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HP DesignJet 500 Plus
42" technical / CAD plotter
- Model500 Plus
- Prints42" 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 42-inch media width supports full-size ANSI, Arch, and ISO A0 technical output.
- HP specifies +/- 0.2% line accuracy and 1200 x 600 DPI black print quality for detailed drawing work.
- A draft A1 color line drawing is rated at up to 1.5 min/page, but real bid-set timing also includes file processing and handling.
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 42" 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 (42-inch) Printer, 1200 x 600 DPI, HP-GL/2, 4 (1 each black, cyan, magenta, yellow), A0 (841 x 1189 mm), Paper (plain, inkjet, coated, heavyweight coated, high-gloss, semi-gloss, natural tracing, photo),…, A0, A4
- 42″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 71. How we grade →
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The 42-inch media width supports full-size ANSI, Arch, and ISO A0 technical output.
- HP specifies +/- 0.2% line accuracy and 1200 x 600 DPI black print quality for detailed drawing work.
- A draft A1 color line drawing is rated at up to 1.5 min/page, but real bid-set timing also includes file processing and handling.
- The printer has USB, parallel, and EIO connectivity but no built-in Ethernet LAN or embedded web server.
- It has no duplex printing, scanning, or copying capability, so it is a plotter rather than a multifunction document center.
- Its listed operating-system support makes driver and network validation essential in a modern AEC environment.
At 4:45 p.m., somebody needs an E-size plan, a color-marked coordination sheet, or a survey exhibit in hand—not a discussion about printer settings. The HP Designjet 500 Plus (42-inch) is built for that straightforward wide-format job: roll-fed or sheet-fed output up to 42 inches wide, with an automatic cutter and support for ANSI, Arch, and ISO sizes through A0.
It is a practical fit where linework, readable notes, and occasional color matter more than high-volume unattended production. HP specifies line accuracy of +/- 0.2% and a minimum black line width of 0.0035 in, useful figures for drawings where dimensions, leaders, and small callouts cannot turn into fuzzy gray archaeology.
42" (1067 mm)Maximum media widthHandles wide AEC sheets and roll media.
+/- 0.2 %Line accuracyA relevant specification for scaled technical drawings.
1200 x 600 DPIBest black print qualityFor detailed linework and text output.
Up to 1.5 min/pageDraft A1 color line drawingA manufacturer-rated figure, not a promise for a mixed bid set.
Where it earns its floor space
This is a sensible machine for a small architecture office, engineering satellite office, survey team, or construction trailer that prints plans as needed rather than feeding a central reprographics room all day. It accepts single sheets and rolls, includes a media bin and stand, and supports plain, coated, tracing, photo, clear-film, and matte-film media. The 42-inch model supports ANSI A through F and Arch A through F sizes, including E1, E2, and E3.
The four-ink system uses black pigment ink with dye-based cyan, magenta, and yellow. That combination supports ordinary color plans, GIS-style maps, redlines, and presentation material on compatible media. Compatible supplies include HP 10 and HP 11 inks. The trade-off is simple: this is one roll-fed output path, not a machine designed to keep several media types ready at once.
Bottom line: It fits the office that needs full-size drawings nearby, not the department trying to run a print shop.
Use the estimator to turn the rated drawing speed into a deadline conversation for your own plan volume.
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.
Workflow and network reality
The HP-GL/2 page-description language makes this printer relevant to established CAD plotting workflows. Connectivity is less comfortable by current office standards: it has one USB port, one parallel port, and one EIO slot, but no built-in Ethernet LAN and no embedded web server. HP lists it as JetDirect compatible, so network deployment depends on the appropriate compatible configuration rather than an assumed built-in network port.
IT should also pause before treating it like a current endpoint. The listed supported systems are Microsoft Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Professional, and Mac OS X v10.2.3 or later. That does not automatically rule it out for a controlled legacy workflow, but it does mean modern CAD, BIM, PDF, authentication, and security requirements need hands-on validation before this becomes a shared production device. A plotter can be dependable and still be a poor citizen on a modern network. Ask anyone who has spent Friday evening finding a driver.
Bottom line: The plotting hardware may suit the job, while the connection and driver path may decide the purchase.
What it is not—and what to compare
Do not choose this model for duplex printing; it has no duplex option. It also has no scanning or copying function, so marked-up plan capture, archive work, and walk-up copy jobs require separate equipment. Its front LCD and five buttons are enough for local operation, but they are not a substitute for a modern fleet-management workflow.
Within the available family comparison, the discontinued HP DesignJet T918 36-in is the more relevant alternative when scanning and multifunction work are central to the requirement, though it gives up 42-inch width. Compare the two workflows directly with the side-by-side comparison tool. For firms weighing wider 44-inch output, the Canon GP-4000 44-in and Canon GP-4600S 44-in are catalog alternatives worth putting through the same media, files, and service-coverage questions.
Bottom line: Buy this for plotting; do not expect it to absorb scanning, copying, network administration, and finishing duties by force of optimism.
Compare before committing
The read
The HP Designjet 500 Plus (42-inch) makes sense for teams with a defined need for full-size color and monochrome plotting, manageable output volume, and a workflow that can live with USB, parallel, or compatible JetDirect networking. Its 42-inch width, HP-GL/2 support, roll feed, automatic cutter, and stated +/- 0.2% line accuracy address the basics of plan production well. It becomes less appropriate when the job includes frequent scanning, copying, duplexing, mixed-media readiness, or modern managed-network requirements. Check the driver path, the exact network configuration, media availability, and local service support before the first deadline lands on it. Bottom line: A focused technical plotter remains useful when its surrounding workflow is equally focused.
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 |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 1200 x 600 DPI |
| Number of print cartridges | 4manufacturer-verified |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2 |
| Internal memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Ethernet | 10/100Base-TXmanufacturer-verified |
| Power consumption | 150 W |
manufacturer-verified = checked against the manufacturer’s official datasheet, not aggregator data. Everything else is standards-body / catalog data we consider reliable.
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max resolution1200 x 600 DPI
Max print width42"
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 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
| Media handling | Single sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter |
|---|---|
| Paper handling | Single sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter, media bin, printer stand |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Bottom copy margin | 17 mm |
| Custom media sizes | 500 Plus, 500ps Plus (24 in): 210 x 210 to 610 x 15240 mm; 500 Plus, 500ps Plus (42 in): 210 x 210 to 1067 x 15240 mm |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Maximum media width | 1067 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 |
| ISO A-series sizes (A0…A9) | A0, A4 |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| I/O ports | 1 USB, 1 parallel, 1 EIO |
| 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) | 99.6 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 |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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 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 | 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) |
|---|---|
| Number of cartons per pallet | 20 pc(s) |
Packaging data
| Package weight | 231.5 lbs (105 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) | 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
| Compatible operating systems | Microsoft Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Professional; Mac OS X v 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 42-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 10
HP Matte 914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft)
HP 10 Black Ink Cartridge (C4844AE)
HP RC Matte White
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 85
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 Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP C6033A photo paper High-gloss
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 Q1760A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 ft)
HP High-gloss White
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 Q1904A printing film
HP Q1421A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q1757A printing paper Matte Yellow
HP Q1724A large format media 10.7 m Matt
HP C6573A photo paper White High-glossRepresentative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)
HP Q1730A large format media 30.5 m
HP Q1908A printing film
HP Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 12.2 m (36 in x 40 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 C7949A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Q1898B large format media
HP Q1899B large format media
HP Q6579A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6580A photo paper Matte
HP Q6581A photo paper
HP Q6596A large format media Matte
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 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 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 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)
HP Q6620B printing film
Questions
Straight answers
Can the HP Designjet 500 Plus print full-size architectural and engineering sheets?
Yes. The 42-inch model supports media up to 42 inches wide and supports ANSI A through F, Arch A through F, and ISO sizes through A0.
Is it suitable for fine CAD linework?
HP specifies +/- 0.2% line accuracy, a minimum black line width of 0.0035 in, and best-quality black output of 1200 x 600 DPI. Those specifications are relevant to technical drawings with small text and fine leaders.
Does it connect directly to Ethernet?
No built-in Ethernet LAN is listed. The printer has USB, parallel, and EIO connections, and it is JetDirect compatible, so a compatible network configuration must be confirmed.
Can it scan marked-up drawings or make copies?
No. The listed paper handling covers single-sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutting, a media bin, and a stand; no scanner or copier is listed.
What inks does this printer use?
The printer uses four cartridges: pigment black and dye-based cyan, magenta, and yellow. Compatible ink families include HP 10 and HP 11.
Should a modern AEC office use this as a shared network printer?
Only after testing the actual driver and network path. The listed compatible operating systems are Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Mac OS X v10.2.3 or later, which may not align with current managed IT environments.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 500 Plus to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.