This article originally appeared in Sign Africa.

Midcomp Azero has announced the availability of the new HP DesignJet range, including the HP DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio series. The HP DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio series are intuitive and easy to print with, so that architects, engineers and construction professionals can focus on what is important.

The HP DesignJet Studio Printer series and the HP DesignJet T600 Printer series are the only solutions providing seamless printing of both large and small format sheets automatically in a multi-size print basket compared to competitive alternatives with comparable size and features as of January, 2020.

The increase in demand for different workspaces forces us to search for ways to meet space requirements and adhere to budgets. The HP DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio series are the world’s smallest plotters designed with sustainability in mind.

HP DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio series printers are up to 38% smaller compared to competitive alternatives with comparable size and features as of January, 2020. They are also the world’s smallest large format plotters based on the most compact footprint.

Architects, engineers and construction professionals spend a lot of time outside the office, between construction sites, offices and external presentations. This requires tools that can bring the freedom to work remotely and securely, as simply as possible.

HP is reducing the carbon footprint of printing through carbon reduction initiatives such as energy efficiency, reduced packaging and use of recycled plastics. The HP DesignJet Studio Printer is the first HP DesignJet where HP has offset the remaining carbon impact due to raw material extraction and processing, printer manufacturing and transportation, as well as electricity, paper and cartridge use in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol.

‘What is unique to the South African market is that a large number of architect and engineering practices have seen downscaling and office spaces were vacated to run with a smaller staff complement from their homes. Normally, there would be one or two of these printers at the office in a print room,’ said Mariana Raath, General Manager, Midcomp Azero.

‘Now there is still the requirement to print (as prints needs to be submitted to municipalities/local government as well as to the project managers on the sites doing the actual work). However, these often large, heavy and high capacity printers now need to be ‘replaced’ by much lighter printers with a smaller footprint that will not only fit into the home area of the users, but also look attractive among their home furniture or ‘blend’ in (which the new design allows). More importantly these units need to be shared by multiple team members. The new printers are light enough to be carried and transported in an ordinary passenger vehicle to the next user’s house.’

Raath also mentioned the machines’ easier user interface, which is similar to a cellphone, and has been designed for users that never needed to interface with a printer before, to make them more comfortable with the technology. ‘The Plug&Play system is more advanced, and Wi-Fi can be used to print to these printers.’

HP DesignJet T200 series

• Available in 60.96cm (24”).
• Up to 30 second A1 print speed.
• 512MB of internal memory.
• Stand accessory.
• Roll cover accessory.
• Automatic sheet feeder accessory.

HP DesignJet T600 series

• Available in 60.96cm (24”) and 91.44 (36”).
• Up to 25 second A1 print speed.
• 1G of internal memory.
• Stand included.
• Roll cover included.
• Automatic sheet feeder included.

HP DesignJet Studio series

• Available in 60.96cm (24”) and 91.44 (36”).
• Up to 25 second A1 print speed.
• First net carbon neutral HP DesignJet plotter.
• New aesthetics with high tech look and feel.
• 1G of internal memory.
• Stand included.
• Roll cover included.
• Automatic sheet feeder included.

In terms of additional markets the machines can open for users, Raath said, ‘The printer can be used for technical drawings as well as to print a sheet that has a paper doll with an entire wardrobe for cut-outs printed on it; the scene of an Avengers’ show-down, customised gift wrap, or school notices – the market is endless.’