Technology in Architectural Practice

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  • 1.  Wide format plotter

    Posted 03-09-2011 08:52 PM

    Tips for buying a plotter for a small/medium size office?

    Xerox, Hp or Océ, which one has shown to be more reliable?
    Volume of wide-format prints will go from 80/month to 300/month next year. 
    We have concerns about technical support, cloud storage and supplies. I heard some vendors can print your files remotely, if requested, and have them mailing for you (in case of a PC crash).

    I will surely appreciate some feedback and recommendations.

    Thanks in advance,

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    Juan Martinez
    Project Manager
    Bakersfield CA
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  • 2.  RE:Wide format plotter

    Posted 03-10-2011 01:30 AM
    I have had great performance from my Canon iPF610 for the last 3 years. I think the newer models also scan. I use it with both Windows XP, 7, and Mac OS X. Great color, fast, and it works like a charm even if I have not used it in awhile.

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    Kyle Dumbleton AIA
    Midwest Modern, LLC
    Madison WI
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  • 3.  RE:Wide format plotter

    Posted 03-11-2011 04:12 PM


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    Robert Longo AIA
    Partner
    Cornerstone Architectural Group
    South Plainfield NJ
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    Most of the recommendations so far are for ink jet plotters. While these are less expensive to purchase; the consumables (ink and paper) are much more expensive, so the cost per plot is likely twice what it would be for a laser plotter. Color lasers are very expensive, so that is probably not an option for a smaller firm. We have an HP DesignJet T1100, which we use exclusively for color plots and a Xerox 8830 with a scanner for B&W. The Xerox we have had for almost 10 years and it has been very reliable. 

    I am sure you have considered the need for color plots, a scanner and the purchase price of the plotter. I would also factor the cost per plot into the equation when making your decision. 



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:Wide format plotter

    Posted 03-10-2011 11:44 AM
    My only experience has been with HP plotters, and they have proven to be very reliable.  We started with an HP 650 in the early 90s, a used cp1700 in the early 2000s, and have recently purchased a T770.  We have never had to use "technical support" but have had one or two repairs to aging machines.  Supplies are easily found both locally and on line.

    We have our own web site where we post pdf copies of projects for distribution to registered bidders, who we supply with login information for the project.  We also have used our web site for backup storage of files. 

    When paper sets are required we just email or ftp our pdf files to a local reprographics shop.  They then deliver or ship the sets to recipients.

    Regards
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    David Schele AIA
    Felder Group Architects Inc
    Austin TX
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  • 5.  RE:Wide format plotter

    Posted 03-10-2011 10:13 PM
    I have used the HP and the Oce large format plotters at previous firms that I worked at.....
    I personally like the Oce unit. The ease of use and the quality of the image appears better than the other options. The Oce units are a little pricey, but the lease option was available at our firm.
    We had the scanner option and it gave us a lot of options.

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    Charles Elliott AIA
    Senior Architect/ID Manager
    RW Armstrong
    Fishers IN
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