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Canon goes after CAD and GIS market with Canon imagePROGRAF iPF700 wide format inkjet printer.

CAD, GIS, and technical drawings are part of our background at FLAAR for several decades. We have experience with architectural drawings, maps, and are in the same building as the architecture department on our university campus. Plus every generation of the Hellmuth family has produced several architects: of these HOK Architects is the best known.

So far, we instinctively use HP Designjet printers, because that is what architects have used for years, since the era of pen plotters.

Besides, HP Designjet printers are the ones we already have. But if any Canon imagePROGRAF iPF700 printers land in our institute, we will consider evaluating them. But in the meantime, we use HP Designjet printers because that is the generally accepted solution for CAD and GIS.

Canon is also trying for the CAD market with their Canon imagePROGRAF iPF600. Even Mutoh is trying to get into the CAD market (probably because otherwise the market for water-based printers is sinking as everyone moves to solvent-based inks). Mutoh is now offering their

The CAD and GIS printer we know most about is the new HP DesignJet 4500, since we were in San Diego the same day it was being presented, so we got invited to listen to the presentation.

If you need a printer to do photographs as well as CAD or GIS, then there are other models to chose from. The easiest way to learn about all the different printers is to find a company that sells all three brands: HP, Epson, and Canon. This way they have no incentive to push one brand over the other (if you deal with a place that sells only one brand, they will naturally tend to suggest that brand over the others). FLAAR has used all three brands over the years.

One of several major national dealers for all three brands of water-based printers is LexJet. They can answer any and all basic questions, as well as more advanced questions too. Telephone is toll-free, Dustin Stroh or Carey Masera, 800 453-9538.

Every two years there is either a new Canon iPF printer or a new Epson or a new HP water-based printer. It is hard to keep track of the new models. FLAAR is keeping track by visiting printshops that have these various brands. Each brand has its good points and a few deficiencies. Since FLAAR itself does not sell printers, for you to find out information on prices and availability of each model, we suggest you contact a company that offers all three brands: Canon, HP, and Epson. This way they are not going to push just one brand because they offer all three. One company that we know is LexJet. Dr Hellmuth has visited their national headquarters twice. LexJet sells all across the USA and to Latin America as well. Contact info is sales@lexjet.com.

Canon image PROGRAF 700

Compare prices; is it best to buy by lowest price comparison? Your best deal is to buy from a respectable printer dealer who can provide tips and assistance. LexJet is among several places we know that offer Canon iPF printers. They can be reached at sales@LexJet.com. Buying from a box-pusher, gray market, and other dubious outlets is not always a clever idea. We have visited LexJet headquarters several times and have visited their booth at key trade shows. Their other advantage is that they offer all three major brands: Epson, Canon, and HP. So they do not need to push you into only one brand. Plus LexJet knows eco-solvent and UV-cured as well (which FLAAR covers on www.large-format-printers.org).

Most recently updated Dec. 15, 2008.
Previous updates: May 1, 2006. April 12, 2006.

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