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HP DesignJet T1120
44" technical / CAD plotter
- ModelT1120
- Prints44" wide
- Score55/100
Analyst take
- The T1120 remains suited to 44-inch CAD plans, technical drawings, GIS maps, and color-marked construction documents.
- HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at 56 per hour, but actual bid-set throughput includes processing, handling, and paper changes.
- One roll input and a single sheet path make this a better fit for steady technical output than mixed-media print-room work.
Not sure if the T1120 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
- Wide-format reach Prints up to 44" wide on rolls and sheets.
- Fine detail 2400 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Ink platform Cyan, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Yellow.
- Connectivity Ethernet for shared team printing.
- Analyst score Scores 55/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet T1120 44-in Printer, 2400 x 1200 DPI, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, Cyan, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Yellow, HP 72 Ink Cartridge: cyan, gray, magenta, matte black, photo black, yellow (130 ml); cyan, gray,…, 3 (matte black and yellow, magenta and cyan, photo black and gray), 1 sheets
- 44″Max print width
- 485 ftยฒ/hRated speed
- 5Ink channels
- 2,400 dpiMax resolution
overall
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The T1120 remains suited to 44-inch CAD plans, technical drawings, GIS maps, and color-marked construction documents.
- HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at 56 per hour, but actual bid-set throughput includes processing, handling, and paper changes.
- One roll input and a single sheet path make this a better fit for steady technical output than mixed-media print-room work.
- Its listed software support is from an older Windows, Mac, Novell, and Citrix era, so IT validation is essential.
- The HP DesignJet T1120ps 24-in is the relevant narrower option, while the HP DesignJet T1200 44-in is the in-family 44-inch alternative to review.
At 4:45 p.m., the person at this printer needs a readable E-size plan set, not a lecture about ink drops. The discontinued HP Designjet T1120 44-in Printer is a 44-inch thermal-inkjet plotter from the installed base built for CAD linework, color-marked PDFs, GIS sheets, and presentation output on roll or cut-sheet media.
It remains a practical fit where one loaded roll, occasional sheets, and dependable 44-inch output cover the day. HP rates draft A1 color line drawings at 56 per hour, or 35 seconds per page. That is useful context for a permit set or a batch of coordination sheets, but it is not the same as unattended mixed-size production with roll changes, sorting, and a deadline breathing down your neck.
Where it earns its floor space
The T1120โs strengths are straightforward. It supports HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL, has Gigabit Ethernet and USB connectivity, an embedded web server, and HP Web Jetadmin support. Those are useful building blocks for a managed AEC environment that still sends CAD and PDF work through established queues. Its five-color system includes cyan, magenta, yellow, matte black, photo black, and gray, with pigment-based matte black and dye-based color inks.
For drawings, the important numbers are a minimum line width of 0.002 inch, maximum resolution of 2400 x 1200 DPI, and stated line accuracy of +/- 0.1%. Those specifications point to a sensible role: construction documents, civil plans, utility maps, color-coded coordination sets, and presentation boards where line clarity matters. It also accepts bond, coated stock, technical papers, films, photographic media, backlit media, and selected self-adhesive materials.
Bottom line: It is a capable legacy printer when the workflow is mainly one-roll technical output with periodic color work.
The limits show up when the print room gets busy
Failure mode first: the T1120 has one roll input, one sheet feed path, and an output basket. It has an automatic cutter, which helps, but there is no duplex option and no second roll waiting in reserve. A switch from bond plans to coated presentation sheets still needs an operator. That is manageable in a small architecture studio or a project office. In a central print room, it is how people end up discussing paper at an unhelpful hour.
The listed operating-system support is from its era, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, Mac OS X v10.4 and v10.5, Novell NetWare, and Citrix environments. IT should validate present-day driver, security, and print-server compatibility before putting a used unit back into service. The printer is also substantial at 189 lb and measures 69.7 x 27.2 x 41.2 inches.
Bottom line: Do not treat an older driver list or single-roll handling as a minor detail; both become operational issues under deadline volume.
Use the estimator to turn the rated line-drawing speed into a planning figure for your next plan-set run; allow extra time for file processing, roll changes, and collection.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 485 ftยฒ/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower โ treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
How it sits within the family
The closest step-down is the HP DesignJet T1120ps 24-in, which is the sensible comparison when E-size output is no longer a requirement. If 44-inch width remains non-negotiable, the HP DesignJet T1200 44-in is the more relevant catalog-listed family alternative to examine alongside it. Buyers needing scan-and-copy workflow should also review the catalog-listed HP DesignJet T1120 44-in scanner/MFP configuration rather than assuming a printer-only device covers markup capture.
For a used T1120, inspect the actual unit, verify network deployment, run representative HP-GL/2 and PDF files, and test the media your teams use every week. The published 300-foot maximum print length is application- and operating-system-dependent, so it is not a promise for every long drawing file.
Bottom line: Keep this model for established, moderate-volume 44-inch printing; move up when media switching, scan/copy work, or newer workflow validation drives the decision.
Compare the relevant alternatives
The read
The HP Designjet T1120 44-in Printer is not a machine to buy on nostalgia alone. It is a credible installed-base choice for AEC teams that need 44-inch CAD and color technical output, can live with one active roll, and have confirmed that their current network and applications will support it. For high-volume reprographics, frequent media changes, scanning, or modern IT requirements, its age and workflow limits deserve more weight than its resolution headline.
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 | 44 in |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Printing colors | Cyan, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Yellow |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Media thickness | 0.8 mm |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.31" (13.5 cm) |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Power consumption | 200 W |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 3 (matte black and yellow, magenta and cyan, photo black and gray) |
| Printing colors | Cyan, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Yellow |
| Color management | HP Color Center, HP Vivera inks, Closed-loop color system |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print head nozzles | 2112 |
| Print speed (imperial) | 72 D prints per hour |
| Color printing technology | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL |
| Print cartridge volume (metric) | HP 72 Ink Cartridge: cyan, gray, magenta, matte black, photo black, yellow (130 ml); cyan, gray, magenta, photo black, yellow (69 ml) |
| Print time color line drawing (draft, A1) | 35 sec/page |
| Print speed (color image, best quality, glossy paper) | 2.8 mยฒ/hr 30 ftยฒ/hr |
| Print speed (color image, draft quality, coated paper) | 41 mยฒ/hr 445 ftยฒ/hr |
| Print speed color line drawing (draft, A1 plain paper) | 56 A1 prints per hour |
| Print speed (color image, normal quality, coated paper) | 110 ftยฒ/hr 10 mยฒ/hr |
| Print speed (color image, normal quality, glossy paper) | 72 ftยฒ/hr 6.7 mยฒ/hr |
| Print time black and white line drawing (draft, metric A1 plain paper) | 35 sec/page |
Performance
| Display | LCD |
|---|---|
| Certification | WEEE; EU RoHS; China RoHS; REACH; EuP |
| Storage media | HDD |
| Built-in display | Yes |
| Built-in processor | Intelยฎ Pentiumยฎ M |
| Storage drive type | Standard, 80 GB |
| Processor frequency | 800 MHz |
| Internal storage capacity | 80 GB |
Paper handling
| Roll paper | Yes |
|---|---|
| Media handling | Sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter |
| Paper handling | Sheet feed, roll feed, output basket |
| Media thickness | 0.8 mm |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Custom media sizes | 216 x 279 to 1118 x 1676 mm |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Maximum media width | 1118 mm |
| Maximum paper trays | 1 |
| Maximum roll length | 3598.4" (91.4 m) |
| Duplex print options | None (not supported) |
| Standard media sizes | A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.31" (13.5 cm) |
| Media types supported | Bond and coated paper (bond, coated, heavyweight coated, super heavyweight plus matte, coloured), technical paper (natural tracing, translucent bond, vellum), film (clear, matte, polyester), photographic paper (satin, gloss, semi-gloss, matte, high-gloss), backlit, self-adhesive (two-view cling, indoor paper, polypropylene, vinyl) |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 5 x 16.75 x 5 x 5 mm |
| Recommended media weight | 60 – 328 g/mยฒ |
| Media weights by paper path | 60 to 328 g/mยฒ |
| ISO A-series sizes (A0…A9) | A0, A1, A2, A3, A4 |
| Maximum length of sheet media | 1676.4 mm |
| Paper handling standard/input | Roll loading; single-sheet rear tray |
| Paper handling standard/output | Basket |
| Media thickness (by paper path) | Up to 31.5 mil |
| Media sizes supported (imperial) | A; B; C; D; E |
| Non-printable area roll media (imperial) | 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 in (borderless on photo papers) |
Ports & interfaces
| USB port | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| USB connector | USB Type-A |
| RJ-45 ports quantity | 1 |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Ethernet interface type | Gigabit Ethernet |
Weight & dimensions
| Weight | 189.6 lbs (86 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 69.7" |
| Weight (imperial) | 189 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 69.7 x 27.2 x 41.2" (1770 x 690 x 1047 mm) |
| Maximum dimensions (W x D x H) | 69.7 x 28.8 x 41.2" (1770 x 732 x 1047 mm) |
| Product dimensions when open (LxWxD) | 69.7" |
Power
| Power requirements | 100 – 240 VAC (+/- 10%), 50/60 Hz (+/- 3 Hz), 2 A |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (active) | 200 W |
| Power consumption (standby) | 43 W |
| Power consumption (typical) | 200 W |
| Power consumption (PowerSave) | 27 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -25 – 55 ยฐC |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 59 – 95 ยฐF |
| Operating altitude (imperial) | 9842 ft |
| Storage relative humidity (H-H) | 0 – 95% |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
| Recommended operating temperature range (T-T) | 15 – 35 ยฐC |
Other features
| Safety | EU (LVD and EN60950-1 compliant), Russia (GOST) |
|---|---|
| Ink drop | 6 pl (C, M, PK, G), 9 pl (Y, MK) |
| Driver LAN | Novell NetWare 5.x/6.x clients |
| Coated paper | Yes |
| Control panel | 240 x 160 pixel greyscale graphical display with Asian fonts support, 4 direct-access buttons and 7 navigation buttons, 2 bicolor lights (Ready, Processing, Attention, Error) |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.1% |
| Driver updates | Latest driver upgrade information available on http:// |
| Line width minimum | 0.002 in |
| Printer management | HP Web Jetadmin, HP Printer Utility |
| Roll maximum input | 1 |
| Embedded web server | Yes |
| Acoustic power emissions | 6.9 B(A) (active/printing), 4.4 B(A) (standby) |
| Acoustic pressure emissions | 57 dB |
| Minimum system requirements | Microsoft Windows XP Home, XP Professional: Intel Pentium 4 (1 GHz), 512 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliance for Class A ITE products: EU (EMC Directive) |
| JetDirect Compatible Products | Y |
| Compatible ink types, supplies | Dye-based (C, M, Y, G, PK), pigment-based (MK) |
| Maximum media length (imperial) | 66" |
| Maximum print length (imperial) | 300 ft (operating system and application dependent) |
| Acoustic power emissions (standby) | 44 dB |
| Print quality (black, best quality) | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print quality (color, best quality) | 2400 DPI |
| Print quality (black, draft quality) | 600 DPI |
| Acoustic pressure emissions (standby) | 29 dB(A) |
| Media sizes standard (imperial rolls) | Letter to E-size sheets; 11 to 44-in rolls |
| Print quality (black, normal quality) | 600 DPI |
| Non-printable area (imperial cut-sheet) | 0.2 x 0.67 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
| Print resolution (color, normal quality) | 600 x 600 DPI |
| Minimum system requirements for Macintosh | Mac OS X v10.4 or higher: PowerPC G3 or Intel Core Processor, 256 MB RAM, 1 GB available hard disk space |
Packaging data
| Package weight | 271.2 lbs (123 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | HP Instant Printing Utility |
| Package weight (imperial) | 271 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 76 x 30.2 x 31.1" (1930 x 766 x 791 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 75.98 x 30.16 x 31.15" |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
System requirements
| Browser supported | Internet Explorer (5.0 or higher); Netscape (6.0.1 or higher); Safari for Mac OS (10.3 or higher); Mozilla (1.5 or higher) |
|---|---|
| Mac compatibility | Yes |
| Compatible operating systems | Windows Vista (32 & 64-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32 & 64-bit), XP Home & Professional (32 & 64-bit), Server 2003 (32 & 64-bit), Mac OS X v10.4, Mac v10.5, Novell NetWare 5.x, 6.x, Citrix XenApp, Citrix XenServer |
Input & output capacity
| Total input capacity | 1 sheets |
|---|---|
| Total number of input trays | 1 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet T1120
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
4 ink cartridges ยท 96 paper & media items ยท 4 accessories
HP DesignJet T1120 ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet T1120 44-in Printer โ only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 4
Paper & Media 89
Representative image16 Mil WR Opaque Scrim Vinyl (3″ AC)
Representative image15 Mil Water-Resistant Econo Scrim Vinyl
Representative image11 Mil Water-Resistant Synthetic Banner
Representative image180gsm Solvent Satin PE Paper
Representative image5 Mil Polycarbonate Laminate
Representative image230gsm Special Matte Photo Paper
Representative image200gsm Special Matte Photo Paper
Representative image350g Vivid Matte Poly/Cotton Canvas
Representative image380g Premium Matte Poly/Cotton Canvas
Representative image10 Mil Water-resistant Blockout Display Film
Representative image10 Mil White Opaque Backer
Representative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)
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 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 C6570C large format media 30.5 m
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 Universal Semi-gloss Photo Paper
HP Clear Film 174 gsm-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 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 Q1416A large format media 30.5 m
Representative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)
HP Q1908A printing film
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 Q5486A photo paper Black, Blue, White
HP Q5487A photo paper Black, Blue, White
HP Q5489A photo paper
HP Q5491A photo paper
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 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 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 Q8834A printing film
HP Q8835A printing film
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 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 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 Premium Satin 610 mm x 15.2 m (24 in x 50 ft) White
HP Premium Satin 914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft) White
HP Premium Satin 1067 mm x 30.5 m (42 in x 100 ft)Questions
Straight answers
Can the HP Designjet T1120 44-in Printer produce E-size drawings?
Yes. It accepts roll media up to 44 inches wide and supports Letter through E-size sheets and 11- to 44-inch rolls.
How fast is it for AEC line drawings?
HP rates draft A1 color line drawings on plain paper at 56 A1 prints per hour, with a stated draft line-drawing time of 35 seconds per A1 page. Actual production time varies with file processing, media, and operator handling.
Is this a good choice for mixed-size, mixed-media plan sets?
It can accept roll and sheet media, but it has one roll input and one sheet feed path. Firms that frequently alternate between bond plans and coated presentation media should factor in manual intervention.
Does it support modern network deployment?
It has Gigabit Ethernet, USB, an embedded web server, HP Web Jetadmin support, and an 80 GB internal drive. Its listed operating-system support is older, so current driver, security, and print-server compatibility should be tested before deployment.
What are its line-quality specifications?
The supplied specifications list a minimum line width of 0.002 inch, line accuracy of +/- 0.1%, and maximum print quality of 2400 x 1200 DPI.
When should a buyer consider another model in the family?
Consider the HP DesignJet T1120ps 24-in where a smaller print width is sufficient. Review the HP DesignJet T1200 44-in when staying at 44 inches but evaluating another catalog-listed family option, and consider the scanner/MFP version where scanning and copying are required.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet T1120 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.









