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Hewlett-Packard
DesignJet 1055CM
The
Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 1055CM was made to be a very good
printer for CAD, 3D graphics, signs, and in general to be
an excellent production printer (in other words, to be fast).
It
turns out that if you add PosterJet
software RIP to the 1055 that you can obtain photographic
quality from this printer at a reasonable cost (sorry, we
don't buy or sell printers so we don't know the exact figures).
Shown
here, FLAAR Photo Archive images as printed at DRUPA Trade
Show in Duesseldorf, Germany (September 2000). In the
middle is a another HP 1055CM printing at CeBIT Trade
Show in Hannover, Germany (March 2001). HP booth, section
on PosterJet RIP, printed on an Hewlett-Packard DesignJet
1055 CM. It is the PosterJet RIP that brings out the full
potential of this printer.
Normally
we use the HP 2800
for printing fine art photographs, but if you are on a
budget you can consider the HP 1055 series.
This
Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 1055 CM printer is much faster
than any Epson
9000 and the beautiful colors certainly last longer.
The 1050 and 1055 are intended for GIS, maps, and other
graphic design. This printer was not originally designed
to produce photographs for museum exhibits, but if you
have the proper RIP its amazing what you can tweak out
of this printer. Of course if you do photos often, you
really need the DesignJet 800ps or 5500.
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| A new HP
5500 arriving to FLAAR BGSU facilities,
we will have a full review soon. |
The
1050 and 1055 can print on regular newsprint, that's right,
on untreated newsprint. To do this you need a special
RIP, either ColorBus or SeeColor. We have also used this
printer to do drawings (CAD) on raw Kraft paper.
The
HP DesignJet 1050 and 1055 can also print on 3M's Ink
Jet Poster Paper with restickable adhesive strips which
are sort of similar to 3M's Post-It Notes. Downside is
banding. We have seen several of this model printer with
banding problems. Architects don't seem to care, or even
notice, when the banding is on their line drawings. But
we found it objectionable on photographs. We do not know
what causes the banding, since we have seen other model
1055 printers produce flawless output.
For
additional information and for help making your decision,
ask for the "FLAAR report on large format printers
for CAD and GIS" or check out the FLAAR report on
"Piezo vs Thermal printheads, fact vs fiction, pros
and cons of each kind of inkjet printhead." This
is in the Survival SERIES of FLAAR Reports because you,
and your company, will survive a lot better in wide format
printing if you don't know the differences between piezo
and thermal.
If
this will be your first printer, then we have a special
report that holds your hand and leads you through all
the basic questions that will assist a first-time buyer
of a large format printer. Purchase the FLAAR report on
"RIP
+ Help." This explains what RIP software is,
why this is useful, and includes tips, warnings, information,
and help for a wide range of matters for a newbie. Here
you will really appreciate that FLAAR is based at a university;
Professor Hellmuth has plenty of experience writing in
a manner that explains what you need, and why.
If
you really want technical details on inkjet media,
inks, and/or inkjet printhead technology, and especially
if you wish to meet the movers and shakers in this
industry, be sure to sign up for the next conference
organized by IMI. Their contact is imi@tdstelme.net.
These seminars are outstanding; the senior review
editor of FLAAR usually attends because he can get
so much fresh information for the readers of the
FLAAR Reports in PDF format and the FLAAR Information
Network of web sites.
If
you are seeking a used HP DesignJet printer it is
not advisable to depend on ebay. How do you know
whether the printer even works? So if you need reassurance
that your used printer is reconditioned, or at least
has a 30 day warranty, or whatever, you might consider
checking with mike@plottersupplies.com
or brandi@plottersupplies.com.
They are HPauthorized dealers.
If
you seek info on Wasatch SoftRIP for an HP or Encad
(thermal printers), contact Jonathan Knecht,
tel toll free 888 BIG-COLR, e-mail colorguru@colordna.com.
If
you are in Canada or outside USA, please contact
your local national dealer. Most USA resellers
do not sell outside the continental USA.
We only recommend resources that offer competent technical support, experience based on years in the business, and a company where we have personally met (and checked out) the people behind the name. Thus if you are considering acquiring any HP DesignJet printer, you can contact Jonathan Knecht with confidence, e-mail colorguru@colordna.com , toll free (888) 244-2657.
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All reports by Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth |
UPDATED:
July 05/2001, last revised May 13, 2002, last updated
May 25, 2003
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