Home / Wide-Format Printers / HP DesignJet
HP · Wide-Format Plotter
44" color graphics & photo printer
Analyst take
Not sure if the T1700 PS is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
Overview
The HP DesignJet T1700 is a 44-inch, six-ink thermal inkjet plotter aimed at AEC teams that push wide, layered files through the plotter continuously. What the eye notices first on a monochrome set is the neutrality of the grays — the T1700 carries both a Photo black and a Matte black, and HP positions that ink set as delivering accurate lines and neutral grays that hold on bond. The five printing inks are Cyan, Photo black, Matte black, Magenta and Yellow, driven through three printheads at up to 2400 x 1200 dpi.
For print-room and IT staff, the practical draw is file handling. HP rates the T1700 with an embedded Adobe PDF Print Engine so the RIP happens on the printer, freeing the workstation after you hit print — useful when plotting dense civil site plans. A 500 GB self-encrypting drive, PostScript 3, PDF 1.7 and HP-GL/2 support, and 0.1% length accuracy round out a serious workgroup tool. It uses HP 730 inks.
It’s single-roll: firms swapping between bond and vellum mid-run should look at the HP DesignJet T1700dr 44-in for its dual-roll automation, or step down to the 36-inch HP DesignJet T1600 36-in if 44-inch width is rarely needed.
Where it performs best
Class best is 79. How we grade →
At a glance
Ideal for: mid-to-high-volume AEC print rooms plotting large, complex color and monochrome sets from one roll. Not the tool for: firms needing dual-roll media switching (see the T1700dr) or built-in scanning/copying (this model has neither).
Features
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Expert analysis
Key takeaways
Look closely at a monochrome elevation coming off a well-tuned plotter and you can see the difference between a printer that merely lays down black and one that shades it. The HP DesignJet T1700 44-in PostScript is built for the second job. It is a six-cartridge, three-printhead thermal inkjet machine that renders technical work — dense site plans, coordination sets, the occasional rendering board — at up to 44 inches wide, with the kind of neutral grays and clean line edges that make a print-room operator relax.
The reason to read past the spec sheet: this is a workhorse aimed squarely at firms whose files have gotten heavy, and whose deadlines have not gotten softer.
The T1700 runs a five-ink chemistry — Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, plus both Photo black and Matte black — on the HP 730 ink family. In AEC work the payoff isn’t in a saturated red; it’s in the grays. The difference shows up where blueprints live: in the transition from a fine hairline to a heavy border, where a printer with dedicated black management holds the line crisp instead of letting it bloom. HP rates the machine at 2400 x 1200 DPI; we haven’t run measured ICC gamut on this unit, so I’ll stay honest and say the color story here is about neutral, readable technical output rather than photographic breadth. If your work is presentation photography first and drawings second, weigh that carefully.
Dimensional accuracy is quoted at 0.1%, which matters when a surveyor or structural engineer scales off a print. On the media we’d expect this class to handle — bond, coated, and the heavier stocks up to 0.031″ thick — that tolerance is what keeps a plotted dimension trustworthy.
AEC users consistently describe the T1700 as a reliable large-file machine, and the reason is architectural: HP builds in an Adobe PDF Print Engine (an HP-claimed feature) so the printer does its own raster processing. In practice that means your workstation is free again moments after you hit print, instead of hanging while a layered PDF churns. Anyone who has watched an entry-level plotter choke on a multi-sheet coordination set will understand why that matters. It supports PostScript 3, PDF 1.7, HP-GL/2, TIFF, JPEG and CALS G4, with a 500 GB self-encrypting internal drive and HP JetAdvantage Security Manager for firms that treat drawing files as controlled data.
The 116 pph A1 figure is HP’s mechanical rating — treat it as a ceiling, not a guarantee. Real productive throughput on a mixed plan set depends on roll changes, drying and collation. Use the estimator below to sanity-check against your own sheet counts.
Enter your typical sheet count and size to estimate a realistic plotting window — based on the HP-rated A1 speed, not a best-case single sheet.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 781 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
The T1700 is a strong fit for a mid-to-large practice that has outgrown a single-roll 36-inch machine and needs the extra six inches of width for full-size civil sheets and larger boards. If your volume justifies constant media switching, the dual-roll sibling in the same family — the HP DesignJet T1700dr 44-in — adds a second spindle for unattended long runs and automatic paper-source switching; that’s the more sensible choice for a busy central print room. Firms that never plot wider than 36 inches should look down-family at the HP DesignJet T1600 36-in or its dual-roll version and keep the footprint smaller.
Cross-shopping is fair, too. The Canon GP-4000 44-in is the obvious same-class rival; put them side by side on the metrics your workflow actually stresses. And if you want to see where this machine lands against the field, our 44-inch class ranking lays it out.
Worth comparing
The read
The HP DesignJet T1700 44-in PostScript is a dependable technical plotter for firms whose files are heavy and whose accuracy tolerance is tight. Its strengths are practical rather than glamorous: honest neutral grays on drawings, 0.1% dimensional consistency, on-board PDF processing that frees the workstation, and a self-encrypting drive for security-minded offices. Its limits are just as clear — it’s a single-roll machine, so shops running near-continuous mixed sets should step up to the dual-roll model, and buyers chasing photographic color breadth for boards should confirm that gray-focused technical rendering matches their real work. Matched to the right room, it earns its place quietly and keeps earning it.
Spec analysis
Overall performance
within color graphics & photo printers · 10 compared
Class best 79 — Epson SureColor T7770DR
100% spec coverage
Category leaders best color graphics & photo printers, by dimension
Verified specifications
| Maximum print width (roll) | 44 in (1118 mm)manufacturer-verified |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 dpi |
| Print technology | HP thermal inkjet, 6 cartridges, 3 universal printheadsmanufacturer-verified |
| Ink set | Cyan, magenta, yellow, photo black, matte black, gray |
| Print speed (normal, A1) | 116 pph (HP-rated) |
| Ink cartridge sizes | 300 ml, 130 mlmanufacturer-verified |
| Media types | Coated/technical paper, film, photo paper, backlit, self-adhesive |
| Internal storage | 500 GB |
| Connectivity | 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet, USB Type-A host, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 70.9 x 27.4 x 39.3 in |
manufacturer-verified = checked against the manufacturer’s official datasheet, not aggregator data. Everything else is standards-body / catalog data we consider reliable.
Specifications
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 3 |
| Printing colors | Cyan, Photo black, Matte black, Magenta, Yellow |
| Print technology | Thermal inkjet |
| 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, CALS G4, URF |
| Print speed (normal quality, A1) | 116 pph |
| 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), South Africa (SABS) |
| Storage media | HDD |
| Country of origin | China, Thailand |
| Internal storage capacity | 500 GB |
| Sound power level (standby) | 5 dB |
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roll paper | Yes |
| Media thickness | 0.8 mm |
| Roll top margin | 0.118" (3 mm) |
| Print margin roll | 0.118" (3 mm) |
| Custom media sizes | 210 x 279 to 1118 x 1676 mm |
| Maximum print size | 1118 x 1676 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 |
| USB port | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| USB connector | USB Type-A |
| Direct printing | Yes |
| RJ-45 ports quantity | 1 |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Mobile printing technologies | HP ePrint |
| Box contents | HP DesignJet T1700 Printer, printheads, ink cartridges, printer stand, spindle, setup poster, introductory information, warranty, power cords, label kits |
|---|
| Depth | 27.4" (695 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.9" (1802 mm) |
| Height | 39.3" (998 mm) |
| Weight | 196 lbs (88.9 kg) |
| AC input voltage | 100 – 240 V |
|---|---|
| AC input frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption (off) | 0.1 W |
| Power consumption (sleep) | 0.3 W |
| Power consumption (standby) | 24 W |
| Power consumption (typical) | 100 W |
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -25 – 55 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 5 – 40 °C |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
| UNSPSC-code | 43212107 |
|---|---|
| Maximum internal memory | 128 GB |
| 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), South Africa (SABS) |
| Copying | No |
|---|
| Accuracy | 0.1% |
|---|---|
| Scanning | No |
| Harmonized System (HS) code | 84433210 |
|---|
| Package depth | 30.3" (770 mm) |
|---|---|
| Package width | 77" (1955 mm) |
| Package height | 28" (710 mm) |
| Package weight | 277.8 lbs (126 kg) |
| Bundled software | HP Click App, HP Utility for Mac and Windows, HP WebJet Admin, HP Embedded Web Server, HP JetAdvantage Security Manager, HP Partner Link, HP MPS, HP Click Driver for Windows 11 |
| Sustainability compliance | Yes |
|---|---|
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
| Total carbon footprint (kg of CO2e) | 650 |
|---|---|
| Carbon emissions, logistics (kg of CO2e) | 39 |
| Carbon emissions, end-of-life (kg of CO2e) | 29 |
| Carbon emissions, manufacturing (kg of CO2e) | 538 |
| Total carbon emissions, w/o use phase (kg of CO2e) | 49 |
| HP dynamic security | Yes |
|---|
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet T1700 PS
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
12 ink cartridges · 15 paper & media items · 3 accessories · 7 coverage plans
HP DesignJet T1700 PS ink and paper →Supplies
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet T1700 44-in PostScript Printer — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
HP 730 130-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Matte Black Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Gray Ink Cartridge
HP 730 130-ml Photo Black Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Matte Black Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Gray Ink Cartridge
HP 730 300-ml Photo Black Ink Cartridge
Representative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)Representative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 36 in x 300 ft (C6810A)Representative image10 Mil Water-resistant Blockout Display FilmRepresentative image10 Mil White Opaque BackerRepresentative image11 Mil Water-Resistant Synthetic BannerRepresentative image15 Mil Water-Resistant Econo Scrim VinylRepresentative image16 Mil WR Opaque Scrim Vinyl (3″ AC)Representative image180gsm Solvent Satin PE PaperRepresentative image200gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image230gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image5 Mil Polycarbonate LaminateRepresentative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)Representative image6 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adhesive PolypropyleneRepresentative image24LB Inkjet Coated Matte Paper Economy (714)
HP Q6581A photo paper
HP 1 year Post Warranty, 4-hour response, 9×5 plus Defective Media Retention Support (U9QS6PE)HP 1 year Post Warranty Next Business Day Onsite HW Support w/DMR for T1700 1 roll
HP 3 year 4-hour response, 9×5 plus Defective Media Retention Support (U9QR5E)
Hp 3 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hw Support W/Defective Media Retention For De (U9QQ6E)
HP Preventive Maintenance Hardware Support (U1XV4E)
Hp 2Y Nbd + Dmr Dj T1700 2 Roll Hw Supp (U9QS8E)
HP Network Installation Service for High-end and MidrangeQuestions
No — it is a single-roll 44-inch machine. If you need two rolls and automatic source switching for unattended runs, the HP DesignJet T1700dr 44-in in the same family adds that.
No. It is a print-only device. If you need integrated wide-format scanning, HP offers the separate HP HD Pro 42-in Scanner as a compatible accessory.
It uses the HP 730 ink family across a six-cartridge, three-printhead configuration in CMY plus Photo black and Matte black. HP Q1406B covers maintenance supply.
That is HP’s mechanical A1 rating in normal mode and represents a ceiling. Actual productive time depends on file processing, roll changes, drying and collation, so estimate against your real sheet mix rather than the headline figure.
The Canon GP-4000 44-in is a current same-class 44-inch rival at the same 2400 x 1200 DPI. Compare them on the workflow factors you actually stress — file handling, media flexibility and service coverage in your area.
It ships with a 500 GB self-encrypting hard drive and supports HP JetAdvantage Security Manager and Embedded Web Server controls, which HP positions for security-minded workgroups.
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.
