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HP DesignJet T1600 MFP
36" color graphics & photo printer
- ModelT1600 MFP
- Prints36" wide
- Score74/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
1-year warranty includedExtendable to 5 years
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The 36-inch format and support for common AEC file languages make this model suited to CAD, PDF, GIS, and construction-document output.
- Its six-color system includes both photo black and matte black plus gray, which is relevant to drawings containing screened fills and color coordination information.
- The supplied stand and media bin support a defined departmental plot area, but the 180.8 lb unit needs planned floor space.
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- Wide-format reach Prints up to 36" wide on rolls and sheets.
- Fine detail 2400 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Productivity Rated at 180 A1/hr, 19.3 sec/A1.
- Ink platform Cyan, Photo black, Matte black, Magenta, Yellow, Gray.
- Analyst score Scores 74/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
A 36-inch six-ink plotter tuned for the way a plan set actually leaves the print room
The HP DesignJet T1600 36-in PostScript Plus Edition is a current, flagship-tier wide-format printer built for firms that push CAD drawings, permit sets and coordination plots through the same machine all day. It runs a six-ink set — cyan, magenta, yellow, gray, and both photo and matte black — at up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. That gray channel matters more than the spec sheet suggests: it does the quiet work of holding neutral linework and half-tone shading without the greenish cast a single-black plotter can leave on ordinary bond. On the media we’d put every plotter on, that’s where readable redlines and clean small text live.
- Multidisciplinary practices running mixed monochrome and color plan sets on bond and coated stock
- Teams handling layered BIM and CAD output, where the Adobe PDF Print Engine renders complex PDFs predictably
- Print rooms needing sorted, flat output — HP rates the integrated stacker at up to 100 pages
- IT-supported environments using HP Security Manager, Web Jetadmin and user authentication
Where it’s less appropriate: single-roll operation means frequent media swaps for shops juggling bond and vellum constantly — the HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in adds a second roll. Need scanning and copying? Step outside this model. Want a wider carriage? The HP DesignJet T1700 44-in is the in-family answer.
- 36″Max print width
- 6Ink channels
- 2,400 dpiMax resolution
- 12 moIncluded warranty
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Where it performs best
Workflow
100
Size / Fit
86
Media Handling
80
Class best is 82. How we grade →
At a glance
- Print width
- 36 in (rolls and cut sheets)
- Ink set
- Six inks — cyan, magenta, yellow, gray, photo black, matte black
- Maximum resolution
- 2400 x 1200 dpi
- Page description languages
- PostScript 3, PDF 1.7, HP-GL/2, TIFF, JPEG, HP-RTL, CALS G4
- Custom media sizes
- 8.3 x 11 in up to 36 x 48 in
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi Direct, direct printing, HP ePrint
- Footprint (W x D x H)
- 54.7 x 29.9 x 42.5 in; 180.8 lbs
- Software & security
- HP Click, HP Web Jetadmin, HP Security Manager, HP Build Workspace, optional HP SmartStream; ENERGY STAR certified
Ideal for: mid-to-high-volume AEC print rooms producing mixed mono/color plan sets from CAD and BIM, where sorted, flat output and reliable PDF rendering matter. Not the tool for: teams needing integrated scanning, constant dual-media switching, or a 44-inch carriage.
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The 36-inch format and support for common AEC file languages make this model suited to CAD, PDF, GIS, and construction-document output.
- Its six-color system includes both photo black and matte black plus gray, which is relevant to drawings containing screened fills and color coordination information.
- The supplied stand and media bin support a defined departmental plot area, but the 180.8 lb unit needs planned floor space.
- The HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in is the more relevant in-family alternative when frequent roll switching is a priority.
- The HP DesignJet T1700 44-in is the relevant in-family direction for routine 44-inch output.
- HP Web Jetadmin, HP Security Manager, and HP dynamic security make IT policy and supply approval part of the buying decision.
A coordination drawing is only useful if the gray structural background stays quiet, the cyan mechanical route holds its edge, and a subcontractor can read the smallest revision cloud without leaning over the plan table. The HP DesignJet T1600 36-in PostScript Printer Plus Edition is a color, 36-inch AEC printer built around that everyday mix: CAD linework, PDF sets, GIS sheets, marked-up plans, and occasional presentation output.
Its direct support for PostScript 3, PDF 1.7, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, TIFF, JPEG, and CALS G4 matters in real document environments where files arrive from more than one authoring system. This is a business-segment device for teams that want an office-resident plotting workflow, not simply a large-format photo printer with a CAD driver attached.
2400 x 1200 DPIMaximum resolutionSpecified for color and maximum resolution.
36" x 48" (914 x 1219 mm)Maximum custom media size
54.7" (1390 mm)Installed footprintPrinter width.
10 WSleep power consumption
Where it fits in an AEC document room
The six-color ink system—cyan, photo black, matte black, magenta, yellow, and gray—gives this model a more deliberate tonal toolkit than a basic four-color plotter. On ordinary bond, that combination is relevant to drawings with screened fills, gray aerial imagery, phasing diagrams, and color-coded MEP coordination. Resolution alone does not prove color fidelity; there is no measured ICC gamut result in the supplied data, so it would be unhelpful to turn the 2400 x 1200 DPI specification into a broader color claim.
It is particularly well suited to architecture, engineering, surveying, and construction teams that need to submit varied file types directly and keep routine output close to the project team. HP Click App, HP Click Driver for Windows 11, HP App, HP Web Jetadmin, and HP Security Manager support a mix of operator submission, fleet oversight, and IT administration. Wi-Fi Direct and HP ePrint add flexible access, while direct printing can reduce the detour through a workstation for suitable files.
Media, footprint, and the operational trade-off
The supplied stand and media bin make the printer a more practical departmental installation than a desktop-format device. It accepts listed media from 210 x 279 mm through 36 x 48 inches, including bond, coated, matte, glossy, semi-glossy, satin, photo, and heavy papers. At 29.9 inches deep, 54.7 inches wide, 42.5 inches high, and 180.8 lbs, it needs a defined location rather than an improvised corner beside a project manager’s desk.
The trade-off is capacity flexibility. Firms whose work routinely alternates between roll types or sizes without an operator present should examine the dual-roll HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in. Teams that routinely require 44-inch output should look instead at the HP DesignJet T1700 44-in. Conversely, a buyer comparing the PostScript-oriented configuration with the standard platform can review the T1600 Plus Edition against the HP DesignJet T1600 36-in.
Support, security, and consumables to confirm before purchase
For managed environments, the available HP Web Jetadmin and HP Security Manager software deserves as much attention as the print engine. IT should confirm authentication policy, network configuration, driver deployment, and the workflow for externally supplied PDFs before standardizing the device. HP dynamic security is specified, so procurement should also understand the organization’s approved-supplies policy.
Compatible supplies include HP 730 inks and the HP 727 printhead. Ask the supplying dealer to document the specific cartridge configuration offered, local technician coverage, service response process, and the consumables arrangement. Those details often shape the day-to-day ownership experience more than a brochure feature list.
Compare related AEC plotters
HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-inThe dual-roll alternative for more frequent media switching.HP DesignJet T1700 44-inA wider in-family option for teams that require 44-inch output.Canon GP-300 36-inA catalog-listed 36-inch cross-brand comparison point.View the 36-inch AEC printer rankingPlace this machine in the wider class context.
The read
The HP DesignJet T1600 36-in PostScript Printer Plus Edition is a credible fit for AEC teams needing a 36-inch color device with broad file-language support, direct-print capability, and IT-oriented management tools. It becomes more compelling when PDF, HP-GL/2, and PostScript files coexist in the same project flow. It is less appropriate where uninterrupted switching between media rolls is central to production, or where 44-inch sheets are a routine requirement. Evaluate it as a document-production platform, with local service and workflow testing given equal weight to the specification sheet.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
within color graphics & photo printers · 12 compared
Class best 82 — Epson SureColor T5770DR
84% spec coverage
- This printer
- Epson SureColor T5770DR
Category leaders best color graphics & photo printers, by dimension
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Maximum print width | 36 in |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | Up to 2400 x 1200 optimized dpimanufacturer-verified |
| Print speed | 180 A1/hr, 19.3 sec/A1manufacturer-verified |
| Printing colors | Cyan, Photo black, Matte black, Magenta, Yellow, Gray |
| Number of print cartridges | 6 |
| Page description languages | PostScript 3, PDF 1.7, HP-GL/2, TIFF, JPEG, HP-RTL, CALS G4 |
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 resolution2400 x 1200 DPI
Max print width36"
ColorColor
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Printing colors | Cyan, Photo black, Matte black, Magenta, Yellow, Gray |
| Resolution color | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Number of print cartridges | 6 |
| Page description languages | PostScript 3, PDF 1.7, HP-GL/2, TIFF, JPEG, HP-RTL, CALS G4 |
Performance
| HP segment | Business |
|---|---|
| Certification | Compliant with Class A requirements, including: USA (FCC rules), Canada (ICES), EU (EMC Directive), Australia (ACMA), New Zealand (RSM), China (CCC), Japan (VCCI), Korea (KCC) |
Paper handling
| Custom media sizes | 210 x 279 to 914 x 1219 mm |
|---|---|
| Paper tray media types | Coated paper, Semi-glossy paper, Glossy paper, Bond paper, Photo paper, Matte paper, Heavy paper, Satin paper |
| ISO A-series sizes (A0…A9) | A0, A1, A2, A3, A4 |
Ports & interfaces
| Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
|---|---|
| Direct printing | Yes |
| Mobile printing technologies | HP ePrint |
Technical details
| Box contents | HP DesignJet T1600 Printer, printer stand and media bin, spindle(s)[6], printheads, introductory ink cartridges, user guide, power cords |
|---|
Weight & dimensions
| Depth | 29.9" (760 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 54.7" (1390 mm) |
| Height | 42.5" (1080 mm) |
| Weight | 180.8 lbs (82 kg) |
Power
| AC input frequency | 50/60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (off) | 0.3 W |
| Power consumption (sleep) | 10 W |
Operational conditions
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -25 – 55 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 5 – 35 °C |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
Other features
| UNSPSC-code | 43212104 |
|---|---|
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliant with Class A requirements, including: USA (FCC rules), Canada (ICES), EU (EMC Directive), Australia (ACMA), New Zealand (RSM), China (CCC), Japan (VCCI), Korea (KCC) |
Packaging data
| Package depth | 30.2" (767 mm) |
|---|---|
| Package width | 58.1" (1477 mm) |
| Package height | 31.5" (800 mm) |
| Package weight | 249.1 lbs (113 kg) |
| Bundled software | HP Click App, HP App, HP Web Jetadmin, HP Security Manager, HP Click Driver for Windows 11, HP Build Workspace, HP SmartStream (optional) |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
Brand-specific features
| HP GTIN (EAN/UPC) | 199896725804. 199896725811. 199896725828. 199896725835. 199896725842. 199896725859 |
|---|---|
| HP dynamic security | Yes |
| HP GTIN (EAN/UPC) with options | (ABA) 199896725804; (ABG) 199896725811; (ACJ) 199896725828; (B19) 199896725835; (B1K) 199896725842; (BCD) 199896725859 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet T1600 MFP
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
12 ink cartridges · 12 paper & media items · 6 coverage plans
HP DesignJet T1600 MFP ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet T1600 36-in PostScript Printer Plus Edition — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 12
HP 730 300-ml Matte Black Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Matte Black Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Gray Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Photo Black Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Photo Black Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Gray Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Yellow Ink CartridgePaper & Media 12
Representative image10 Mil Water-resistant Blockout Display FilmRepresentative image11 Mil Water-Resistant Synthetic BannerRepresentative image180gsm Solvent Satin PE PaperRepresentative image200gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image230gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative imageWSL 28LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (448)Representative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)Representative image6 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adhesive PolypropyleneRepresentative image24LB Inkjet Coated Matte Paper Economy (714)Representative image24LB Inkjet Bond Paper (731)Representative image6.5mil Matte Coated Paper w/ PSA (746PSA)Representative image18LB Inkjet Bond Paper (Translucent) (750)Coverage & Support Plans 6
Hp 3 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support W/Dmr For T1600 1 (UC6M2E)Hp 3 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support W/Dmr For T1600 2 (UC6N0E)
Hp 4 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support W/Dmr For T1600 1 (UC6M3E)Hp 4 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support W/Dmr For T1600 2 (UC6N1E)
Hp 5 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support W/Dmr For T1600 1 (UC6M4E)Hp 5 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support W/Dmr For T1600 2 (UC6N2E)Questions
Straight answers
What AEC files can the HP DesignJet T1600 36-in PostScript Printer Plus Edition handle?
Its listed page-description languages are PostScript 3, PDF 1.7, HP-GL/2, TIFF, JPEG, HP-RTL, and CALS G4. That range is useful for offices receiving CAD-derived plots, PDFs, raster maps, and legacy document formats.
Can it print ordinary construction bond as well as presentation media?
Yes. Listed paper types include bond, coated, matte, glossy, semi-glossy, satin, photo, and heavy paper. Media should still be tested against the firm’s actual drawing files and preferred stock.
Is this a good choice for mixed CAD and PDF workflows?
It can be. Direct printing and support for PDF 1.7, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, and PostScript 3 make it relevant to mixed-source workflows; HP Click App and the HP Click Driver for Windows 11 are included in the listed software.
When should I consider the HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in instead?
Consider it when regular switching between media rolls is part of the daily workflow. The catalog identifies the HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in as a dual-roll model.
What supplies should a buyer confirm with the dealer?
The compatible consumables listed for this model include HP 730 inks and the HP 727 printhead. Confirm the offered cartridge configuration, supply policy, and local service arrangement before deployment.
What environmental and power details matter for an office installation?
The specified operating range is 5 – 35 °C and 20 – 80% relative humidity. Sleep power consumption is listed as 10 W, off-mode consumption as 0.3 W, and the printer carries an ENERGY STAR certificate.
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