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HP DesignJet T120
24" technical / CAD plotter
- ModelT120
- Prints24" wide
- Score38/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
1-year warranty includedExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The HP DesignJet T120 is a compact A1 color thermal-inkjet printer for small-office AEC output.
- Its stated +/-0.1% line accuracy and 1200 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution suit detailed drawings and color coordination documents.
- Roll and cut-sheet support help with varied jobs, but the single-roll workflow requires manual media changes.
Not sure if the T120 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 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Ink platform Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.
- Connectivity Ethernet for shared team printing.
- Verified specs 10 specs checked against the manufacturer datasheet.
- Analyst score Scores 38/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet T120 24-in Printer, Thermal inkjet, 1200 x 1200 DPI, PCL 3, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, 16.3 m/p, 9.3 m/p
- 24″Max print width
- 269 ft²/hRated speed
- 4Ink channels
- 1,200 dpiMax resolution
- 12 moIncluded warranty
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Where it performs best
Size / Fit
99
Print Quality
65
Media Handling
41
Class best is 60. How we grade →
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The HP DesignJet T120 is a compact A1 color thermal-inkjet printer for small-office AEC output.
- Its stated +/-0.1% line accuracy and 1200 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution suit detailed drawings and color coordination documents.
- Roll and cut-sheet support help with varied jobs, but the single-roll workflow requires manual media changes.
- Rated print speed does not account for PDF processing, roll changes, or mixed-job intervention.
- The HP DesignJet T830 24-in is the more relevant in-family option when scanning and copying are required.
- IT should validate current driver requirements because the documented operating-system list includes older platforms.
At 4:45 p.m., the person at the output tray usually needs one thing: a readable A1 drawing for tomorrow’s coordination meeting. The HP DesignJet T120 is a compact color thermal-inkjet printer for that sort of small-office AEC work—occasional plan sheets, markups, GIS maps, presentation layouts, and cut-sheet documents without handing every job to a reprographics shop.
It prints from roll media and cut sheets, supports bond, coated, matte, glossy, photo, plain, and recycled papers, and connects by Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. Its four-color system handles black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. This is a practical desk-side plotter, not a print-room production engine. Keep that distinction clear and the T120 makes sense.
A1 (23" x 33" (594 x 841 mm))Maximum print sizeFits common small-format technical and presentation output.
+/-0.1%Line accuracyRelevant when drawing scale and dimensional consistency matter.
1200 x 1200 DPIMaximum resolutionSupports detailed linework and color graphics.
56.2 lbs (25.5 kg)Printer weightA manageable size for an office location with suitable support.
Where the T120 earns its space
The T120 fits a small architecture studio, a satellite engineering office, a survey team, or a construction trailer that needs color drawings on demand. The 4.3-inch display gives the operator a local control point, while Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB offer sensible submission paths for a mixed office. PCL 3 is the documented page-description language.
For technical output, the useful figures are the stated +/-0.1% line accuracy and 1200 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution. Those specifications matter when fine CAD lines, annotations, utility overlays, and color-coded coordination layers have to stay legible. They do not eliminate the usual discipline: check the PDF, confirm the intended scale, and use media suited to the job. A plotter cannot rescue a bad viewport. I have tried.
HP lists normal-quality print speed at 9.3 m/p and best-quality speed at 16.3 m/p. Treat those as rated conditions, not a promise for a mixed batch of PDFs. File processing, media changes, and the person who remembers one more sheet after the job starts all affect the real deadline.
Bottom line: The T120 is credible for intermittent, small-office AEC plotting where convenience matters more than unattended output volume.
Estimate rated plot time for a planned run, then leave room for file processing, paper handling, and the inevitable last-minute revision.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 269 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
The limits are operational, not mysterious
This machine has one printhead, four cartridges, 256 MB of internal memory, and a single roll position. That points to a straightforward workflow: load the media needed for the next job, print it, and change media when the work changes. It is not the machine to park beside a high-volume bid room and expect it to sort out a stack of mixed paper sizes by itself.
There is no scanning function in the supplied data, so firms regularly copying redlines, converting legacy drawings, or issuing field markups should look toward the HP DesignJet T830 24-in instead. Firms needing a wider output format can consider the HP T520 33-in. For a newer 24-inch in-family alternative with a higher listed maximum resolution, review the HP DesignJet T210 24-in.
Consumables include HP 711 inks and the HP 711 printhead. Before ordering supplies, confirm the cartridge and printhead configuration installed in the specific unit. The documented operating-system list includes older Windows, Windows Server, Mac OS X, and Linux environments; IT should validate present-day driver and network requirements before deployment.
Bottom line: One roll and no scanner are fine for a focused office workflow; they become the failure mode when several people need different media at once.
What IT and print-room staff should check first
The T120 has Fast Ethernet through one RJ-45 port, Wi-Fi, one USB 2.0 port, and IPv6 support. It is ENERGY STAR certified and is specified for 100–240V, 50/60Hz power. Its stated printing sound-pressure level is 48 dB, which is reasonable context for placing it near people rather than in a dedicated reprographics room.
Ask who will load rolls, clear media issues, manage HP 711 inks, and validate output from the office’s CAD and PDF workflow. Also check the available desk or stand location: the printer measures 38.9 x 20.9 x 11.2 inches and weighs 56.2 lbs. A compact footprint is useful. It is not permission to put the plotter on a wobbly filing cabinet.
For broader context, see the technical-printer class ranking and compare the T120’s role with other catalogued options before treating resolution alone as a buying decision.
Bottom line: The T120 is easiest to live with when ownership of media, drivers, and routine upkeep is clear before the first permit set lands.
Compare the right workflow, not just the spec column
HP DesignJet T210 24-inA current 24-inch in-family alternative with a higher listed maximum resolution.HP DesignJet T830 24-inFor teams whose workflow includes scanning and copying as well as printing.HP T520 33-inFor offices that need a wider listed output format.Technical printer class rankingSee where this type of machine sits within the catalogued class.
The read
The HP DesignJet T120 belongs in a small AEC office that needs dependable, on-demand A1 color output from roll or cut-sheet media and can live with a one-roll, print-only workflow. It is less appropriate for sustained plan-set production, frequent media switching, or redline scanning. Buy it for the person who needs a drawing nearby before close of business—not for the print room that never gets to close.
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 media width | 24 in (610 mm) |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | up to 1200 x 1200 optimized |
| Print technology | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Ink cartridges / printhead | 4 cartridges (CMYK); 1 print head, 1376 nozzles |
| Internal memory | 256 MB |
| Connectivity | Fast Ethernet (100Base-T), Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi |
| Page description language | HP PCL 3 GUI, JPEG |
| Maximum roll length | 74.7 in (1897 mm) |
| Dimensions / weight | 38.9 x 20.9 x 11.2 in (987 x 530 x 285 mm); 56.2 lb (25.5 kg)manufacturer-verified |
| Typical power / warranty | < 35 watts; one-year limited hardware warrantymanufacturer-verified |
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
Print technologyThermal inkjet
Max resolution1200 x 1200 DPI
ColorColor
ConnectivityEthernet (Gigabit LAN), USB
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 1 |
| Printing colors | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Print technology | Thermal inkjet |
| Maximum resolution | 1200 x 1200 DPI |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | PCL 3 |
| Print speed (best quality) | 16.3 m/p |
| Print speed (normal quality) | 9.3 m/p |
Performance
| Display | 4.3'' |
|---|---|
| Certification | FCC, ICES, EMC/R&TTE, ACMA, RSM, CCC, VCCI, KCC, WEEE, RoHS, REACH, EuP, FEMP |
| Internal memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum internal memory | 256 MB |
| Sound power level (standby) | 16 dB |
| Sound pressure level (printing) | 48 dB |
Paper handling
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roll paper | Yes |
| Media thickness | 0.29972 mm |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Maximum print size | A1 (594 x 841 mm) |
| Maximum roll length | 24" (0.61 m) |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.9" (9.9 cm) |
| Paper tray media types | Bond paper, Coated paper, Cut sheet, Glossy paper, Matte paper, Photo paper, Plain paper, Recycled paper, Roll |
| ISO A-series sizes (A0…A9) | A1, A2, A3, A4 |
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 LAN data rates | 10/100 Base-T(X) |
| Ethernet interface type | Fast Ethernet |
| Supported network protocols | IPv6 |
Weight & dimensions
| Weight | 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 38.9 x 20.9 x 11.2" (987 x 530 x 285 mm) |
Power
| Power requirements | 100 – 240V, 50/60Hz |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (standby) | 0.3 W |
| Power consumption (typical) | 35 W |
| Power consumption (PowerSave) | 4.5 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -25 – 55 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 41 – 104 °F |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
Other features
| Safety | CSA, LVD, EN, GOST, PSB, CCC, NYCE |
|---|---|
| Photo paper | Yes |
| Coated paper | Yes |
| Glossy paper | Yes |
| Line accuracy | +/-0.1% |
| Wireless technology | Wi-Fi |
| Minimum system requirements | Intel Pentium AMD K6/Athlon/Duron 1GB RAM 1GB HDD |
| Compliance industry standards | IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u |
Packaging data
| Package weight | 66.1 lbs (30 kg) |
|---|---|
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 44.9 x 24.4 x 16.3" (1141 x 620 x 415 mm) |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
System requirements
| Mac compatibility | Yes |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Windows 7 Ultimate (32/64bit) Windows 7 Professional (32/64bit) Windows 7 Home Premium (32/64bit) Windows Vista Ultimate (32/64bit) Windows Vista Business (32/64bit) Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64bit) Windows XP Professional SP3+ (32/64bit) Windows XP Home SP3+ (32/64bit) Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2008 (32/64bit) Windows Server 2003 (32/64bit) Mac OS X v10.6, v10.7, v 10.8 Linux |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet T120
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
14 ink cartridges · 1 printhead · 27 paper & media items · 3 accessories
HP DesignJet T120 ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet T120 610mm ePrinter — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 14
HP Premium Gloss 610 mm x 15.2 m (24 in x 50 ft)
HP 711 2-pack 80-ml Black Ink Cartridges
HP 711 3-pack 29-ml Cyan/Magenta/Yellow Ink Cartridges
HP 711 29-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge
HP 711 3-pack 29-ml Cyan Ink Cartridges
HP 711 29-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 711 3-pack 29-ml Yellow Ink Cartridges
HP 711 3-pack 29-ml Magenta Ink Cartridges
HP 711 29-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 711 80-ml Black Ink Cartridge
HP 711 38-ml Black Ink Cartridge
HP 711B 38-ml Black Ink Cartridge
HP 711B 2-Pack 80-ml Black Ink Cartridges
HP 711B 80-ml Black Ink CartridgePrintheads 1
Paper & Media 27
Representative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)Representative imageHP Universal Gloss Photo Paper
HP Universal Coated PaperRepresentative imageHP Universal Bond Paper, 4-packRepresentative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 4-packRepresentative imageMagic 36LB Heavyweight Coated Inkjet Paper (JS036)Representative imageMagic 98gsm/26# Coated Matte Paper (DMPG98)Representative imageMagic 4mil Inkjet Clear Film w/ Side Stripe (DMCF4HPS)Representative image6.5mil Matte Coated Paper w/ PSA (746PSA)
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 Q5487A photo paper Black, Blue, White
HP Q6579A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q1442A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1445A printing paper Matte
HP Q7897A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1446A plotter paper 45 m 42 cm
HP CH022A printing film
HP Premium Gloss 25 sht/A3+/330 x 483 mm (13 x 19 in) White
HP Premium Gloss 20 sht/A2+/458 x 610 mm (18 x 24 in)
HP Premium Satin 610 mm x 15.2 m (24 in x 50 ft) White
HP Premium Satin 25 sht/A3+/330 x 483 mm (13 x 19 in) White
HP Premium Satin 20 sht/A2+/458 x 610 mm (18 x 24 in) White
HP 2-pack Everyday Adhesive Matte Polypropylene-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
Questions
Straight answers
What AEC work is the HP DesignJet T120 suited to?
It suits intermittent A1 drawings, CAD plots, PDF plan sheets, GIS maps, presentation layouts, and color-coded coordination documents in a small office or field location. It supports roll media and cut sheets.
Can the T120 print detailed technical drawings accurately?
The supplied specification lists +/-0.1% line accuracy and 1200 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution. Those figures support fine technical linework, but users should still verify PDF scaling and media selection for the job.
Does the HP DesignJet T120 scan or copy drawings?
No scanning or copying capability is stated in the supplied data. Teams that need those functions should consider the HP DesignJet T830 24-in.
How can users connect to the printer?
The T120 supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet LAN through one RJ-45 port, and USB. Its Ethernet interface is Fast Ethernet, and IPv6 is listed among supported network protocols.
Which inks and printhead does the T120 use?
Compatible consumables include HP 711 inks and the HP 711 printhead. Confirm the installed cartridge and printhead configuration before ordering supplies for a specific unit.
Is the T120 appropriate for a busy bid-room environment?
It may be less appropriate where several users need frequent media changes, sustained plan-set output, or unattended production. Its supplied data lists one printhead and does not describe dual-roll, scanning, stacking, or finishing capability.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet T120 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.