Performance & Convenience
The Z5400 is the only device in our top 3 that sustains double rolls in its feeder. 2 rolls indicates two times the active print time in between paper refills, considering that the printer automatically changes in between them mid-job. It's likewise instead large for a spending plan printer, sustaining rolls up to 44 inches throughout-- only 4 printers we reviewed assistance wider prints, and they cost in between two and 10 times as much.
The Designjet also supports indeterminate printing at resolutions approximately 2400 x 1200 dpi, the exact same density as our top pick. To place that number in perspective, it computes out to 2.88 million dots of shade per square inch of paper. Denser resolutions imply finer slopes with less banding, but there's a drawback: Printing at such high quality is a fastidiously sluggish process.
Draft print rates typically aren't specifically sell-able, however, so you're looking at just a fraction of that speed for a decent-quality print. While the output looks fantastic, it's much as well slow-moving to be used as a significant centerpiece in a preferred print store; you just won't be able to churn out copies quickly sufficient to meet need.
Extra Functions
The Designjet includes an incorporated 320GB hard drive, which is useful if you intend to pack in a long print job that takes advantage of those several rolls and then disconnect your computer or use it for other tasks. It does not, however, included an integrated scanner, which means you can not use the device as a multifunction gadget. The hard disk drive is purely for filling big picture files or multi-roll works that occupy lots of digital space.
Given that the Z5400 could deal with edge-to-edge prints, it does not need a leaner for the appropriate as well as left sides of each sheet. Instead, it utilizes a simple page cutter that could chop with most media you may feed via it, with 2 exceptions: polypropylene banners and heavy materials such as canvas, both of which are simply as well thick for the blade.
Supported Media
HP developed the Z5400 to deal with a varied variety of media, from easy bond paper or satin paper to more unique materials like adhesive-backed paper, clear film, and also the aforementioned canvas as well as vinyl. It utilizes pigment-based inks to publish, which are significantly much more durable than dye-based inks but still won't stand up to hard weathering. As with all pigment-based printers, we suggest making use of the Z5400 for indoor works instead of outside banners or other prints that should stand up to the components.
Summary
Purchasing a machine that could manage large-format printing with a dual-roll feed and also a 44-inch roll width usually suggests spending a pretty penny, which is why the Designjet is such an attractive choice. Sluggish though it may be, it provides borderless printing, a hands-on sheet bypass, automated roll changing and also pigment-based inks for greater long life, all for much less compared to $5,000. As the kids's story shows us, slow-moving as well as steady frequently wins the race; if you do not need exceptionally rapid turnarounds on substantial print works, it's worth considering this turtle.
It's also rather large for a budget plan printer, sustaining rolls up to 44 inches across-- only 4 printers we evaluated support larger prints, and they set you back between 2 and 10 times as a lot.
Draft print rates aren't exactly salable, nevertheless, so you're looking at simply a fraction of that speed for a decent-quality print. The Designjet comes with an integrated 320GB tough drive, which is helpful if you want to fill in a lengthy print job that makes use of those several rolls and also after that detach your computer or utilize it for other tasks. As with all pigment-based printers, we recommend using the Z5400 for interior jobs instead than outside banners or various other prints that require to stand up to the components.
