Wide-Format Plotters, Printers & Scanners For The Workspace

Explore our range of large-format printers from trusted brands like HP and Canon, perfect for CAD drawings, graphics, posters, scanning, and technical prints.

As an expert printer supplier near Stoke-on-Trent, we provide UK-wide delivery and professional advice to help you choose the right printer for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Plotter, Printer & MFP Scanner for Your Business

Selecting the right printing equipment is a major decision for any business offering large-format prints, CAD drawings or promotional graphics.

You’ll learn how to compare desktop A1 machines through to full large-format A0 plotters, and how integrated scanners/MFPs add value, so you pick the best system for your workflow.

Whether you’re producing precise architectural plans or vibrant colour displays, we’ll help you find a reliable, high-performance solution to match your workflow and budget.

1. Understand the Basics: Plotters vs Printers

When people talk about “plotters”, they often mean large-format printers built for wide media and precision.

The key difference:

• A standard printer handles smaller formats and raster-based output; its print head drops ink or toner pixel by pixel.
• A true plotter handles wide rolls of media (A1, A0 sizes) and often vector-based drawings, making it ideal for CAD drawings, architectural plans and large signage.
• One guideline: A0 = 118.9 cm × 84.1 cm; A1 = 84.1 cm × 59.4 cm.

For your business, this means understanding which size and format your customers need (plans vs posters vs signage) and matching that to the right device.

2. Size Matters: Desktop A1 through to Large-Format A0

Choosing the right size is crucial. Let’s break this down:

Desktop / A1-format plotters

These typically handle media up to 24″ (A1) width. Ideal for small offices, design studios, and print shops doing moderate volumes.

For example:

• HP DesignJet T230 – A compact A1 device.
• Canon imagePROGRAF TC‑21M – A1 plotter with MFP features.

These are lower cost, fit into standard office spaces, and cater to moderate print runs.

Mid/large size / A0-format plotters

When you need truly large prints (A0 size or bigger), for signage, architecture, engineering, etc.

For example:

• HP T650 A0 36″ Plotter – A0-capable machine.
• HP DesignJet T850 36″ Printer – High-end large-format device.

Such machines handle larger media rolls, higher volumes, and higher precision. The cost and footprint go up accordingly.

3. Why MFP + Scanner Matter for Plotters / Large-Format Devices

In many businesses (architecture, engineering, print service providers), it’s not just about printing large drawings; you often need to scan, copy, and archive large documents (existing prints, drawings, plans).

That’s where Multifunction Plotter/Printer/Scanner (MFP) systems come in.

• For example, some large-format machines include an integrated large-format scanner so you can scan A0/A1 originals and either archive digitally or reproduce them.
• The ability to “scan to PDF/TIFF”, “print from roll or sheet”, “copy/scan large drawings” adds workflow efficiency and reduces reliance on separate devices.
• For businesses selling such equipment, offering MFP versions gives your clients more value, fewer devices, streamlined workflow, and space savings.

4. Matching the Right Device to Your Business

Here’s a quick matching strategy for your customers:

• Small design studio / occasional large prints → Desktop/A1 plotter (e.g. HP T230)
• Mid-size print service, signage or posters, but moderate volume → A1-A0 capable roll device with good media flexibility.
• Architecture, engineering, GIS, high volume signage production → A0 large-format plotter/MFP with roll feed, cutter, stacker, large media support (e.g. HP T850)
• Need scanning, archiving large drawings, printing and reproducing originals → Choose the MFP variant (print + scan + copy) for best workflow.

5. Final Checklist Before Purchase

• Confirm maximum media width and roll size vs your largest job size.
• Check whether you need scanning/archiving (MFP) or just printing.
• Estimate volume: lower volume = A1 may suffice; higher volume = go larger.
• Review running costs: ink/consumables, maintenance, service support.
• Check media support: will you print on vinyl, film, or special substrates?
• Ensure space and installation needs are accommodated (floor stand, ventilation, roll feed).

Download Our Wide-Format Printer Brochure