same-width alternative, with the same listed thermal-inkjet technology and 2400 x 1200 DPI resolution. The Canon TM-200 24-in is the natural step-down for teams whose drawings do not require the larger format. If scanning and copying are central requirements, the Canon TM-250 24-in is the relevant in-family option because it is listed as a scanner/MFP, though it is a narrower device.
The TM-305 is not the right tool for a department that needs integrated scanning, copying, or an all-in-one marked-up-plan workflow. Nor should a buyer infer support for operating systems beyond the listed Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and specified Mac OS X releases without confirming the current driver path. For a broader context, consult the wide-format class ranking.
Related comparisons and buying guidance
The read
The Canon TM-305 is a sensible fit for an AEC office that needs A0-capable color and monochrome output, common CAD/PDF language support, and flexible network connectivity in a printer-only device. Its strongest case is a disciplined plan-printing workflow where scanning is handled elsewhere. Before committing, test representative PDF and HP-GL/2 files, confirm media behavior for your bond stock, validate current driver support with IT, and establish how the Canon 2884C001, Canon 2885C001, Canon 2886C001, Canon 2888C001, Canon 2889C001, Canon 2890C001, Canon 2891C001, and Canon 2893C001 inks fit into the support plan.
Verified specifications
| Print technology | Canon Bubblejet on Demand |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 dpi |
| Printing colors | Black, Matte Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Media width (rolls) | 36.1 in (917 mm) |
| Maximum print length | 59.1 ft (18 m)manufacturer-verified |
| Print head | PF-06 |
| Internal memory / storage | 2 GB RAM; 500 GB internal |
| Page description languages | SG Raster, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PDF 1.7, JPEG |
| Weight / footprint | 132.3 lb (60 kg); 50.7 x 34.9 x 41.7 in |
| Sound pressure (printing) | 44 dB(A) |
manufacturer-verified = checked against the manufacturer’s official datasheet, not aggregator data. Everything else is standards-body / catalog data we consider reliable.
Specifications
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | PF-06 |
| Printing colors | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Matte black, Yellow |
| Print technology | Thermal inkjet |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, JPEG, PDF |
| Display | LCD |
|---|---|
| Control type | Touch |
| RAM capacity | 2 GB |
| Product color | Black, White |
| Storage media | HDD |
| Built-in display | Yes |
| Display diagonal | 3" |
| Internal storage capacity | 500 GB |
| Sound power level (standby) | 35 dB |
| Sound pressure level (printing) | 44 dB |
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roll paper | Yes |
| Media thickness | 0.003"–0.031" (0.07 – 0.8 mm) |
| Maximum print size | A0 (33" x 47" (841 x 1189 mm)) |
| Maximum roll length | 708.7" (18 m) |
| Media width (rolls) | 8" x 36" (203.2 x 917 mm) |
| Media width (sheets) | 8" x 36" (203.2 x 917 mm) |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.91" (15 cm) |
| Paper tray media types | Plain paper |
| Borderless printing width | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 17, 20, 24, 36" |
| ISO A-series sizes (A0…A9) | A1, A2, A3, A3+, A0 |
| Borderless printing media sizes | A0, A1, A2, A3, A3+ |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
|---|---|
| USB port | Yes |
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| USB connector | USB Type-B |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Ethernet LAN data rates | 10,100,1000 Mbit/s |
| Ethernet interface type | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Compliance certificates | EAC, CB, CE, TÜV mark |
|---|
| Depth | 34.9" (887 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 50.7" (1289 mm) |
| Height | 41.7" (1060 mm) |
| Weight | 134 lbs (60.8 kg) |
| AC input voltage | 100 – 240 V |
|---|---|
| AC input frequency | 50-60 Hz |
| Power consumption (off) | 0.3 W |
| Power consumption (standby) | 3.6 W |
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 15 – 30 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 10 – 80% |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
|---|---|
| Noise level (ready) | 35 dB |
| Copying | No |
|---|
| Scanning | No |
|---|
| Harmonized System (HS) code | 84433210 |
|---|
| Manual | Yes |
|---|---|
| Package depth | 35.9" (913 mm) |
| Package width | 57.6" (1462 mm) |
| Package height | 37.8" (961 mm) |
| Package weight | 231.5 lbs (105 kg) |
| Drivers included | Yes |
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
| Mac operating systems supported | Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite, Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan, Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra |
|---|---|
| Windows operating systems supported | Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1 |
Supplies
Genuine consumables that fit the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-305 large format printer Wi-Fi Thermal inkjet Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A0 (841 x 1189 mm) Ethernet LAN — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Canon PFI-120C Cyan Ink Cartridge, 130 ml (2886C001)
Canon PFI-320MBK Matte Black Ink Cartridge, 300 ml (2889C001)
Canon PFI-120MBK Matte Black Ink Cartridge, 130 ml (2884C001)
Canon PFI-320C Cyan Ink Cartridge, 300 ml (2891C001)
Canon PFI-120BK Black Ink Cartridge, 130 ml (2885C001)
Canon PFI-120Y Yellow Ink Cartridge, 130 ml (2888C001)
Canon PFI-320BK Black Ink Cartridge, 300 ml (2890C001)
Canon PFI-320Y Yellow Ink Cartridge, 300 ml (2893C001)
Canon MC-31 (1156C005)
Representative imageMagic Firenze 132gsm Coated Matte Paper (Firenze132)Representative imageMagic 6mil Matte Coated Vinyl w/ Permanent Adhesive (DMVLA5)Representative imageMagic 98gsm/26# Coated Matte Paper (DMPG98)Representative image20LB Inkjet Vellum (772)Representative image18LB Inkjet Bond Paper (Translucent) (750)Representative image6.5mil Matte Coated Paper w/ PSA (746PSA)Representative image20LB High Brite Inkjet Bond Paper (740)Representative image24LB Inkjet Bond Paper (731)Representative image20LB Inkjet Bond Paper (730)Representative image24LB Inkjet Coated Matte Paper Economy (714)Representative image20LB Engineering Vellum (471)Representative imageWSL 28LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (448)Questions
Yes. Its maximum print size is A0 (33″ x 47″ (841 x 1189 mm)), and it supports both roll paper and cut sheets.
The listed page-description languages are HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, JPEG, and PDF. This makes it relevant to legacy CAD plotting as well as PDF-based drawing distribution.
No. The product data lists both scanning and copying as unavailable. A separate scanner or multifunction workflow is required.
The TM-305 has Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and one USB 2.0 port using a USB Type-B connector.
Confirm the driver and submission workflow for the organization’s current operating systems. The listed support includes Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and specified Mac OS X Yosemite, El Capitan, and Sierra releases.
The Canon TM-250 24-in is listed as a scanner/MFP. It is narrower than the TM-305, so confirm that its format fits the drawing sizes your team issues.
We’ll point you to the current equivalent and quote it for your workflow.
