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HP DesignJet 4500ps
42" technical / CAD plotter
- Model4500ps
- Prints42" wide
- Score56/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
Manufacturer warrantyExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- Two-roll loading and automatic roll-switching are the 4500ps’s most practical production advantage.
- The 42-inch print width fits common AEC plan, map, and presentation-media workflows.
- HP’s up-to-25-second A1 draft line-drawing figure is a maximum-speed reference, not complete set throughput.
Not sure if the 4500ps 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 56/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP DesignJet 4500ps printer EN box1+box2, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, 8 (2 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow), Paper (plain, inkjet, coated, heavyweight coated, super heavyweight coated, semi-gloss, glossy,…, > 0.4, 6889.8" (175 m), 7.09" (18 cm)
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- Two-roll loading and automatic roll-switching are the 4500ps’s most practical production advantage.
- The 42-inch print width fits common AEC plan, map, and presentation-media workflows.
- HP’s up-to-25-second A1 draft line-drawing figure is a maximum-speed reference, not complete set throughput.
- The listed operating-system support is legacy-era, so current driver and network validation is essential.
- The printer cannot scan, copy, duplex, or accept USB jobs, which may require separate workflow equipment.
- Optional stacking and in-line folding can matter more to deadline handling than headline print speed.
At 4:45 p.m., the person at the output tray does not care about a vintage processor. They care whether the permit set is coming off the right roll, cut cleanly, and still readable when the superintendent marks it up in the trailer. The HP DesignJet 4500ps is an older 42-inch technical printer built for that kind of AEC production: CAD plans, color coordination drawings, GIS output, presentation sheets, and long plan runs.
Its working advantage is paper handling. Two rolls with automatic roll-switching let a print room keep common sizes loaded rather than stopping to change media between jobs. HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at up to 25 seconds per page, but that is a maximum-speed figure on specified media, not a promise for a mixed PDF set. Bottom line: this machine earns its floor space when roll-fed technical output is the job.
42" (1067 mm)Maximum print widthFits common 24-, 36-, and 42-inch roll workflows.
Two rolls, automatic roll-switching, automatic cutterRoll capacityUseful when plan sizes or media types change during the day.
+/- 0.1%Line accuracyRelevant to drawings where line placement matters.
Up to 25 sec/pageDraft A1 color line drawingHP’s stated draft-mode figure.
Where it fits in an AEC print room
The 4500ps suits a department that still prints enough plan work to benefit from two loaded rolls. A civil team can keep 36-inch bond ready for plan sheets and another roll for maps or color-marked coordination output. An architecture office can move between line drawings and coated presentation media without treating every roll change as a small administrative event.
It supports HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL, has Ethernet LAN, an embedded Web server, a 40 GB internal drive, and HP Designjet software for Windows and Macintosh. Those are useful building blocks for established CAD plotting workflows. The trade-off is its age: the listed supported operating systems stop at Windows XP and Mac OS X v10.4. Modern workstation, driver, network-security, and job-submission testing should be part of any decision to keep one in service. Bottom line: it belongs behind a managed, validated legacy workflow—not on blind faith and crossed fingers.
Output quality, media, and the real production limits
For technical drawings, the relevant figures are a minimum line width of 0.00295 inches and stated line accuracy of +/- 0.1%. The printer uses four cartridges and eight printheads—two each for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow—with pigmented black ink and dye-based CMY inks. That combination makes color-coded drawings and ordinary bond output part of its intended work, while supported media also includes coated papers, tracing media, photo papers, and film.
Do not confuse its maximum 1,000 ft²/hr rating with a bid-set promise. HP says that figure is the maximum printer speed in Fast mode on HP Bright White Inkjet Paper. Processing, file complexity, cutting, roll selection, and whatever happens at the stacker still exist. An optional stacker and optional automatic in-line folding device can reduce handling, but neither is standard. Bottom line: rated speed helps; unattended finishing is what gets people home.
Estimate rated plot time for a defined run, then allow time for file processing, cutting, roll changes, and collection at the output end.
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.
Fleet position and replacement thinking
This is a 408 lb printer measuring 76 x 31.5 x 53.1 inches. It needs a proper location, access for media loading and service, and a network plan. It has no USB port, no duplex option, and no copy capability. If scanning marked-up plans or copying oversized originals is part of the daily brief, a printer-only device leaves another machine in the workflow.
Within the listed HP alternative, the HP DesignJet T918 36-in takes a different approach with a 36-inch format and scanner/MFP capability. That may matter more than 42-inch output for offices handling revisions and field markups. For a wider current alternative in this catalog, review the Canon GP-4000 44-in, but compare actual media, workflow, service, and application requirements rather than assuming width settles the argument. You can also compare the two machines directly. Bottom line: replace the missing workflow step, not merely the old serial number.
Related equipment and tools
The read
The HP DesignJet 4500ps remains a sensible fit for an established AEC print room that needs 42-inch roll-fed output, dual-roll convenience, and HP-GL/2 or HP-RTL plotting from a known legacy environment. It is less appropriate where current operating-system support, USB submission, scanning, copying, duplexing, or modern security controls are non-negotiable. Keep HP 90 inks and HP 90 printheads in the service plan, verify support for the actual files and network, and do not let a good old plotter become the deadline’s weakest link. Bottom line: capable legacy production hardware, provided the surrounding workflow is equally capable.
Where it sits in the field: see the head-to-head against the HP DesignJet T918 36-in or the full class leaderboard.
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
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
|---|---|
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Internal memory | 256 MB |
| Media thickness | > 0.4 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 7.09" (18 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 (per printhead), 1048 (per colour in Double Swath configured) |
| Print speed footnote | Printed in Fast mode on HP Bright White Inkjet Paper (bond). Speed indicated is maximum printer speed. |
| Print speed (imperial) | 1000 ft2/hr |
| Color printing technology | HP Color Layering technology, HP PhotoREt III |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Print time color line drawing (draft, A1) | Up to 25 sec/page |
| Print speed (color image, draft quality, coated paper) | 30.8 m2/hr 331.3 ft2/hr |
Performance
| Memory slots | 2x DIMM |
|---|---|
| Storage media | HDD |
| Memory upgrade | 0.512 GB |
| Internal memory | 256 MB |
| Memory technology | Dual data rate DRAM technology (DDR) to maximize memory speed |
| Built-in processor | Intel® Celeron® |
| Processor frequency | 2000 MHz |
| Drive device, buffer size | 20000 MB |
| Internal storage capacity | 40 GB |
Paper handling
| Media handling | Two rolls, automatic roll-switching, automatic cutter, optional stacker, optional automatic inline folding device |
|---|---|
| Paper handling | Two rolls, automatic roll-switching, automatic cutter, optional stacker, optional automatic in-line folding device |
| Media thickness | > 0.4 |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Maximum media width | 1067 mm |
| Maximum paper trays | 2 |
| Maximum roll length | 6889.8" (175 m) |
| Duplex print options | None |
| Maximum print length | 6889.8" (175 m) |
| Standard media sizes | A3, A2, A1, A0 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 7.09" (18 cm) |
| Media types supported | Paper (plain, inkjet, coated, heavyweight coated, super heavyweight coated, semi-gloss, glossy, natural tracing, photo), film |
| Recommended media weight | 50 – 328 g/m² |
| Media weights by paper path | All paths: 50 to 328 g/m2 |
| Paper handling standard/output | Optional stacker |
| Media thickness (by paper path) | All paper paths: up to 157 mil |
Ports & interfaces
| USB port | No |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| RJ-45 ports quantity | 1 |
Weight & dimensions
| Weight | 407.9 lbs (185 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 76" |
| Weight (imperial) | 408 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: 100 to 127 VAC (+/- 10%), 6 amp; 220 to 240 VAC (+/- 10%), 3 amp; 50/60 Hz (+/- 3 Hz); auto range |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (off) | 1 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -20 – 55 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 41 – 104 °F |
| Operating altitude (imperial) | 10000 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 | Compliant with IEC 60950, including EU LVD and EN60950, CSA-certified for US and Canada, Mexico NYCE, Argentina IRAM, Singapore PSB, Russia VNIIS, NEMKO, China CCC, Taiwan BSMI |
|---|---|
| Ink drop | 5 pl (colour), 15 pl (black) |
| Functions | Color printing, black-and-white printing |
| Typefaces | None |
| UNSPSC-code | 43212107 |
| Control panel | Illuminated, graphical LCD display area; 8 front-panel buttons (Back, Cancel, Down arrow, Form Feed and Cut, Power, Reset, Select, Up arrow); 2 LEDs (Power, Status); On/Off buzzer |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.1% |
| Driver updates | Latest driver upgrade information available on http://www.designjet.hp.com |
| Printer features | Color printing, black-and-white printing |
| Line width minimum | 0.003 in |
| Minimum line width | 0.00295" (0.0750 mm) |
| Printer management | HP Embedded Web Server |
| Roll maximum input | 2 |
| Technical features | Outstanding printing performance Large input and output capacity Accurate lines and consistently high image quality |
| Embedded web server | Yes |
| Downloadable software | Scanner: WinXPe |
| All-In-One-multitasking | No |
| Maximum internal memory | 512 GB |
| Acoustic power emissions | 6.3 B(A) |
| Acoustic pressure emissions | 46 dB |
| Minimum system requirements | Windows NT 4.0: Pentium II 300 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 400 MB available hard disk space; Windows 98 SE, Me: Pentium 133 MHz, 48 MB RAM, 300 MB available hard disk space; Windows 2000, 2003 Server: Pentium II 300 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 400 MB available hard disk space; Windows XP: Pentium III 733 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 400 MB available hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliant with Class A requirements, including EU (EMC Directive), US (FCC rules), Canada (DoC), Australia (ACA), New Zealand (MoC), Japan (VCCI), Korea (MIC), Taiwan (BSMI) |
| JetDirect Compatible Products | Y |
| Case or master carton quantity | 5 pc(s) |
| Compatible ink types, supplies | Black: pigmented, CMY: dye based |
| Maximum print length (imperial) | 575 ft |
| 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) | 41 dB(A) |
| Media sizes standard (imperial rolls) | 24, 36, 42-in rolls |
| Print quality (black, normal quality) | 1200 DPI |
| Minimum system requirements for Macintosh | G3, G4, G5; 128 MB RAM; 256 MB available hard disk space; Mac OS X v 10.2.8, 10.3, 10.4 |
| Print quality, vertical alignment accuracy | +/- 0.0017 in +/- 0.04 mm |
Copying
| Color copy capability | No |
|---|
Logistics data
| Pallet weight | 738.5 lbs (335 kg) |
|---|---|
| Quantity per pallet | 960 pc(s) |
| Number of cartons per pallet | 20 pc(s) |
Packaging data
| Package weight | 501.1 lbs (227.3 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | HP Designjet software for Windows and Macintosh |
| Package weight (imperial) | 501.1 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 83.9 x 30.5 x 52" (2130 x 775 x 1320 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 83.9 x 30.5 x 52" |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
System requirements
| Compatible operating systems | Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, NT 4.0 Server, 98 SE, 2000, Me, XP Home, XP Professional, Server 2003; Mac OS X v 10.2.8, 10.3, 10.4 |
|---|---|
| Recommended system requirements | Windows NT 4.0: Pentium III 733 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space; Windows 98 SE, Me: Pentium 133 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 320 MB available hard disk space; Windows 2000, 2003 Server: Pentium III 733 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space; Windows XP: Pentium IV 1 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space |
Input & output capacity
| Total number of input trays | 2 |
|---|
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet 4500ps
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
12 ink cartridges · 6 printheads · 71 paper & media items · 3 accessories
HP DesignJet 4500ps ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 4500ps 42-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 12
HP RC Matte White
HP 90 3-pack 400-ml Yellow Ink Cartridges print head Thermal inkjet
HP 90 3-pack 400-ml Magenta Ink Cartridges print head Thermal inkjet
HP 90 3-pack 400-ml Cyan Ink Cartridges print head Thermal inkjet
HP 90 3-pack 775-ml Black Ink Cartridges print head Thermal inkjet
HP 90 400-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 90 400-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge
HP 90 400-ml Black Ink Cartridge
HP 90 400-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 90 225-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge print head Thermal inkjet
HP 90 775-ml Black Ink Cartridge
HP 90 225-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge print head Thermal inkjetPrintheads 6
Paper & Media 71
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP C3868A plotter paper 45.7 m 91.4 cm
HP C3869A plotter paper
HP RC Satin Proofing Paper-914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft)
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 White Glossy Opaque Polyester Film-1067 mm x 15.2 m (42 in x 50 ft)
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 Reverse Print Matte Backlit Film
HP Reverse Print Matte Backlit FilmRepresentative 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 Heavyweight Coated 1524 mm x 68.5 m (60 in x 225 ft) large format media Matte
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 Q6583A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6578A photo paper Brown, White
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 Universal Bond Paper-914 mm x 152.4 m (36 in x 500 ft)
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 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 4500ps suitable for CAD drawings?
Yes. It supports HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL, offers a stated minimum line width of 0.00295 inches, and has stated line accuracy of +/- 0.1%. Validate output from your specific CAD-to-PDF or direct plotting workflow before relying on it for deadline work.
What roll sizes can it use?
The listed standard imperial roll sizes are 24, 36, and 42 inches. It accepts up to two rolls and can switch automatically between them.
How fast is it for plan sets?
HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at up to 25 seconds per page. Actual set turnaround also depends on file processing, paper selection, cutting, output handling, and operator intervention.
Can the 4500ps scan or copy marked-up drawings?
No. Its listed functions are color and black-and-white printing, and color copy capability is listed as no. A separate scanning workflow is required for oversized originals and redlines.
Does it connect by USB?
No USB port is listed. It has Ethernet LAN, one RJ-45 port, JetDirect compatibility, and an embedded Web server.
What supplies should an owner confirm before keeping one in service?
Confirm availability of the HP 90 ink family and HP 90 printheads, along with the required maintenance supplies and the media used by your team. Also verify that the service provider can support the installed machine and its network environment.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 4500ps to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.