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HP DesignJet 500
42" technical / CAD plotter
- Model500
- Prints42" wide
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
Manufacturer warrantyExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The 42-inch media width supports full-size ANSI E and Arch E technical drawings.
- HP specifies +/- 0.2 % line accuracy and a minimum line width of 0.00167 in (0.0423 mm).
- Roll feed, single-sheet handling and an automatic cutter suit routine plan plotting.
Not sure if the 500 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet 500 42-in Roll Printer, 4 (1 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow), HP Bright White Inkjet Paper (bond), HP Translucent Bond Paper, HP Natural Tracing Paper, HP…, 1799.2" (45.7 m), 17 x 17 x 5 x 5, 0.197" (5 mm), 1067 mm
- 42″Max print width
- 118 ft²/hRated speed
- 4Ink channels
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The 42-inch media width supports full-size ANSI E and Arch E technical drawings.
- HP specifies +/- 0.2 % line accuracy and a minimum line width of 0.00167 in (0.0423 mm).
- Roll feed, single-sheet handling and an automatic cutter suit routine plan plotting.
- USB and parallel connectivity, with no Ethernet LAN, require careful workflow planning.
- The bundled driver references point to legacy Windows, AutoCAD and Mac operating-system environments.
- The HP DesignJet T918 36-in is the catalog-listed HP alternative when wide-format scanning and copying matter.
At 4:45 p.m., somebody needs a readable 42-inch plan, not a tour of printer settings. The HP Designjet 500 42-in Roll Printer is built for that basic AEC job: producing color or monochrome CAD drawings, permit sheets, redlines, maps and presentation output from roll media or single sheets.
Its 42-inch width covers ANSI E and Arch E work, with an automatic cutter to keep plan output moving. HP specifies line accuracy of +/- 0.2 %, and the printer supports a minimum line width of 0.00167 in (0.0423 mm). Those details matter when fine dimensions, utility callouts and structural notes need to remain legible after they leave the plotter. Bottom line: this is a practical wide-format printer for straightforward drawing output, provided its older connectivity and software environment match the office.
42" (1067 mm)Maximum media widthCovers common full-size AEC sheet formats.
+/- 0.2 %Line accuracyRelevant to plotted CAD drawings and scaled technical output.
Up to 1.5 min/pageDraft A1 color line drawingA useful rated reference point, not a promise for every PDF or CAD file.
66.5 x 26.5 x 43.3" (1690 x 674 x 1100 mm)Printer dimensionsAllow space around the unit for roll loading and output handling.
Where it fits in an AEC office
This printer suits a small design studio, field office or department that needs occasional to moderate wide-format output without a scanning requirement. It accepts roll feed and single sheets, supports 24-, 36-, and 42-inch rolls, and handles ANSI A through F plus Arch A through F sizes. That gives a team room to plot a 24-inch detail one hour and a 42-inch site plan the next.
The supported media list is broad enough for ordinary bond drawings, translucent bond, tracing paper, vellum, coated paper, film and selected display materials. For normal construction documents, bond paper is the sensible daily diet. Save specialty media for the sheet that actually needs it. Printers have eaten enough expensive film in my lifetime.
It uses four cartridges and separate black, cyan, magenta and yellow printheads. Compatible ink families include HP 10, HP 11 and HP 82. Bottom line: it fits teams that need full-size output and media flexibility, not a production department trying to feed several deadlines at once.
The limitation is workflow, not paper width
The machine has USB and a parallel port, but no Ethernet LAN and no embedded web server. That is the first question for IT. A directly attached workstation can be workable in a controlled print corner. A modern shared network workflow, user authentication, remote monitoring or department-wide job accounting is a different conversation.
The bundled software references Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, AutoCAD releases through 2004, and older Mac OS X versions. Treat that as a compatibility warning light, not a minor footnote. Before committing, test the exact CAD, PDF and operating-system path your staff uses today. A plotter that works perfectly with an old workstation is not automatically ready for a current BIM workstation.
For teams that also need to scan marked-up plans or make wide-format copies, the catalog-listed HP DesignJet T918 36-in adds scanner/MFP capability, though it is narrower and listed as discontinued. Use the side-by-side comparison to keep the decision focused on workflow rather than badge collecting. Bottom line: this printer can plot the drawing; it does not solve a modern shared print-and-scan environment by itself.
Use the estimator as a planning aid for a batch of drawings, then leave time for file preparation, roll changes, cutting and sorting at the output tray.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 118 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
What to verify before it goes near a deadline
Ask the seller to demonstrate your own PDF plan set, including a dense civil sheet, a color coordination drawing and a file with embedded raster content. Check fine text, line weights, page orientation and cut accuracy on the media you will actually use. HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at up to 1.5 min/page; mixed files and real operator workflow may take longer.
Also confirm the connection method, driver path, available consumables and local service support. The unit weighs 99.2 lbs (45 kg), draws typical power of 150 W, and has acoustic pressure emissions of 52 dB. It is not a monster, but it deserves a stable location where someone can load paper without rearranging the furniture.
For a wider comparison of available technical-printing approaches, see the wide-format class ranking. Bottom line: test the files, test the connection, and test the person who will support it when the bid set is due.
Compare related machines
The read
The HP Designjet 500 42-in Roll Printer remains a focused tool for full-size AEC plotting: 42-inch rolls, single-sheet support, an automatic cutter and technical line accuracy aimed at drawings rather than office documents. It becomes most appropriate where a compatible workstation can drive it directly and the work is primarily plans, details, maps and color-marked coordination sheets. It is less appropriate for offices that need network-native sharing, web management, authentication, wide-format scanning or rapid unattended set production. Bottom line: buy it for a defined plotting station, not as a shortcut around a print-room workflow problem.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
—Not enough data for an overall score
Individual dimensions are shown where the specs support them.
- 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 |
| Internal memory | 16 MB |
| Ethernet | No |
| Power consumption | 150 W |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max print width42"
ConnectivityUSB
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 4 (1 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow) |
| Color printing technology | HP Color Layering |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Print time color line drawing (draft, A1) | Up to 1.5 min/page |
| Print speed (color image, draft quality, coated paper) | 10.9 m2/hr 117.8 ft2/hr |
Performance
| Buffer size | 64 KB |
|---|---|
| Internal memory | 16 MB |
| Drive device, buffer size | 0.064 MB |
Paper handling
| Media handling | Single sheetfed, roll feed, automatic cutter |
|---|---|
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Custom media sizes | 210 x 210 / 1067 x 15240 (mm) |
| Maximum media width | 1067 mm |
| Maximum roll length | 1799.2" (45.7 m) |
| Duplex print options | None (not supported) |
| Maximum print length | 598.4" (15.2 m) |
| Standard media sizes | ISO A0, ISO A1, ISO A2, ISO A3, ISO A4 |
| Media types supported | HP Bright White Inkjet Paper (bond), HP Translucent Bond Paper, HP Natural Tracing Paper, HP Vellum Paper, HP Clear Film, HP Matte Film, HP Coated Paper, HP Heavyweight Coated Paper, HP's high-gloss photo paper, HP's semi-gloss photo paper, HP Studio Canvas, HP Banners with Tyvek, HP Colorfast Adhesive Vinyl |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 17 x 17 x 5 x 5 |
| Recommended media weight | < 195 |
| Maximum length of sheet media | 1897 mm |
| Media sizes supported (imperial) | ANSI A, B, C, D, E, F; Arch A, B,C, D, E, E1, E2, E3, F |
| Non-printable area roll media (imperial) | 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
Ports & interfaces
| USB port | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | No |
| USB connector | USB Type-A |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Parallel ports quantity | 1 |
Weight & dimensions
| Weight | 99.2 lbs (45 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 67" |
| Weight (imperial) | 99 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 66.5 x 26.5 x 43.3" (1690 x 674 x 1100 mm) |
Power
| Power requirements | 100 – 240 AC (+/- 10%), 50/60 Hz, 3 A max |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (typical) | 150 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -40 – 60 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 59 – 95 °F |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
| Recommended operating temperature range (T-T) | 5 – 40 °C |
Other features
| Safety | Compliant with the requirements for ITE products: EU Low Voltage Directive, US and Canada CSA certified, Mexico NOM-1-NYCE, Argentina IRAM, China CCIB and CCEE, Singapore PSB, Russia GOST, Poland PCBC |
|---|---|
| Ink drop | 18 pl (Black), 4 pl (Color) |
| Typefaces | None |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.2 % |
| Line width minimum | 0.0035 in (Black), 0.027 in (Color) |
| Minimum line width | 0.00167" (0.0423 mm) |
| Embedded web server | No |
| Maximum internal memory | 0.16 GB |
| Acoustic power emissions | 65 dB(A) (ISO DP 7779) |
| Acoustic pressure emissions | 52 dB |
| Minimum system requirements | G4 dual processor 1 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 1 GB hard disk space and latest version of Mac OS X Microsoft Windows 2000: Pentium II 300 MHz or better, 64 MB, 400 MB free on hard disk (HP-GL/2 Accessory card needed if software does not use the Windows driver) Microsoft Windows XP, 2000: Pentium II 300 MHz or higher, 64 MB of RAM, 400 MB free hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliant with the requirements for class B ITE products (class A when connected to LAN cables): EU (EMC directive), US (FCC rules), Canada (DoC), Australia (ACA), New Zealand (MoC), China (CCIB), class A for Korea (MIC), Taiwan (BSMI) |
| JetDirect Compatible Products | Y |
| Compatible ink types, supplies | Dye-based (color), pigment-based (black) |
| Maximum media length (imperial) | 74.7" |
| Maximum print length (imperial) | 49.2 ft |
| Print quality (black, best quality) | 1200 x 600 DPI |
| Print quality (color, best quality) | 1200 DPI |
| Media sizes standard (imperial rolls) | 8.3- to 42-in wide sheets; 24-, 36-, and 42-in rolls |
| Non-printable area (imperial cut-sheet) | 0.7 x 0.7 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
| Minimum system requirements for Macintosh | iMac G3; iMac G3, G4, G5, G4 dual processor, G5 dual processor; 128 MB RAM, 100 MB available hard disk space; iBook, PowerBook, eMac Mac OS X (v 10.2.1 and higher); Power Mac (G3, G4, G5), iMac, eMac, PowerBook (G3, G4) or iBook; 256 MB RAM; 1 GB free hard disk space; CD-ROM or DVD-ROM; 1 free USB port for copy protection |
Logistics data
| Quantity per pallet | 1 pc(s) |
|---|
Packaging data
| Package weight | 256.8 lbs (116.5 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Professional, Server 2003, AutoCAD 2000-2004, AutoCAD Release 13, 14; raster driver for Mac OS X v 10.2.3 and higher |
| Package weight (imperial) | 232 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 77.8 x 25.4 x 38.5" (1975 x 645 x 978 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 77.8 x 25.4 x 38.5" |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
System requirements
| Mac compatibility | Yes |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Windows 98 Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Microsoft Windows 2000, XP Mac OS X, OS 10.2, 10.3 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet 500
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
9 ink cartridges · 4 printheads · 133 paper & media items · 5 accessories
HP DesignJet 500 ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 500 42-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 7
Printheads 4
Paper & Media 115
Representative image11 Mil Water-Resistant Synthetic BannerRepresentative image180gsm Solvent Satin PE PaperRepresentative image5 Mil Polycarbonate LaminateRepresentative image230gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image200gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image10 Mil Water-resistant Blockout Display FilmRepresentative image10 Mil White Opaque BackerRepresentative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)Representative image8mil Poster Paper Satin (514)Representative image20LB Engineering Vellum (471)Representative imageWSL 28LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (448)Representative imageWSL 24LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (446)
HP Sahara Fine Art Paper 140 g/m²-36"/914 mm x 10.7 m large format media
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP C6568B large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1408A plotter paper
HP Q1430A photo paper Brown, White
HP C6033A photo paper High-gloss
HP High-gloss White
HP C3868A plotter paper 45.7 m 91.4 cm
HP C3869A plotter paper
HP White Matte Polyester Film
HP RC Satin Proofing Paper-914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1420A photo paper Brown, White
HP C6032A photo paper White Semi-gloss
HP Semi-gloss Photo CP Paper 179 g/m²-54"/1372 mm x 30.5 m
HP Vellum Paper-610 mm x 45.7 m (24 in x 150 ft)
HP Q1760A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP fine art paper,vanilla (914 mm roll) large format media
HP Studio Canvas-914 mm x 10.7 m (36 in x 35 ft)
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 ft)
HP C6570C large format media 30.5 m
HP High-gloss White
HP Outdoor Paper 145 g/m²-60"/1524 mm x 30.5 m large format media
HP Matte Polypropylene 1372 mm x 22.9 m (54 in x 75 ft)
HP Aquarella Art Paper 240 g/m²-36"/914 mm x 10.7 m large format media
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 C3860A printing paper White
HP C6789A large format media 15.2 m
HP C6777A printing film
HP Q1712A large format media 10.6 m
HP Q1718A large format media 10.7 m
HP Clear Film 174 gsm-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP C7950A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Q1904A printing film
HP Matte Polypropylene 1524 mm x 22.9 m (60 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1421A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q1757A printing paper Matte Yellow
HP Reverse Print Matte Backlit Film
HP Reverse Print Matte Backlit Film
HP Q1724A large format media 10.7 m Matt
HP Q1416A large format media 30.5 m
HP C6573A photo paper White High-gloss
HP Outdoor Paper 145 g/m²-54"/1372 mm x 30.5 m large format media
HP C6787A large format media 15.2 m
HP Q1730A large format media 30.5 m
HP White Matte Polyester Film 165 g/m²-54"/1372 mm x 15 m
HP Q1908A printing film
HP C6031A photo paper White Semi-gloss
HP C6571A photo paper White Semi-gloss
HP C3861A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 12.2 m (36 in x 40 ft)
HP Productivity Gloss Photo Paper-1067 mm x 30.5 m (42 in x 100 ft)
HP Productivity Gloss Photo Paper-1372 mm x 30.5 m (54 in x 100 ft)
HP Productivity Gloss Photo Paper-1524 mm x 30.5 m (60 in x 100 ft)
HP Productivity Semi-gloss Photo Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft)
HP Productivity Semi-gloss Photo Paper-1067 mm x 30.5 m (42 in x 100 ft)
HP Productivity Semi-gloss Photo Paper-1372 mm x 30.5 m (54 in x 100 ft)
HP Productivity Semi-gloss Photo Paper-1524 mm x 30.5 m (60 in x 100 ft)
HP Q1961A large format media
HP Q1962A large format media
HP Gloss Proofing Paper-50 sht/A3+/330 x 483 mm (13 x 19 in)
HP Q1967A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) Matte 100 sheets White
HP Gloss Proofing A2 White
HP Gloss Proofing A1 White
HP Gloss Proofing White
HP Q1968A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP C7949A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Durable Scrim-1067 mm x 12.2 m (42 in x 40 ft)
HP Durable Scrim 550 g/m²-24"/610 mm x 12.2 m large format media
HP Durable Scrim 550 g/m²-36"/914 mm x 12.2 m large format media
HP Q1902B large format media
HP Q1898B large format media
HP Q1899B large format media
HP Gloss Proofing Paper 173 g/m²-A1+/610 mm x 914 mm-20 sheets large format media
HP Universal Semi-gloss Photo Paper-1270 mm x 30.5 m (50 in x 100 ft)
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 Q6588A large format media Matte
HP Q6596A large format media Matte
HP Durable Display Film
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 Matte Proofing 458 mm x 30.5 m (18 in x 100 ft) printing paper
HP Studio Canvas 368 g/m²-42"/1067 mm x 10.7 m large format media
HP Q8664A printing paper High-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Q8662A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) High-gloss 50 sheets White
HP Q8663A large format media 30.5 m High-gloss
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP CG884A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP CG885A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Cockle-free Coated Paper-610 mm x 45.7 m (24 in x 150 ft)
Questions
Straight answers
Can this printer produce full-size architectural and engineering drawings?
Yes. It supports media up to 42″ (1067 mm) wide and supports ANSI A through F and Arch A through F media sizes.
Is it suitable for fine CAD lines and small annotations?
HP specifies line accuracy of +/- 0.2 % and a minimum line width of 0.00167 in (0.0423 mm). Test your own plotting standards and PDFs before relying on it for a deadline-critical workflow.
Does it connect directly to an Ethernet network?
No Ethernet LAN is listed. USB and a parallel port are listed, so confirm how the printer will connect to the workstation or print environment.
Can it scan and copy marked-up plans?
No scanning or copying function is listed for this printer. The catalog-listed HP DesignJet T918 36-in has scanner/MFP capability.
What media can it handle?
It supports roll feed and single sheets, with an automatic cutter. Supported media includes bond, translucent bond, tracing paper, vellum, coated paper, film, canvas, banner material and adhesive vinyl.
Which ink families are compatible?
The resolved compatible ink families are HP 10, HP 11 and HP 82. Confirm the exact cartridge configuration and supply availability for the unit before deployment.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 500 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.