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HP DesignJet 4020ps
42" technical / CAD plotter
- Model4020ps
- 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 print width supports B through E-size technical output, including full-size plan sheets.
- HP rates draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 25 sec/page, but real bid-set throughput includes handling and processing time.
- One manual roll input means every media change requires operator attention.
Not sure if the 4020ps 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 4020ps 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 print width supports B through E-size technical output, including full-size plan sheets.
- HP rates draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 25 sec/page, but real bid-set throughput includes handling and processing time.
- One manual roll input means every media change requires operator attention.
- The specified +/- 0.1% line accuracy and 0.003-inch minimum line width are relevant to technical drawing readability.
- HP 90 inks and printheads are the stated compatible supply family, making supply verification a key ownership check.
- The discontinued HP DesignJet T918 36-in is a scanner/MFP alternative, not a direct 42-inch replacement.
At 4:45 p.m., the person at the output tray needs legible E-size plans, not a history lesson about old plotters. The HP Designjet 4020ps 42-in Printer is a discontinued aqueous wide-format printer that still has a place in AEC offices maintaining an established HP-GL/2 and PDF plotting workflow. It handles rolls up to 42 inches wide, with manual roll and single-sheet loading, an automatic cutter, and Ethernet connectivity.
Its job is straightforward: produce construction drawings, civil plans, coordination sheets, GIS maps, and occasional color presentation output on bond, coated stocks, technical papers, films, and selected specialty media. HP specifies a minimum line width of 0.003 inches and line accuracy of +/- 0.1%. Those are the figures that matter when small notes, dimensions, utility layers, and revision clouds have to remain readable after the sheet leaves the printer.
42" (1067 mm)Maximum print widthCovers B through E-size output on roll media.
25 sec/pageDraft A1 line drawing timeHP-rated draft figure for a color line drawing on plain paper.
+/- 0.1%Line accuracyA relevant specification for scaled technical drawings.
76 x 31.5 x 53.1"Printer footprintLeave room around it for loading rolls and handling full-size sheets.
Where it still earns its floor space
The 4020ps fits a small or mid-sized design office, field engineering group, or construction office that needs a 42-inch legacy plotter for regular plan output rather than a walk-up production department. Its Gigabit Ethernet connection, Embedded Web Server, and support for HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, and TIFF are useful in older CAD-heavy environments. Windows, Mac, and Linux support is listed, but the supported operating-system list is from an earlier generation. IT should test drivers, print queues, and application output before making this printer part of a current workstation rollout.
HP rates draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 100 prints per hour, or 25 seconds per page. That is a rating, not a promise that a mixed bid set will appear at that pace. File processing, sheet changes, roll loading, cut time, and someone collecting output all count. The machine has one roll input and one media path. A change from 24-inch check plots to 36-inch details, or from bond to coated presentation stock, is manual work. The printer does not support duplex printing.
Bottom line: This is a capable single-roll technical plotter when the media plan is simple and the operator is nearby.
Ink, media, and the practical maintenance question
The printer uses four cartridges and eight printheads: two each for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Compatible supplies include the HP 90 ink and printhead family, along with listed HP maintenance items and a broad range of supported bond, coated, technical, film, photographic, adhesive, banner, and fine-art media. Black ink is pigment-based; cyan, magenta, and yellow are dye-based.
That media range makes the 4020ps more flexible than a bond-only plan printer. It can be useful when an engineer needs ordinary drawing sets most days and a color exhibit or map now and then. The trade-off is operational discipline. On a discontinued machine, supply availability, printhead condition, maintenance history, and local repair support deserve more attention than the brochure-era resolution figure. A clean nozzle check before a permit deadline is cheap insurance. Ask anyone who has watched a magenta channel fail halfway through a map set. I have. It builds character, apparently.
The 50-sheet maximum output capacity also deserves context. It may be adequate for short issue sets, but it is not a substitute for active output handling during larger collated packages.
Bottom line: Verify the actual consumable and service path before treating a working legacy printer as business continuity.
Estimate plotting time from the verified rated line-drawing figure, then allow time for file processing, cutting, roll changes, and sorting.
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 it compares within the available catalog
The closest in-family alternative listed here is the discontinued HP DesignJet T918 36-in. It is a 36-inch scanner/MFP, so it answers a different problem: copying, scanning, and managing marked-up drawings may matter more than maintaining 42-inch output width. If full-size E-size plotting is the priority, the 4020ps has the width advantage. If scan-and-copy workflow is the daily bottleneck, the T918 format is worth examining carefully.
For a wider-format comparison, the Canon GP-4000 44-in is a current 44-inch catalog option. It is not a like-for-like replacement claim; a buyer should compare media workflow, application compatibility, support arrangements, and the actual mix of monochrome plans versus color graphics. Use the side-by-side comparison to keep the decision tied to the job instead of nostalgia.
Bottom line: Keep the 4020ps when its established workflow is dependable; change direction when single-roll handling, aging software support, or service exposure starts costing deadlines.
Useful next checks
The read
The HP Designjet 4020ps 42-in Printer remains a sensible fit for an AEC team with a stable legacy plotting environment, regular E-size plan work, and people who can manage a single roll and active output collection. It is less appropriate for unattended mixed-media production, frequent roll switching, automatic two-sided output, or organizations that need a modern scan-copy hub. The printer can still do useful work. Just do not ask it to solve problems it was never built to solve.
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 | 1 |
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 | http:///go/4020ps/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 |
Logistics data
| Quantity per pallet | 153 pc(s) |
|---|
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 4020ps
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 · 65 paper & media items · 2 accessories
HP DesignJet 4020ps ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 4020ps 42-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 5
Printheads 4
Paper & Media 65
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 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 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 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 4020ps suitable for full-size construction plans?
Yes. It supports roll widths up to 42 inches and B through E-size media, which suits full-size technical drawings. Its specified line accuracy is +/- 0.1%.
How fast is it for CAD line drawings?
HP rates draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 100 A1 prints per hour, or 25 sec/page. Actual set production will be slower when files need processing or an operator must load media, cut output, and sort sheets.
Can it run two media rolls for automatic switching?
No. The supplied data lists one maximum roll input and manual roll feed. Plan for manual intervention when changing media widths or types.
Does the printer scan, copy, or print double-sided?
The supplied data does not list scanning or copying for this printer, and duplex printing is not supported. The HP DesignJet T918 36-in is the listed in-family scanner/MFP alternative.
What inks and printheads does it use?
Compatible supplies include the HP 90 ink family and HP 90 printhead family. The printer uses pigment-based black ink and dye-based cyan, magenta, and yellow inks.
What should IT verify before keeping this model in service?
Test the legacy Windows, Mac, or Linux driver path with current CAD and PDF workflows; confirm Ethernet queue operation; and check service, maintenance, and consumable availability. The listed supported operating systems include older versions, so assumptions are how deadlines get expensive.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 4020ps to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.