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HP DesignJet 510
42" color graphics & photo printer
- Model510
- Prints42" wide
- Score57/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
Manufacturer warrantyExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The 42-inch width and support for Arch A through F make the printer relevant to full-size AEC drawing output.
- Its stated +/- 0.2% line accuracy and 0.003-inch practical minimum line width speak directly to technical-document use.
- A single roll input and lack of duplexing make it better suited to attended batches than to unattended plan-set production.
Not sure if the 510 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 2400 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Ink platform Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.
- Analyst score Scores 57/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet 510 42-in Printer, 2400 x 1200 DPI, PCL 3 GUI, PostScript 3, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, 2400 x 1200 DPI, 2400 x 1200 DPI, 4 (1 each cyan, magenta, yellow, black)
- 42″Max print width
- 256 ft²/hRated speed
- 4Ink channels
- 2,400 dpiMax resolution
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The 42-inch width and support for Arch A through F make the printer relevant to full-size AEC drawing output.
- Its stated +/- 0.2% line accuracy and 0.003-inch practical minimum line width speak directly to technical-document use.
- A single roll input and lack of duplexing make it better suited to attended batches than to unattended plan-set production.
- HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at 55 seconds per page on plain paper, but full job time also includes processing and media handling.
- The listed Windows and Mac compatibility is legacy-oriented, so driver and network validation should be part of any deployment decision.
- The HP DesignJet T918 36-in is the listed in-family alternative when scanning and copying documents are more important than 42-inch output width.
A 42-inch plan emerging from the HP Designjet 510 is fundamentally a working document: linework, dimensions, revision clouds and color-coded disciplines need to remain distinct at arm’s length and under fluorescent site-office light. Its four-color system combines dye-based color with pigment-based black, and the stated 2,400 × 1,200 dpi resolution gives CAD drawings and presentation-oriented sheets a reasonably fine rendering path on supported media.
This is a straightforward wide-format printer for teams that still submit jobs through established Windows, Mac, USB, parallel, or optional JetDirect-based workflows. It handles one roll at a time, accepts cut sheets, and supports the architectural sizes from Arch A through F. That makes it a practical fit for intermittent plan output, permit sets, GIS maps, and color coordination drawings—not a modern unattended production hub.
42"Print widthSupports architectural sizes through F.
+/- 0.2 %Line accuracyImportant context for dimensioned drawing output.
55 sec/pageDraft A1 line drawingHP-rated color and black-and-white draft line-drawing time on plain paper.
99.6 lbsPrinter weightBefore packaging and installation considerations.
Where it fits in an AEC print room
The Designjet 510 suits a small architecture studio, engineering satellite office, survey team, or construction field office where a single operator can load media and collect output as needed. Its roll feed, cut-sheet feed, and automatic cutter support ordinary bond, coated technical paper, film, photographic media, self-adhesive media, banner stock, and canvas. The cutter does not cut canvas.
For plans, the stated practical minimum line width is 0.003 inches, with stated line accuracy of +/- 0.2%. Those specifications deserve real-world context: CAD file construction, driver settings, media stability, and PDF processing all influence what reaches paper. Still, the combination is relevant to detail sheets, utility plans, structural framing layouts, and color-marked coordination drawings where the cyan edge of one discipline must remain separate from another.
The printer uses PCL 3 GUI, PostScript 3, HP-GL/2, and HP-RTL, which makes it compatible with many established AEC submission paths. Its listed operating-system support is notably legacy-oriented, however. IT teams should validate drivers, workstation compatibility, and any JetDirect configuration before treating it as a shared departmental device.
Use the estimator to translate the verified rated draft line-drawing pace into a planning allowance for a batch of drawings.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 256 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
Media, color, and workflow trade-offs
With one maximum roll input and no duplex option, this machine favors controlled, smaller batches over mixed-media queues and repeated unattended set production. The maximum roll diameter is 3.94 inches, while roll length is described as unlimited depending on media thickness. In practice, the single-roll arrangement means a bond-paper bid set and a coated presentation sheet require an operator decision between jobs.
Color capability is useful for phasing plans, safety overlays, GIS mapping, and client review boards, but there is no desk-measured ICC gamut data in the supplied record. That means it would be hand-waving to make a broad claim about color range or photographic fidelity. The resolution and supported glossy, photo, proofing, and coated media indicate flexibility; firms with color-critical rendering work should test their own files and paper before standardizing output.
Supply planning should also be specific to the installed configuration. Listed compatible ink families include HP 11 and HP 82, alongside several listed media and maintenance items. Confirm the exact supplies already fitted, their availability, and service support before relying on the machine for deadline-sensitive work.
The comparison that matters
The closest in-family reference provided is the HP DesignJet T918 36-in. It is a 36-inch scanner/MFP model, so it becomes more relevant where copying marked-up drawings and scanning legacy documents matter as much as output width. The Designjet 510 instead offers 42-inch capacity, which may be more useful for teams routinely working with wider technical sheets.
Against 44-inch alternatives such as the Canon GP-4000 44-in, the first question is not simply width or resolution. It is whether your operation needs newer network administration, higher-volume handling, more automated media management, or a stronger color-validation workflow. Use the side-by-side comparison to separate paper specifications from the workflow features that determine operator time. For a broader context, see the wide-format class ranking.
Related equipment and evaluation tools
HP DesignJet T918 36-inA 36-inch scanner/MFP reference for document copying and scanning workflows.Canon GP-4000 44-inA 44-inch catalog alternative for a wider-format comparison.Wide-format class rankingReview the wider class before setting a replacement shortlist.How we rate printersUnderstand the operating criteria behind the editorial comparisons.
The read
The HP Designjet 510 42-in is most credible as a focused, operator-attended AEC plotter: full-size plan output, occasional color, broad media support, and established HP-GL/2 or PDF-era workflows. Its trade-off is clear—one roll, no embedded web server, no native Ethernet LAN, no duplexing, and listed software compatibility rooted in older operating systems. Keep it in consideration when those limits match an existing, stable workflow. Look elsewhere when centralized fleet management, scanning, mixed-media throughput, or contemporary IT integration are central requirements.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
within color graphics & photo printers · 10 compared
Class best 79 — Epson SureColor T7770DR
74% spec coverage
- This printer
- Epson SureColor T7770DR
Category leaders best color graphics & photo printers, by dimension
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Maximum print width | 42 in |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Printing colors | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | PCL 3 GUI, PostScript 3, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Internal memory | 160 MB |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.94" (10 cm) |
| Ethernet | No |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max resolution2400 x 1200 DPI
Max print width42"
ColorColor
ConnectivityUSB
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 4 (1 each cyan, magenta, yellow, black) |
| Printing colors | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Resolution color | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print resolution black | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | PCL 3 GUI, PostScript 3, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Print time color line drawing (draft, A1) | 55 sec/page |
| Print speed color line drawing (draft, A1 plain paper) | 38 A1 prints per hour |
| Print time black and white line drawing (draft, metric A1 plain paper) | 55 sec/page |
Performance
| Certification | RoHS, WEEE |
|---|---|
| Internal memory | 160 MB |
| Drive device, buffer size | 160 MB |
Paper handling
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roll paper | Yes |
| Media handling | Single sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter (cuts all media except canvas) |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| ANSI paper sizes | A, B, C, D, E, F |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Custom media sizes | 8.3 x 8.3 to 42 x 74.7 in 210 x 210 to 1067 x 1897 mm |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Architectural sizes | A, B,C, D, E, E1, E2, E3, F |
| Maximum roll length | Unlimited (depends on media thickness) |
| Duplex print options | None (not supported) |
| Standard media sizes | 610 mm models: 140 x 140 to 610 x 1897 mm sheets, 458 to 610 mm rolls 1067 mm models: 140 x 140 to 1067 x 1897 mm sheets, 458 to 1067 mm rolls |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.94" (10 cm) |
| Media types supported | Bond and coated, technical, film, photographic, proofing, self-adhesive, banner and sign, canvas |
| Paper tray media types | Coated paper, Bond paper, Photo paper, Banner |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 17 x 17 x 5 x 5 mm |
| 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 | 99.6 lbs (45.2 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 42" |
| Weight (imperial) | 99.6 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 66.5 x 26.5 x 43.3" (1690 x 674 x 1100 mm) |
Power
| Power supply type | Internal power supply |
|---|---|
| AC input frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Power requirements | Input voltage (auto ranging) 100 to 240 VAC (+/- 10%), 50/60 Hz, 3 A max |
| Power consumption (off) | 1.5 W |
| Power consumption (standby) | 17 W |
| Power consumption (PowerSave) | 17 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -40 – 60 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 59 – 95 °F |
| Operating altitude (imperial) | Up to 9842 ft |
| Storage relative humidity (H-H) | 0 – 95% |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
| Recommended humidity operating range | 20 – 80% |
| Recommended operating temperature range (T-T) | 15 – 35 °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 | 4 pl (colour), 18 pl (black) |
| Photo paper | Yes |
| UNSPSC-code | 43211610 |
| Air pressure | 0.69 mmH2O |
| Coated paper | Yes |
| Glossy paper | Yes |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.2 % |
| Proofing paper | Yes |
| Line width minimum | 0.0008 in (theoretical value); 0.003 in (practical value) |
| Roll maximum input | 1 |
| Embedded web server | No |
| Acoustic power emissions | 6.5 B(A) (active/printing), 4.4 B(A) (standby) |
| Acoustic pressure emissions | 52 dB |
| Minimum system requirements | Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003: Pentium 4 (1 GHz), 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space Macintosh: Mac OS X (10.3, 10.4, 10.5): PowerPC G4, G5, or Intel Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliant with the requirements for class B ITE products: 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 (colour), pigment-based (black) |
| Maximum media length (imperial) | 74.7" |
| Maximum print length (imperial) | Unlimited (depends on media thickness) |
| Acoustic power emissions (standby) | 44 dB |
| Print quality (black, best quality) | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print quality (color, best quality) | 2400 DPI |
| Acoustic pressure emissions (standby) | 29 dB(A) |
| Media sizes standard (imperial rolls) | 8.3 to 42-in wide sheets; 18 to 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 | Macintosh Mac OS X (10.4, 10.5): PowerPC G4, G5, or Intel Core Processor, 512 MB RAM, 1 GB available hard disk space |
Logistics data
| Quantity per pallet | 1 pc(s) |
|---|
Packaging data
| Package depth | 25.4" (645 mm) |
|---|---|
| Package width | 77.8" (1975 mm) |
| Package height | 38.5" (978 mm) |
| Package weight | 231.5 lbs (105 kg) |
| 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 | Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista; Windows XP Home; Windows XP Professional; Windows Server 2003; Windows 2000; Mac OS X v 10.3; 10.4; 10.5; 10.6 |
| Mac operating systems supported | Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, MacOS |
| Recommended system requirements | Microsoft Windows 7; Windows Vista; Windows XP Home; Windows XP Professional; Windows Server 2003; Windows 2000; Mac OS X v 10.3; 10.4; 10.5; 10.6. Macintosh Mac OS X (10.4, 10.5); PowerPC G4; G5; or Intel Core Processor; 512 MB RAM; 1 GB available hard disk space. |
| Windows operating systems supported | Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet 510
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 · 97 paper & media items · 5 accessories
HP DesignJet 510 ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 510 42-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 6
Printheads 4
Paper & Media 94
Representative image8 Mil Microporous Gloss Self-Adhesive PolypropyleneRepresentative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)
HP Universal Instant-dry Gloss Photo PaperRepresentative imageHP Universal Gloss Photo Paper
HP Universal Coated PaperRepresentative imageHP Universal Bond Paper, 4-pack
HP Universal Bond Paper, 2-packRepresentative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 4-packRepresentative imageKODAK Production Matte Paper / 170g (Pallet only)Representative imageKODAK Production Matte Paper / 170gRepresentative imageMagic 4mil DM Inkjet Film (JR440IJME)Representative imageMagic 4mil Inkjet Clear Film w/ Side Stripe (DMCF4HPS)
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP C3868A plotter paper 45.7 m 91.4 cm
HP C3869A plotter paper
HP White Matte Polyester Film
HP Q1420A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q1760A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 ft)
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 MattRepresentative 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 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 Q7971A printing paper Semi-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Q7970A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) Semi-gloss 50 sheets White
HP Q8049A large format media 30.5 m
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 Q8910A printing paper Semi-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Prof Semi-gloss Contract Proofing Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft)
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
HP C0F13A large format media 22.9 m Matte
HP 2-pack Everyday Adhesive Matte Polypropylene-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP C0F19A printing film
HP C0F20A printing film
HP C0F28A printing film
HP C0F29A printing film
HP C2T53A printing film
HP C2T54A printing film
Questions
Straight answers
Can the HP Designjet 510 print full-size architectural and engineering drawings?
Yes. The 42-inch model supports ANSI A through F and architectural A through F sizes, with a stated maximum print size of A0 (33 × 47 inches).
Is it suitable for shared network printing?
It does not have Ethernet LAN or an embedded web server listed. It has USB and parallel connectivity, is JetDirect compatible, and may require a compatible JetDirect print server for network deployment.
How quickly does it render plan drawings?
HP rates draft color line drawings on A1 plain paper at 55 seconds per page, or 38 A1 prints per hour. That rating should not be treated as complete set-production time because file preparation, loading, cutting, and collection add operator time.
Can it handle both roll media and cut sheets?
Yes. It supports single-sheet feed and roll feed, with one maximum roll input, plus an automatic cutter for all listed media except canvas.
Is it a good choice for color-critical presentation boards?
It supports color, photo, glossy, coated, proofing, and film media, and lists a maximum resolution of 2,400 × 1,200 dpi. No measured ICC gamut information is supplied here, so color-critical users should test their own files and media rather than infer performance from resolution alone.
Which supplies should a buyer confirm before using this printer?
The supplied compatibility record lists HP 11 and HP 82 ink families, plus multiple maintenance and media items. Confirm the exact installed configuration and supply availability before committing the device to regular project output.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 510 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.