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HP DesignJet 4020
42" technical / CAD plotter
- Model4020
- Prints42" wide
- Score55/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
Manufacturer warrantyExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The 42-inch width supports B through E-size technical output and roll-fed plan production.
- HP lists draft A1 line drawings at 25 sec/page, but real set turnaround includes loading, cutting and handling.
- One roll input and manual media loading make this machine better for consistent media than frequent job changes.
Not sure if the 4020 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
- Wide-format reach Prints up to 42" wide on rolls and sheets.
- Connectivity Ethernet for shared team printing.
- Analyst score Scores 55/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet 4020 42-in Printer, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, TIFF, HP 90 Ink Cartridge: black (775 ml); black, cyan, magenta, yellow (400 ml); cyan, magenta, yellow…, 8 (2 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow), 50 sheets, Bond and coated paper (bond, coated, heavyweight coated, super heavyweight plus matte), technical…, > 0.4
- 42″Max print width
- 1,000 ft²/hRated speed
- 4Ink channels
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The 42-inch width supports B through E-size technical output and roll-fed plan production.
- HP lists draft A1 line drawings at 25 sec/page, but real set turnaround includes loading, cutting and handling.
- One roll input and manual media loading make this machine better for consistent media than frequent job changes.
- HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, TIFF and Ethernet support suit established technical-print workflows.
- Legacy listed operating-system support means current driver and network testing is necessary before relying on the printer.
- The HP DesignJet T918 36-in is the listed in-family alternative when scanner/MFP capability matters more than 42-inch width.
At 4:45 p.m., somebody needs a clean E-size civil plan, not a lecture on ink technology. The HP Designjet 4020 42-in Printer is a discontinued, networked wide-format printer from the older DesignJet installed base. It suits teams still producing CAD linework, permit sets, site plans, coordination drawings and occasional color maps on rolls up to 42 inches wide.
Its strengths are practical: fine minimum line width, stated line accuracy of +/- 0.1%, HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL support, and a draft A1 line-drawing time of 25 sec/page. That is useful when the file is ready, the roll is loaded, and the print room is not also trying to be a copy shop.
42" (1067 mm)Maximum print widthSupports B through E-size output.
+/- 0.1%Line accuracyRelevant to technical drawings and scaled plan output.
25 sec/pageDraft A1 line drawingRated on plain paper.
100 A1 prints per hourDraft A1 line-drawing rateHP-rated throughput, not a promise for every mixed job queue.
Where it still earns its floor space
This is a one-roll machine with manual roll feed, manual single-sheet feed and an automatic cutter. That arrangement fits a department that keeps one common bond or coated roll loaded and prints predictable batches of drawings. It can accept media up to 0.016 inches thick and supports bond, coated papers, technical papers, films, photo papers and selected sign materials.
The four-cartridge ink system uses dye-based cyan, magenta and yellow with pigment-based black. HP 90 inks and HP 90 printheads remain the consumable family to confirm before keeping a unit in service. The printer also supports HP Embedded Web Server management and Gigabit Ethernet, which is handy when the person responsible for the plotter is three floors away and already regretting their coffee break.
Bottom line: It fits steady single-roll CAD and color-document work better than a constantly changing, walk-up print queue.
The limits show up on deadline day
The failure mode is simple: the wrong media is loaded and there is nowhere else for the next job to go. With one roll input, manual loading and no duplex option, this printer is less appropriate for mixed-size bid packages, frequent bond-to-coated changes or unattended production. Its stated maximum output capacity is 50 sheets, so someone still needs to collect and organize drawings before they become a paper landslide.
The software list is also from an earlier desktop era: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, Mac OS X v10.4.x and v10.5, plus Linux are identified as compatible. A current IT team should validate drivers, network policy and application workflows before relying on it for live project delivery. There is Ethernet, but no USB port.
Bottom line: A good print engine can still become a bad workflow when media changes and driver support are the daily problem.
Use the estimator to turn the rated line-drawing speed into a planning figure, then allow time for loading, cutting and set handling.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 1,000 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
How to position it against the available alternatives
The catalog-listed HP DesignJet T918 36-in is a different proposition: it is narrower and includes scanner/MFP capability. Choose that type of machine when copying, scanning marked-up plans or archiving drawings matters more than retaining 42-inch print width. For a wider listed comparison, the Canon GP-4000 44-in provides 44-inch output, though the right decision still comes down to media workflow, service support and the applications your team actually sends.
For an existing 4020, replacement planning should start with the work it performs now: native CAD plots, PDF sets, color exhibits or legacy technical media. Do not replace it merely because it is old. Replace it when driver risk, supply availability, downtime exposure or one-roll handling starts costing bid-deadline time.
Bottom line: Keep it for a stable, supported legacy workflow; move on when its operational limits become routine rather than occasional.
Compare the workflow, not just the width
The read
The HP Designjet 4020 42-in Printer remains a sensible installed-base machine for controlled AEC plotting: one roll, repeatable files, a known driver path and an operator nearby. It is not a modern answer to scanning, copying, mixed-media production or uncertain IT compatibility. Before committing to another project cycle, test the actual CAD and PDF files, confirm HP 90 supply availability, and ask who fixes it when the permit set is due tomorrow. Bottom line: Its fit is about workflow discipline, not nostalgia.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
- This printer
- Epson SureColor T5270DR
Category leaders best technical / CAD plotters, by dimension
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Maximum print width | 42 in |
|---|---|
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, TIFF |
| Media thickness | > 0.4 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.31" (13.5 cm) |
| Ethernet | Yes |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max print width42"
ConnectivityEthernet (Gigabit LAN)
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Print head | 8 (2 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow) |
|---|---|
| Print head nozzles | 524 |
| Print speed (imperial) | 1000 ft²/hr |
| Color printing technology | HP Colour Layering Technology |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, TIFF |
| Print cartridge volume (metric) | HP 90 Ink Cartridge: black (775 ml); black, cyan, magenta, yellow (400 ml); cyan, magenta, yellow (225 ml) |
| Print time color line drawing (draft, A1) | 25 sec/page |
| Print speed (color image, draft quality, coated paper) | 31.6 m²/hr 339.9 ft²/hr |
| Print speed color line drawing (draft, A1 plain paper) | 100 A1 prints per hour |
| Print time black and white line drawing (draft, metric A1 plain paper) | 25 sec/page |
Performance
| Certification | WEEE, EU RoHS, REACH, EuP |
|---|---|
| Built-in processor | Intel® Celeron® |
| Processor frequency | 2000 MHz |
Paper handling
| Media handling | Manual single-sheet feed, manual roll feed, automatic cutter |
|---|---|
| Paper handling | Manual single-sheet feed, manual roll feed |
| Media thickness | > 0.4 |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Custom media sizes | Roll widths: up to 1067 mm; Roll lengths: up to 91.4 m |
| Maximum media width | 1067 mm |
| Maximum paper trays | 1 |
| Maximum roll length | 3598.4" (91.4 m) |
| Duplex print options | None (not supported) |
| Standard media sizes | A3, A2, A1, A0 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.31" (13.5 cm) |
| Media types supported | Bond and coated paper (bond, coated, heavyweight coated, super heavyweight plus matte), technical paper (natural tracing, translucent bond, vellum), film (clear, matte, polyester), photographic paper (satin, gloss, semi-gloss, matte, high-gloss), proofing paper (semi-gloss, semi-gloss contract), self-adhesive (indoor paper, polypropylene, vinyl), banner and sign material (banners, outdoor paper, blue back billboard paper), fine art printing material (aquarella art paper, canvas paper) |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 11.5 x 25 x 5 x 5 mm |
| Recommended media weight | 50 – 350 g/m² |
| Media weights by paper path | 50 to 350 g/m² |
| Media thickness (by paper path) | Up to 0.4 mm |
| Media sizes supported (imperial) | B; C; D; E |
| Recommended media weight (imperial) | .16 to .53 lb |
| Non-printable area roll media (imperial) | 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
Ports & interfaces
| USB port | No |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| RJ-45 ports quantity | 1 |
| Ethernet interface type | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Firewire (IEEE 1394) ports | 2 |
Weight & dimensions
| Weight | 253.5 lbs (115 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 76" |
| Weight (imperial) | 253.5 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 76 x 31.5 x 53.1" (1930 x 800 x 1350 mm) |
| Maximum dimensions (W x D x H) | 76 x 31.5 x 53.1" (1930 x 800 x 1350 mm) |
| Product dimensions when open (LxWxD) | 76" |
Power
| Power requirements | Input voltage (auto ranging) 100 to 127 VAC (+/- 10%), 6 A; 220 to 240 VAC (+/- 10%), 3 A; 50/60 Hz (+/- 3 Hz) |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (off) | 1 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -20 – 55 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 59 – 86 °F |
| Operating altitude (imperial) | 10,000 ft |
| Storage relative humidity (H-H) | 0 – 95% |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
| Recommended operating temperature range (T-T) | 15 – 30 °C |
Other features
| Safety | EU (LVD and EN60950-1 compliant), Russia (GOST) |
|---|---|
| Ink drop | 5 pl (C, M, Y); 15 pl (K) |
| Driver LAN | Novell NetWare 5.x/6.x clients |
| Control panel | Monochrome, illuminated and graphical LCD display area; 2 LEDs: Power, Status; 8 keys: Power, Reset, Form Feed and Cut, Cancel, Up, Down, Back, Select; 1 basic On/Off buzzer |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.1% |
| Driver updates | Latest driver upgrade information available on http:///go/4020/drivers |
| Line width minimum | 0.003 in |
| Printer management | HP Embedded Web Server |
| Roll maximum input | 1 |
| Embedded web server | Yes |
| Acoustic power emissions | 7 B(A) (active/printing), 5.7 B(A) (standby) |
| Minimum system requirements | Microsoft Windows, Linux: Intel Pentium 4 (1 GHz), 512 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space Microsoft Windows, Linux: Intel Pentium 4 (1 GHz), 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space Mac OS X v10.4 or higher: PowerPC G4, G5, or Intel Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliance for Class A ITE products: EU (EMC Directive) |
| JetDirect Compatible Products | Y |
| Compatible ink types, supplies | Dye-based (C, M, Y), pigment-based (K) |
| Maximum print length (imperial) | 300 ft (operating system and application dependent) |
| Acoustic power emissions (standby) | 57 dB |
| Print quality (black, best quality) | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print quality (color, best quality) | 2400 DPI |
| Print quality (black, draft quality) | 1200 DPI |
| Acoustic pressure emissions (standby) | 38 dB(A) |
| Media sizes standard (imperial rolls) | B to E-size sheets; up to 42-in rolls |
| Print quality (black, normal quality) | 1200 DPI |
| Non-printable area (imperial cut-sheet) | 0.45 x 0.98 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
| Minimum system requirements for Macintosh | Mac OS X v10.4 or higher: PowerPC G3 or Intel Core Processor, 512 MB RAM, 1 GB available hard disk space |
Packaging data
| Package weight | 387.8 lbs (175.9 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | HP Designjet Windows drivers, HP Designjet Mac drivers, ICC profiles |
| Package weight (imperial) | 387 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 83.9 x 30.7 x 48.8" (2130 x 780 x 1240 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 83.9 x 30.7 x 48.8" |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
System requirements
| Compatible operating systems | Windows Vista (32/64-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32/64-bit), XP Home and Professional (32/64-bit), Server 2003 (32/64 bit), Mac OS X v10.4.x, v10.5, Linux |
|---|
Input & output capacity
| Maximum output capacity | 50 sheets |
|---|---|
| Total number of input trays | 1 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet 4020
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
5 ink cartridges · 4 printheads · 70 paper & media items · 2 accessories
HP DesignJet 4020 ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 4020 42-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 5
Printheads 4
Paper & Media 70
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP C3868A plotter paper 45.7 m 91.4 cm
HP C3869A plotter paper
HP Q1420A photo paper Brown, White
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 ft)
Representative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 36 in x 300 ft (C6810A)
HP Reverse Print Matte Backlit Film
HP C6035A large format media 45.7 m
HP C6036A printing paper Matte White
HP C6567B plotter paper
HP Universal Semi-gloss Photo Paper
HP Clear Film 174 gsm-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1421A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q1724A large format media 10.7 m MattRepresentative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)
HP Q1730A large format media 30.5 m
HP Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 12.2 m (36 in x 40 ft)
HP Q1956A large format media 67.5 m
HP Q1961A large format media
HP Q1962A large format media
HP C7949A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Q6579A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6580A photo paper Matte
HP Q6581A photo paper
HP Q1441A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1442A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1444A printing paper Matte
HP Q1445A printing paper Matte
HP Q7897A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q7971A printing paper Semi-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Q7970A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) Semi-gloss 50 sheets White
HP Universal Bond Paper 841 mm x 91.4 m large format media 3598.4" (91.4 m)
HP Q8004A large format media 91.4 m
HP Q8677A printing film
HP Universal Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 20 m (36 in x 66 ft)
HP Q8049A large format media 30.5 m
HP Q7991A photo paper
HP Aquarella Fine Art Paper-914 mm x 10.7 m (36 in x 35 ft)
HP Aquarella Art Paper-610 mm x 10.7 m (24 in x 35 ft)
HP Q8751A large format media 175 m
HP Q8834A printing film
HP Q8835A printing film
HP Q8910A printing paper Semi-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Prof Semi-gloss Contract Proofing Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft)
HP CG490A large format media 30.5 m Semi-gloss
HP Premium Semi-gloss Proofing Paper-50 sht/A3+/330 mm x 483 mm (13 x 19 in)
HP CG459A photo paper Matte
HP Premium Matte Photo Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft) large format media
HP CG463A large format media 30.5 m Semi-gloss
HP CG462A printing paper Semi-gloss White
HP Q1446A plotter paper 45 m 42 cm
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP PVC-free Banner-914 mm x 15.2 m (36 in x 50 ft)
HP CG816A large format media 15.2 m Matte
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft)
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-1067 mm x 30.5 m (42 in x 100 ft)
HP CG822A large format media 22.9 m
HP CG884A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP CG885A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Durable Banner w/ DuPont Tyvek 914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft) large format media Matte
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-610 mm x 30.5 m (24 in x 100 ft)
HP Cockle-free Coated Paper-610 mm x 45.7 m (24 in x 150 ft)
HP CG892A large format media
HP CG889A large format media 45.7 m
HP CG890A plotter paper
HP CG891A large format media 45 m
HP Canvas Paper 180 g/m²-610 mm x 10.7 m (24 in x 35 ft)
HP Self-adhesive Indoor Paper-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP Self-adhesive Indoor Paper-1067 mm x 22.9 m (42 in x 75 ft)
Questions
Straight answers
Is the HP Designjet 4020 suitable for E-size construction drawings?
Yes. It supports roll widths up to 42 inches and B through E-size media. It is most comfortable when the same roll type stays loaded for a run of drawings.
How fast is it for CAD line drawings?
HP lists draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 100 A1 prints per hour, or 25 sec/page. Actual output time will also depend on processing, loading, cutting and operator handling.
Can it scan or copy marked-up plans?
The supplied data identifies this as a printer with manual single-sheet and roll feed, not a scanner/MFP. Firms needing scan-and-copy workflow should consider the listed HP DesignJet T918 36-in instead.
What supplies should an owner verify?
Confirm availability of HP 90 inks and HP 90 printheads for the installed unit. Supply continuity matters more on a discontinued machine than a specification sheet ever will.
Will it work on a current office network?
It has Gigabit Ethernet, an RJ-45 port and HP Embedded Web Server management. However, the listed compatible operating systems are legacy versions, so IT should test the driver, print path and security requirements before deployment.
Does it support automatic two-sided plan printing?
No. Duplex printing is not supported.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 4020 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.