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HP DesignJet T520
technical / CAD plotter
- ModelT520
- Score47/100
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 HP DesignJet T520 24-in supports color technical printing up to A1, or 23 x 33 inches.
- HP lists +/-0.1% line accuracy, a relevant specification for technical drawing output.
- Roll and cut-sheet support suit varied day-to-day CAD, PDF, map, and presentation-media work.
Not sure if the T520 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
- Fine detail 2400 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Ink platform Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.
- Connectivity Ethernet for shared team printing.
- Analyst score Scores 47/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
Built for the work
HP Designjet T520, Thermal inkjet, 2400 x 1200 DPI, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, PCL 3, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, 16.3 m/p, 9.3 m/p
- 4Ink channels
- 2,400 dpiMax resolution
- 12 moIncluded warranty
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
Where it performs best
Connections
100
Size / Fit
88
Print Quality
65
Class best is 63. How we grade →
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The HP DesignJet T520 24-in supports color technical printing up to A1, or 23 x 33 inches.
- HP lists +/-0.1% line accuracy, a relevant specification for technical drawing output.
- Roll and cut-sheet support suit varied day-to-day CAD, PDF, map, and presentation-media work.
- Its rated speed needs workflow context because loading, processing, trimming, and collection affect finished-set turnaround.
- The HP DesignJet T830 24-in is the in-family option to examine when scanning and copying are required.
- The HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in is a better fit when wider output and dual-roll operation become operational requirements.
Someone is standing by the output tray with a permit sheet, a marked-up detail, or a color coordination plan due before 5 p.m. The HP DesignJet T520 24-in is built for that kind of small-office AEC work: color drawings, cut sheets, and roll output without turning a desk area into a print room.
This is a current 24-inch thermal-inkjet printer for teams whose wide-format work is real but intermittent. It handles A1 output up to 23 x 33 inches, accepts roll and cut-sheet media, and supports HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, and PCL 3. That combination suits CAD drawings and PDF plan sheets. It is not the machine to feed a construction-document rush all afternoon. Nothing personal. Paper has limits.
A1 (23" x 33" (594 x 841 mm))Maximum print sizeFits common small-format architectural and engineering sheet output.
+/-0.1%Line accuracyRelevant when drawings need dependable dimensional consistency.
9.3 m/pNormal-quality print speedHP-rated speed; actual set turnaround also depends on file processing and media handling.
75 lbs (34 kg)Printer weightA manageable size for a studio, site office, or departmental work area.
Where the T520 earns its floor space
The T520 makes sense for a small architecture practice, a consultant’s office, a survey team, or a jobsite group printing review sets and field-ready drawings. Its four-color system—black, cyan, magenta, and yellow—can also support color-coded MEP coordination sheets, GIS maps, and presentation-oriented pages on coated, matte, glossy, or photo media.
Its 4.3-inch display, USB Type-A port, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi give users several practical ways to submit work. Mac compatibility is included, alongside listed Windows and Linux support. The 1,024 MB of internal memory is useful context for ordinary CAD and PDF jobs, although complex files still deserve a trial before a deadline decides to become educational.
Bottom line: It fits teams that need controlled, occasional wide-format output near the people doing the work.
The operational limits matter
The maximum roll length is 24 inches, with a maximum roll diameter of 3.9 inches. That points to shorter runs and regular operator attention rather than long unattended plan-set production. The listed normal-quality speed is 9.3 m/p and best-quality speed is 16.3 m/p, but rated travel speed is not the same thing as finished-set throughput. File preparation, roll loading, trimming, and collecting sheets still happen in the real world.
The 0.197-inch roll margin and 0.012-inch maximum media thickness should also be checked against the actual sheets your standards require. For routine bond-paper drawings, the T520 is a sensible fit. For repeated mixed-size issue sets, a single printer can become the bottleneck while everyone suddenly remembers the deadline at once.
Bottom line: This is a workgroup printer, not a substitute for a busy reprographics counter.
How it sits in the HP family
Within the catalog, the HP DesignJet T525 24-in and HP DesignJet T530 24-in are the closest same-format alternatives to review when replacing an existing compact printer. The HP DesignJet T630 24-in and HP DesignJet T650 24-in are also current 24-inch thermal-inkjet options with the same stated maximum resolution. Compare the workflow details that affect your office rather than assuming a newer number fixes an old workflow.
If your requirement includes an integrated scanner and copy workflow, the HP DesignJet T830 24-in is the relevant in-family model to examine. If output volume and roll changes are the real pain point, the 36-inch, dual-roll HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in is the more appropriate conversation. It occupies a different operational class.
For supplies, confirm availability of HP 711 inks, the HP 711 printhead, and applicable maintenance items before standardizing a fleet.
Bottom line: Move beyond the T520 when scanning, wider sheets, dual-roll operation, or sustained production is the actual job.
Related comparisons
HP DesignJet T525 24-inReview the closest catalog alternative in the same compact format.HP DesignJet T830 24-inConsider this model when scan-and-copy workflow is part of the requirement.HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-inA wider dual-roll option for heavier document-production demands.Wide-format class rankingSee where this printer sits among comparable technical-printing devices.
The read
The HP DesignJet T520 24-in is a practical current choice for low-to-moderate AEC plotting where a 24-inch printer, color output, and ordinary roll or cut-sheet work are enough. Its compact footprint and network options fit a studio or site office well. The trade-off is capacity: once plan sets become frequent, wider, scanner-led, or dependent on unattended media changes, the workflow has outgrown this machine. Bottom line: Buy it for nearby, occasional technical output—not for the week the bid room stops sleeping.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
- This printer
- Epson SureColor T5475
Category leaders best technical / CAD plotters, by dimension
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Print technology | Thermal inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 1200manufacturer-verified |
| Printing colors | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, PCL 3 |
| Internal memory | 1024 MB |
| Maximum print size | A1 (594 x 841 mm) |
| Media thickness | up to 15manufacturer-verified |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.9" (9.9 cm) |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Sound level (printing) | 48 dB |
| Power consumption | 35 W |
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 resolution2400 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 | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, 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 | 1024 MB |
| Maximum internal memory | 1024 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 | 75 lbs (34 kg) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 38.9 x 20.9 x 36.7" (987 x 530 x 932 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 |
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 | 110.2 lbs (50 kg) |
|---|---|
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 44.2 x 22.7 x 24.6" (1123 x 577 x 626 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 T520
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 · 39 paper & media items · 3 accessories · 6 coverage plans
HP DesignJet T520 ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet T520 — 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 31
Representative image8 Mil Microporous Gloss Self-Adhesive PolypropyleneRepresentative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adhesive Vinyl (3" AC)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-pack
HP Universal Bond Paper, 2-packRepresentative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 4-packRepresentative imageKODAK Production Matte Paper / 170g (Pallet only)Representative imageKODAK Production Matte Paper / 170gRepresentative imageMagic 4mil DM Inkjet Film (JR440IJME)Representative imageMagic 4mil Inkjet Clear Film w/ Side Stripe (DMCF4HPS)
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 CG459A photo paper Matte
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)
Coverage & Support Plans 6
Hp 2 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support For Hp T5Xx (24 In (U1W22E)Hp 2 Year Post Wty Next Business Day Onsite Hw Support For Hp T5Xx (24 (U1V91PE)
Hp 3 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support For Hp T5Xx (24 In (U1W23E)
Hp 4Y Nbd T520-24In Hw Support,T520-24In,4 Years Of Hardware (U1W24E)
Hp 5 Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support For Hp T5Xx (24 In (U1W25E)
Hp 1Y Pw Nbd T520-24In Hw Supp (U1V90PE)Questions
Straight answers
What AEC work is the HP DesignJet T520 24-in best suited to?
It suits occasional color CAD drawings, PDF plan sheets, field markups, GIS maps, and presentation-oriented output in a small office or site environment. Its maximum print size is A1, 23 x 33 inches.
Can the T520 print from a network?
Yes. It has Ethernet LAN with a single RJ-45 port, Wi-Fi, and a USB Type-A port. Listed network support includes IPv6.
What drawing languages does it support?
The listed page description languages are HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, and PCL 3. Those matter for common technical-document workflows and CAD-oriented output.
Is this a good choice for heavy plan-set production?
It may be less appropriate for sustained production work. Its maximum roll length is 24 inches and maximum roll diameter is 3.9 inches, so media changes and operator involvement deserve consideration.
When should I consider the HP DesignJet T830 24-in instead?
Consider the HP DesignJet T830 24-in when an integrated scanner and multifunction workflow are requirements. The T520 product data establishes printing connectivity and media support, but does not list scanning capability.
Which consumables should buyers verify for this printer?
Confirm support and local availability for HP 711 inks, the HP 711 printhead, and the applicable listed maintenance supplies. Supply availability and service arrangements can materially affect the ownership experience.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet T520 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.