The HP DesignJet T1600 vs the Canon ImagePROGRAF TM-355: some of the key distinctions you should know

Even if you have already determined you will probably be choosing between a Canon and a HP wide-format printer in your search for the most suitable 36-inch device, you will still have a lot of options to whittle down.

So, in today’s blog article, our team at Prizma Graphics decided we would make that task slightly easier by providing a direct comparison between the Canon ImagePROGRAF TM-355 and HP’s DesignJet T1600 model.

Two impressive printers to support your projects – but certain differences are worth keeping in mind

The respective Canon and HP models in this matchup certainly have their admirers. Those who opt for the Canon TM-355, for instance, can look forward to achieving brilliant-quality, professional-looking prints with the help of five ink colours, including the Japanese brand’s new magenta ink. The HP device, meanwhile, offers ease of use, performance, and security.

So, whether the specific Canon or HP wide-format printer that you buy will be used in an educational setting, a retail one, or an AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) office, you can expect a relatively smooth user experience and impressive results from either model.

However, there are some other aspects that you may easily miss when comparing the T1600 to the TM-355, and that could have significant implications for your choice:

  • The Canon device comes supplied with a whopping 490ml of free ink. This is nearly twice as much as the 269ml of ink the HP printer comes with, which means the Canon TM-355 makes possible almost twice as much printing at no additional cost.
  • In terms of the information provided to the user, the Canon printer automatically recognises the type of paper fed into the device, and displays the remaining roll length and ink levels. This helps the user to act before they run out of paper or ink.
  • Someone using the HP T1600, though, is forced to navigate through menus to find the media type, or to print barcodes so that the printer can recognise the media. As for the amount of paper left on the roll, the user will need to just guess if it is the HP device they’re using.
  • If you’re interested in printing borderless posters or photos, you will be reassured by the Canon TM-355’s ability to do this on a roll of any size.
  • By comparison, the HP machine lacks the ability to print edge-to-edge. This means the user is forced to accept their prints having a white “frame”, or they’ll need to trim the print manually to achieve the edge-to-edge look. That, of course, would take up time in addition to wasting media.
  • Although the HP T1600 does boast six ink cartridges versus its Canon rival’s five inks, HP’s dye inks are prone to fading quickly, in addition to running when they are dampened.
  • By contrast, the pigment inks used across the entire Canon ImagePROGRAF range are highly fade and water resistant. This makes prints from the Canon printer better suited for use in a broad range of environments, such as outdoors.
  • Accessibility will be another crucial factor when you decide between these Canon and HP wide-format printer models. The HP T1600, for instance, only has a narrow gap through which to load the paper, and it can be tricky to set the initial feed. The prints are delivered at the top/rear of the device, where some people may struggle to retrieve them.
  • Again, the Canon TM-355 scores highly for accessibility. The paper, loaded at the top of the machine, gently glides to where it needs to be. Prints are delivered at the front of the device and drop into the basket for easy retrieval. Furthermore, if there is a need for multiple prints in quick succession, it is a straightforward process to transform the basket into a stacker, so that the resultant prints are kept tidy and easy to sort.

We can help you decide on the best large-format printer for your needs

It is, of course, crucial to emphasise that there is never a “one-size-fits-all” answer to the question of which Canon or HP wide-format printer is the “best”. Much will depend on your particular ambitions, circumstances, and requirements.

If, then, you would appreciate suitably tailored advice and guidance before you commit to a particular printer model, please feel free to reach out to our experts via phone or email.