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HP DesignJet 5500
42" wide-format inkjet printer
- Model5500
- Prints42" wide
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
Manufacturer warrantyExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The Designjet 5500 (42 in) is a discontinued color plotter built for renderings, GIS maps and presentation boards, not monochrome bid sets.
- It shipped in dye and pigment (UV) versions with conversion kits — confirm which you have before ordering ink.
- Color runs on HP 81 ink and HP 81 printheads, with HP 83 printheads used in certain pigment configurations.
Not sure if the 5500 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet 5500 Printer (42 in)
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The Designjet 5500 (42 in) is a discontinued color plotter built for renderings, GIS maps and presentation boards, not monochrome bid sets.
- It shipped in dye and pigment (UV) versions with conversion kits — confirm which you have before ordering ink.
- Color runs on HP 81 ink and HP 81 printheads, with HP 83 printheads used in certain pigment configurations.
- The compatible media list is very broad, including gloss stocks like HP Photo Imaging Gloss White for boards.
- It has no built-in scanner or MFP copy path, so it doesn't fit integrated scan-copy-print workflows.
- For a current 44-in color replacement, current pigment devices such as the Canon iPF8300 44-in are the honest path.
Somewhere in this country there’s a print room where a Designjet 5500 still runs every morning, and the operator has stopped thinking about it. That’s the highest compliment you can pay an old plotter. It just works.
The 5500 (42 in) is a discontinued HP wide-format machine that spent years as the color workhorse in AEC shops — presentation boards, renderings, GIS maps, the occasional coordination set in full color. If you own one, this page is about keeping it honest. If you’re eyeing a used one, it’s about knowing what you’re signing up for.
What this machine was built to do
The 5500 was not a monochrome bid-set gun. It was a color device — dye or pigment (UV) ink, depending on how it was configured — aimed at architects and civil teams who needed rendered elevations and color-coded utility maps that held up under office lights.
The dye and pigment split matters more than anything else on the spec sheet. HP shipped it in both flavors and offered conversion kits: HP Dye Upgrade Kits with Ink/42 and /60 on the dye side, HP UV Upgrade Kit with Ink/42 and /60 on the pigment side. Dye gives you punchier color on gloss. Pigment (HP called it UV) survives sunlight and archive boxes. Know which one you have before you order ink, because they are not interchangeable in practice.
42 inPrint widthD/E-size roll work
HP 81Ink systemdye-based color set
HP UV Upgrade Kit with Ink/42Pigment optionfor lightfast output
HP 81Printheadsuser-replaceable, per-color
Consumables: the real ownership story
Here’s the honest part. This machine is discontinued, so your ownership experience is a consumables experience. The good news: the ink and printhead family is well documented. Color runs on HP 81 ink and HP 81 printheads, with HP 83 printheads in the mix for certain pigment configurations.
Media is not a constraint. The compatible roll list is enormous — coated bond, heavyweight coated, and gloss options like HP Photo Imaging Gloss White and HP Premium Instant-dry Satin White for boards. The failure mode to watch isn’t paper. It’s printheads drying out during slow weeks, and it’s finding parts for the mechanical bits when something wears. Buy your critical spares while you can.
Where it fits — and where it doesn't
If your work is genuinely color-first — renderings, GIS, presentation boards — and the machine is healthy, it still earns its footprint. Where it struggles is the modern integrated workflow: no built-in scanner, no MFP copy path, older network and driver plumbing that your IT team will have opinions about.
If you need scan-copy-print in one box, the closest in-family successor territory is a machine like the HP DesignJet T918 36-in with its integrated MFP path — though note that’s 36 in, not 42. For a like-for-like 44-in color replacement with current parts and support, the honest move is to shop current pigment devices. The Canon iPF8300 44-in and its descendants such as the Canon GP-4000 44-in cover graphics-grade color at that width. Line up a side-by-side against the iPF8300 before you commit, and check its class ranking while you’re at it.
Worth a look next
The read
The Designjet 5500 (42 in) is a discontinued color plotter that still does real work in shops that kept it fed and moving. If yours runs clean and your output is color-first, keep it — but stock printheads and ink now, because supply only gets tighter. If you’re buying used, buy from someone who can prove it prints, and confirm dye versus pigment before your first ink order. For anyone starting fresh in 2024, this isn’t the machine to build a workflow around. It’s the machine to retire gracefully.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
—Not enough data for an overall score
Individual dimensions are shown where the specs support them.
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Maximum print width | 42 in |
|---|
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max print width42"
Use caseCAD / Technical
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet 5500
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
15 ink cartridges · 19 printheads · 139 paper & media items · 3 accessories
HP DesignJet 5500 ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet 5500 42-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 14
HP 81 Value Pack 680-ml Light Cyan Dye Ink Cartridge and Printhead print head Thermal inkjet
HP 81 Value Pack 680-ml Light Magenta Dye Ink Cartridge and Printhead print head Thermal inkjet
HP Matte 914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft)
HP 81 Value Pack 680-ml Black Dye Ink Cartridge and Printhead print head Thermal inkjet
HP 81 Value Pack 680-ml Cyan Dye Ink Cartridge and Printhead print head Thermal inkjet
HP 81 Value Pack 680-ml Magenta Dye Ink Cartridge and Printhead print head Thermal inkjet
HP RC Matte White
HP Dye Upgrade Kits with Ink/42
HP 81 3-pack 680-ml Light Magenta Dye Ink Cartridges
HP Dye Upgrade Kits with Ink/60
HP UV Upgrade Kit with Ink/60
HP UV Upgrade Kit with Ink/42
HP 81 680-ml Light Magenta Dye Ink Cartridge
HP 81 680-ml Light Cyan Dye Ink CartridgePrintheads 19
HP Cartouche d'encre magenta UV 83 (680 ml) print head Thermal inkjet
HP 83 Cyan UV Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 83 Yellow UV Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 83 Light Cyan UV Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP Cartouche d'encre cyan UV 83 (680 ml) print head Thermal inkjet
HP Cartouche d'encre cyan clair UV 83 (680 ml) print head Thermal inkjet
HP Cartouche d'encre magenta clair UV 83 (680 ml) print head Thermal inkjet
HP 81 Black Dye Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 81 Light Cyan Dye Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 83 Black UV Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 81 Cyan Dye Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 81 Magenta Dye Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 81 Light Magenta Dye Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP Cartouche d'encre UV noire 83 680 ml print head Thermal inkjet
HP 83 Magenta UV Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 83 Light Magenta UV Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 81 Yellow Dye Printhead and Printhead Cleaner
HP 81 3-pack 680-ml Light Cyan Dye Cartridges print head Thermal inkjet
HP Cartouche d'encre jaune UV 83 (680 ml) print head Thermal inkjetPaper & Media 119
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP Two-view Cling Film
HP Q1408A plotter paper
HP Q1430A photo paper Brown, White
HP C6964A photo paper White Gloss
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 Q1760A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP C6570C large format media 30.5 m
HP Matte Polypropylene 1372 mm x 22.9 m (54 in x 75 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 C6777A printing film
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 Q1724A large format media 10.7 m Matt
HP Q1416A large format media 30.5 m
HP Photo Imaging Gloss White
HP Q1745A large format media 10 m Matte
HP Q1743A printing paper Matte 1 sheets WhiteRepresentative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)
HP Q1730A large format media 30.5 m
HP Q1908A printing film
HP C6959A photo paper White
HP C6960A photo paper Satin
HP Universal Semi-Gloss Photo Paper
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 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 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 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 Q7999A photo paper
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 Q8677A printing film
HP Universal Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 20 m (36 in x 66 ft)
HP Q8673A large format media 6.1 m
HP Collector Satin Canvas-610 mm x 6.1 m (24 in x 20 ft)
HP Q8713A photo paper Matte
HP Q7990A photo paper Gloss
HP Premium Instant-dry Satin White
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 Hahnemühle Smooth Fine Art Paper 265 g/m²-1067 mm x 10.7 m (42 in x 35 ft)
HP Hahnemühle Textured Fine Art Paper 265 g/m²-1067 mm x 10.7 m (42 in x 35 ft)
HP Q8749A printing film
HP Q8750A printing film
HP Q8748A printing film
HP Q8834A printing film
HP Q8835A printing film
HP CG490A large format media 30.5 m Semi-gloss
HP Q8916A photo paper
HP Q8917A photo paper
HP Q8918A photo paper
HP Q8919A photo paper
HP Q8920A photo paper
HP Q8921A photo paper
HP Q8922A photo paper
HP Q8923A photo paper
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 CG817A large format media 15.2 m
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP CG498A printing 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 CG823A large format media 22.9 m
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 C2T50A printing film
Questions
Straight answers
Is the Designjet 5500 still made or supported?
No — it’s discontinued. Ownership now hinges on securing consumables and spares, so buy critical printheads and ink while they remain available.
Which ink and printheads does it use?
Color runs on the HP 81 ink and HP 81 printhead family, with HP 83 printheads used in certain pigment configurations. Match your parts to whether the machine is set up for dye or pigment ink.
What's the difference between the dye and pigment (UV) versions?
Dye gives punchier color, especially on gloss; pigment (HP’s UV) is more lightfast for archiving and sunlight exposure. HP offered upgrade kits — the HP Dye Upgrade Kits and HP UV Upgrade Kit — but the two ink types aren’t interchangeable in daily use.
Can it scan or copy plans?
No. It’s a printer only, with no integrated scanner or MFP path. If you need scan-copy-print in one unit, look at a machine like the HP DesignJet T918 36-in (note it’s 36 in, not 42).
What should I buy to replace it?
For a like-for-like 44-in color device with current parts and support, current pigment printers such as the Canon iPF8300 44-in or Canon GP-4000 44-in are the practical successors.
What media can I run on it?
A very wide range — coated and heavyweight coated bond for technical work, plus gloss and satin stocks like HP Photo Imaging Gloss White and HP Premium Instant-dry Satin White for presentation boards.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet 5500 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.