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HP DesignJet 500 Plus
24" technical / CAD plotter
- Model500 Plus
- Prints24" wide
- Score45/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
Manufacturer warrantyExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The 24-inch maximum width supports ANSI D and Arch D output, but not 36-inch or Arch E drawing workflows.
- Roll feed, single-sheet feed, and an automatic cutter fit everyday technical plotting with occasional specialty media.
- The specified +/- 0.2 % line accuracy and HP-GL/2 support make it relevant to CAD-oriented document work.
Not sure if the 500 Plus is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
- Wide-format reach Prints up to 24" wide on rolls and sheets.
- Fine detail 1200 x 600 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Analyst score Scores 45/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet 500 Plus 24-in Roll Printer, 1200 x 600 DPI, HP-GL/2, 3.3 sqm/h., 4 (1 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow), 610 x 1067 mm, Paper (plain, inkjet, coated, heavyweight coated, high-gloss, semi-gloss, natural tracing, photo),…
- 24″Max print width
- 118 ft²/hRated speed
- 4Ink channels
- 1,200 dpiMax resolution
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Where it performs best
Size / Fit
96
Media Handling
67
Print Quality
64
Class best is 60. How we grade →
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The 24-inch maximum width supports ANSI D and Arch D output, but not 36-inch or Arch E drawing workflows.
- Roll feed, single-sheet feed, and an automatic cutter fit everyday technical plotting with occasional specialty media.
- The specified +/- 0.2 % line accuracy and HP-GL/2 support make it relevant to CAD-oriented document work.
- USB is standard, while built-in Ethernet LAN and an embedded web server are absent.
- The printer is better suited to a small office or field team than a centralized, unattended production environment.
At 4:45 p.m., the question is not whether a plotter can make a pretty page. It is whether the permit sheet, detail set, or color-marked coordination drawing comes out cleanly before somebody heads to the meeting. The HP Designjet 500 Plus 24-in Roll Printer is a compact 24-inch color printer for teams producing Arch D and smaller technical documents from roll or cut-sheet media.
It suits a small architecture studio, engineering satellite office, survey team, or jobsite trailer that needs dependable everyday plots without turning document production into a separate department. It handles plain, coated, tracing, photo, clear-film, and matte-film media, with an automatic cutter for roll work. The trade-off is an older-style, direct-connect workflow: USB is standard, while Ethernet LAN and an embedded web server are not built in.
24" (610 mm)Maximum print widthFits ANSI D and Arch D output.
+/- 0.2 %Line accuracyRelevant when drawing scale and geometry need to hold together.
3.3 sqm/h.Rated normal-quality speedTreat rated speed as a planning figure, not a bid-deadline promise.
Up to 1.5 min/pageColor line drawingHP’s draft-mode A1 rating.
Where it earns its floor space
The 24-inch width is the practical dividing line here. This machine supports ANSI A through D and Arch A through D sizes, with a maximum print size of 24 by 42 inches. That covers many detail sheets, field markups, civil exhibits, MEP coordination sheets, and compact permit packages. It does not solve the Arch E or 36-inch drawing problem. Paper can arrive by roll or single-sheet feed, so a user can run a routine bond plot and then feed a special sheet without dismantling the whole afternoon.
For CAD output, the HP-GL/2 page-description language matters. That is familiar territory for established technical-print workflows. The specified line accuracy of +/- 0.2 % and minimum black line width of 0.0035 inch give this printer a credible role in line-focused documents, where faint grids and small callouts are more important than glossy presentation color.
Bottom line: This is a focused Arch D technical printer, not a wide-format production hub.
Color drawings, media, and the workflow catch
The four-printhead system uses one each for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Black uses pigment ink; cyan, magenta, and yellow use dye-based ink. That combination is useful for everyday CAD linework plus color-coded phasing plans, utility maps, and coordination drawings. Maximum resolution is 1200 x 600 DPI, and HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at up to 1.5 minutes per page. Fine. A real batch still includes file processing, roll loading, trimming, and the inevitable moment when the one sheet you need is the one nobody loaded.
Supported media include plain, inkjet, coated, heavyweight coated, high-gloss, semi-gloss, natural tracing, photo paper, clear film, and matte film. Compatible supply families listed for this model include HP 10, HP 11, and HP 82 inks. Check the actual installed cartridge configuration before ordering supplies; older technical printers reward that small bit of homework.
Bottom line: It can handle practical AEC color and specialty media, but it is built around controlled, hands-on output rather than unattended queues.
Use the estimator to plan a plotting window from the verified rated speed, then leave room for media changes and set handling.
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.
Network and fleet reality
The main limitation is not print width. It is connectivity. The printer has one USB 2.0 port and no built-in Ethernet LAN or embedded web server. It is JetDirect compatible, and the catalog lists the HP Jetdirect 620n Fast Ethernet print server as an accessory. That can matter in a managed office, but IT should confirm the intended connection method, driver path, authentication expectations, and support boundaries before this becomes a shared departmental device.
The front panel is a front LCD with five buttons. There is no duplex option. At 49.3 by 18.5 by 13.7 inches and about 85 lb, it is easier to place than a larger print-room machine, though it still needs clear access for roll loading and output handling. If scanning, copying, 36-inch work, or a wider MFP workflow is the actual requirement, the catalog’s HP DesignJet T918 36-in is the in-family alternative, though it is listed as discontinued.
Bottom line: A USB-first setup is manageable for a small team; it is a poor fit when centralized network control is non-negotiable.
Compare the practical alternatives
HP DesignJet T918 36-inA listed discontinued in-family 36-inch scanner/MFP alternative for workflows that need wider output and document capture.Canon GP-200 24-inA current 24-inch cross-brand option for teams comparing format and technical-print capability.Compare the two 24-inch printersPut the HP Designjet 500 Plus 24-in Roll Printer beside the Canon GP-200 24-in.View the 24-inch technical-printer rankingSee this printer in its class context.
The read
The HP Designjet 500 Plus 24-in Roll Printer makes sense for a small AEC team that prints Arch D and smaller sheets, values roll-and-sheet flexibility, and can live with a USB-centered workflow. Its strongest use is routine linework with occasional color plans, maps, and presentation sheets—not high-volume set production, network-heavy print management, scanning, or wider drawings. Before committing, run your own PDFs and CAD files, confirm the connection plan, and make sure the local support path understands older technical-print equipment. Bottom line: Buy it for disciplined 24-inch document output, not because someone hopes it will become the print room.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
- This printer
- Epson SureColor T3475
Category leaders best technical / CAD plotters, by dimension
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Maximum print width | 24 in |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 1200 x 600 DPI |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2 |
| Internal memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum print size | 610 x 1067 mm |
| Ethernet | No |
| Power consumption | 150 W |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max resolution1200 x 600 DPI
Max print width24"
ConnectivityUSB
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 4 (1 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow) |
| Maximum resolution | 1200 x 600 DPI |
| Color printing technology | HP Color Layering Technology |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2 |
| Print speed (normal quality) | 3.3 sqm/h. |
| 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
| Internal memory | 32 MB |
|---|---|
| Processor frequency | 2000 MHz |
| Drive device, buffer size | 0.064 MB |
Paper handling
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roll paper | Yes |
| Media handling | Single sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter |
| Paper handling | Single sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Bottom copy margin | 17 mm |
| Custom media sizes | 210 x 210 – 610 x 15240 mm |
| Maximum print size | 610 x 1067 mm |
| Maximum media width | 610 mm |
| Maximum paper trays | 2 |
| 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 | 500 Plus, 500ps Plus (24 in): ISO A1, ISO A2, ISO A3, ISO A4; 500 Plus, 500ps Plus (42 in): ISO A0, ISO A1, ISO A2, ISO A3, ISO A4 |
| Media types supported | Paper (plain, inkjet, coated, heavyweight coated, high-gloss, semi-gloss, natural tracing, photo), Clear film, Matte film |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 17 x 17 x 5 x 5 |
| Top metric copy margin | 17 mm |
| Left metric copy margin | 5 mm |
| Recommended media weight | 496 g/m² |
| Right metric copy margin | 5 mm |
| Maximum length of sheet media | 1897 mm |
| Media sizes supported (imperial) | ANSI A, B, C, D; Arch A, B, C, D |
| 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 | 84.9 lbs (38.5 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 49" |
| Weight (imperial) | 85.3 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 49.3 x 18.5 x 13.7" (1253 x 470 x 349 mm) |
Power
| Power requirements | 100 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz |
|---|---|
| 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, USA and Canada CSACertified for US & Canada, Mexico NOM-1-NYCE, Argentina IRAM, China CCIB & CCEE, Singapore PSB, Russia GOST, Poland PCBC. |
|---|---|
| Ink drop | 18 pl (Black), 4 pl (Color) |
| Opaque film | Yes |
| Photo paper | Yes |
| UNSPSC-code | 43212107 |
| Coated paper | Yes |
| Glossy paper | Yes |
| Control panel | Front LCD, 5 front-panel buttons |
| 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 | 160 GB |
| Acoustic power emissions | 65 dB(A) |
| Acoustic pressure emissions | 52 dB |
| Minimum system requirements | Microsoft Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Professional; Mac OS X v 10.2.3 or higher Microsoft Windows 2000, 2003 Server: Pentium II, 733 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space; Microsoft Windows XP: Pentium IV, 1 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliant with the requirements for Class B ITE products (Class A when connected to LAN cables): EU EMC Directive, USA 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 | Black: HP pigment ink; Cyan, Magenta, Yellow: HP dye-based ink |
| 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 24-in wide sheets, 24-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 | For use with EFI Designer Edition XL RIP on Mac OS X 10.2.1 and higher: Power Mac G3, G4 or G5, iMac, eMac, PowerBook G3 or G4 or iBook, 256 MB RAM, 1 GB free hard drive, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, 1 free USB port for copy protection |
Logistics data
| Quantity per pallet | 1 pc(s) |
|---|
Packaging data
| Package weight | 134.5 lbs (61 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | HP Designjet software for Windows and Macintosh, EFI Designer Edition XL RIP for HP Designjet 500ps Plus Printer (available only with 500ps Plus models) |
| Package weight (imperial) | 134 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 60.6 x 25.4 x 29" (1540 x 645 x 737 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 60.6 x 25.4 x 29" |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
System requirements
| Mac compatibility | Yes |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Microsoft Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Professional; Mac OS X 10.2.3 + |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet 500 Plus
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
10 ink cartridges · 4 printheads · 92 paper & media items · 5 accessories
HP DesignJet 500 Plus ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 500 Plus 24-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 8
HP 10 Black Ink Cartridge (C4844AE)
HP Cartucho de tinta magenta 10 ink cartridge
HP 1xx/5xx 24-in Stand and Bin Q1246B Black Printer Multimedia cart
Greenman H10B Black Ink Cartridge
HP 82 69-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge
HP 82 69-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 82 69-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 10 Black Original Ink CartridgePrintheads 4
Paper & Media 43
Representative image16 Mil WR Opaque Scrim Vinyl (3″ AC)Representative image15 Mil Water-Resistant Econo Scrim VinylRepresentative image11 Mil Water-Resistant Synthetic BannerRepresentative image230gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image200gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image350g Vivid Matte Poly/Cotton CanvasRepresentative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)Representative image6 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adhesive PolypropyleneRepresentative image6.5mil Matte Coated Paper w/ PSA (746PSA)Representative image20LB High Brite Inkjet Bond Paper (740)Representative image24LB Inkjet Coated Matte Paper Economy (714)Representative imageWSL 28LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (448)
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP C6033A photo paper High-gloss
HP C3869A plotter paper
HP Q1420A photo paper Brown, White
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 ft)
HP C6035A large format media 45.7 m
HP Clear Film 174 gsm-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1961A large format media
HP Q1962A large format media
HP Q1967A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) Matte 100 sheets White
HP Q1968A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Q6579A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6596A large format media Matte
HP Q1442A large format media 45.7 m
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 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 Premium Semi-gloss Proofing Paper-50 sht/A3+/330 mm x 483 mm (13 x 19 in)
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 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 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)
Questions
Straight answers
What AEC sheets can the HP Designjet 500 Plus 24-in Roll Printer produce?
It supports ANSI A, B, C, and D plus Arch A, B, C, and D media sizes. Maximum print size is 24 by 42 inches.
Is this a good choice for CAD drawings and technical linework?
It uses HP-GL/2 and specifies line accuracy of +/- 0.2 %. Its stated minimum black line width is 0.0035 inch, which is relevant to fine technical line output.
Can it print color coordination drawings and maps?
Yes. It is a four-color printer using pigment black and dye-based cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, with support for plain, coated, tracing, photo, clear-film, and matte-film media.
Can it connect directly to an office Ethernet network?
Built-in Ethernet LAN is not specified, and there is no embedded web server. It has USB 2.0 connectivity and is JetDirect compatible; the HP Jetdirect 620n Fast Ethernet print server is listed as an accessory.
Does it scan, copy, or print on both sides?
No scanning or copying capability is specified for this printer, and duplex printing is not supported. Teams needing a wider scanner/MFP workflow should examine the listed discontinued [[product:110873981|HP DesignJet T918 36-in]] alternative.
Which ink families are listed as compatible?
The resolved compatible consumables include HP 10, HP 11, and HP 82 ink families. Confirm the installed configuration before ordering supplies.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 500 Plus to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.