The folly of grandeur

Anne Chapuis

5.10.2020

Translation: machine translated

Co-author: Kevin Hofer

Are there any major differences between large-format printers? What should you look out for? In the following article, I compare two models of large format printer for printing patterns from a CAD program.

Aside from my full-time job at Digitec Galaxus, I'm passionate about sewing. The basis for all sewing projects is, of course, the pattern. But when you don't have one to hand, have to download it or print it from a program and don't have a large-format printer, you have to get your hands dirty.

Until now, I had no choice but to use A4 to print my patterns. Once all the sheets were ready, all I needed was a good pair of scissors and some tape. After my last 'tinkering' session lasted almost two hours, I wanted to change my method.

Aside from my passion for sewing, I work full-time as a translator at Digitec Galaxus AG. Great, I'm at the source you might say, but not everything is as simple as it seems. The expression "spoilt for choice" takes on its full meaning when you see the size of the range.

The choice of models

As with many types of device, there's no shortage of choice at digitec. My knowledge of printers - whether large format or standard - is limited. So I set off in search of information.

The first thing that jumps out at me is the price of these printers. Ouch, I think my budget is going to take quite a hit. So I decide to overlook this detail by applying the motto "when you love, you don't count."

For my comparison, I chose the following two models:

Printer

Canon imagePrograf TA-20

Ink, Colour

2

Printer

HP T830, 24" MFP DesignJet

Ink, Colour

2

Before getting to the heart of the matter, I'd like to make it clear that I only tested large-format printers for the use I'd like to put them to. So if you're expecting an extremely thorough test, I'll have to disappoint you straight away. If you have any advice or other tips, please don't hesitate to let me know in the comments.

The presentations

As I don't yet fall into the "sewing pro" category, the space dedicated to my passion is limited to a bedroom. So my initial plan was to put the printer on the wheeled trolley that's already under my cutting table. But that was fine until I came across the DesignJet T830; it arrives on a trolley and is too high (1098 mm). Fortunately, it can also be used without one. It remains to be seen what I could do with the trolley... Which is why I'm leaning towards the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20.

The "normal" printer models are already not very light, but here we go straight to the top category: 37 kg with Canon and 51 kg with HP?! I knew they were going to be heavy, but I wasn't expecting this. All things considered, the trolley isn't such a bad idea if you need to move them.

Both models are colour inkjet (black, cyan, magenta and yellow). The Canon is, in addition, equipped with a matte black ink cartridge.

Both models offer a print resolution of up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. Now, for my use, I don't need to have the best print quality, but it's always a plus. Especially if I want to print something else; after all, you never know.

When it comes to accuracy, both HP and Canon quote a maximum value of ± 0.1%. A big advantage, when you consider that I always had an offset of 0.6 mm per centimetre in the width direction with my A4 printer. That may not sound like much, but it represents an offset of 6 cm over a metre; just enough to make a mess.

For my test, I'm using a model I made on the CAD Grafis software. As the Internet connection is a bit temperamental in our company (there are a lot of devices interfering) and connecting via LAN is not an option, I choose the Wi-Fi Direct connection present on both devices. The HP still has a USB C slot where you can print files from an external device (USB stick, etc.) and the Canon has a USB B port. So a cable connection could also be used.

HP DesignJet T830

The DesignJet T830 is the first large-format printer I've tested. I'm a little nervous at the idea of being able to break such a contraption by making a false manipulation. After a brief moment of doubt, I pull myself together and start "playing around".

The trolley, which I thought useless at first is actually quite handy. As I said, the printer is no lightweight and it allows me to move it around. In the office at Digitec Galaxus AG, it's not unusual to run out of space. All in all, I like the design of the HP large-format printer. The touchscreen isn't too small and responds well.

Aside from the aesthetics of the printer, there's a handy feature that I wouldn't use enough. The DesignJet is also a large format scanner. I'm impressed with the idea, and I'm starting to wonder, what could I possibly do with a scanner this size... Scan patterns I already have? It wouldn't be very efficient, but who knows, maybe this function would be a good thing for digitising patterns that are still made by hand. Not all seamstresses and dressmakers work with computer software.

All right, enough talk; it's time for action!

So I print out a skirt pattern to test the printer. The first thing I notice is that the 24-inch width I thought would be more than enough for a printer isn't really. To get the front and back of the skirt to fit on the paper, I had to place them vertically one under the other, as there wasn't enough room to put them side by side or horizontally. So as not to waste too much paper, I fill the empty space with other elements such as the pockets or the waistband, but the filling is not optimal. Yes, I could also glue the different parts together, but the tinkering is such a pain, I want to avoid it as much as possible.

The printing of the pattern itself is very successful. The lines are fine and you can see the different sizes perfectly.

For this test I used standard 90 g/m2 coated paper. But if the manufacturer is to be believed, the printer can be used with paper ranging from 60 to 280 g/m2 on the roll (or in manual feed) which corresponds roughly to a sheet thickness of 0.8 mm.

Between you and me, I prefer thicker paper. When I create a pattern, I want to be able to use it for a long time and the thicker the paper, the stronger the pattern. Plus, it also makes my life easier for tracing on the fabric and cutting it out.

In terms of consumables, the HP printer comes with four ink cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow, matte black). These are available in 40ml (C,M,Y), 69ml (MBK), 130ml (C, M, Y) and 300ml (C, M, Y and MBK) formats. Prices range from around CHF 60 to CHF 295 for the larger cartridges. But, as the pattern tracings are very fine, I'm sure that buying new cartridges won't be for a long time. The paper will be out of stock before then. Speaking of paper: the price for a roll of standard paper, in this case 90 g/m², is CHF 39. But then again, at 45.7 metres, there's plenty to go around.

Here, you'll find all the paper rolls and ink cartridges for the HP printer.

Aside from the 24-inch format, which isn't optimal for this skirt, using the DesignJet is a real pleasure.

Let's move on to the second beast: the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 printer, 24".

Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20, 24"

In terms of design, I prefer the HP model. The rounded casing isn't really my thing. But in terms of dimensions, the Canon model is more advantageous for the use I'd like to make of it.

One feature that jumps out at me after reading a brief description of the camera is that it can do borderless printing. Will I manage to print my little skirt in horizontal format? Maybe.

After connecting the printer to my laptop using Wi-Fi Direct, I reprint my pattern.

Here again, no luck. Even with the borderless print function, the skirt is still too long to print horizontally. So I go back to the layout of the different parts I had before and start printing. After a few seconds, I realise that the paper doesn't 'flow' very well because of the table; I admit it, the trolley does have its advantages.

Once again the print is very satisfactory. The lines are fine, the colours saturated and the result is very pleasing to the eye. You can't really see any differences between the prints from the two devices.

On the consumables side, the Canon printer comes with five ink tanks: cyan, magenta, yellow, black and matte black. A set of 55ml cartridges each plus an additional matte black cartridge are included in delivery. Prices here are around CHF 60 for a 55 ml cartridge. As for paper, a 50-metre roll of 90g/m2 paper costs around forty francs. In terms of paper weight, Canon has an advantage over HP. The imagePROGRAF can go up to 300 g/m2.

Here, you'll find all the paper rolls and ink cartridges for the Canon printer.

Here again, I use more paper than ink, but I do have the benefit of an extra 55ml black ink cartridge. Thank you Canon!

Overview of key model specifications

To make it easier for us to compare the two models, here's a table with the main specifications:

Assessment

In terms of functionality, the devices are fairly similar. They offer the same print quality and can both print on paper up to 0.8mm thick. But price-wise the printers are clearly not in the same league. Why is this? I'd say it's mainly due to the fact that the HP model is not just a printer, but a multifunctional device. It has a large format scanner. Another detail that could also have an influence on the price is the trolley that's included.

If I had a bigger space dedicated to my passion, a bigger budget and patterns to scan, I would clearly choose the HP large format printer. Unfortunately, that's not the case, and even if I'm an advocate of "who can do more, can do less", the Canon model is, in my case the best option. Well, all that's left now is to write a nice letter to Father Christmas, or play the lottery...

Anne Chapuis

Senior Translator French

anne.chapuis@digitecgalaxus.ch

I left my native Savoy for beautiful Switzerland, where I live a life dominated by two big passions: sewing and shooting. Both in perfect Swiss German of course – thanks mum!

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