Don’t get burned—buying the wrong printer is costly

Investing in a technical large format printer should be a step forward for your business—not an expensive lesson in trial and error. Yet many signmakers and print companies across Belgium and the Netherlands fall into the same traps when choosing a new CAD or GIS plotter. Whether it's overestimating daily volume, underestimating media handling needs, or simply buying based on price alone, these missteps can lead to production delays, frustrated teams, and reprints that eat into your margins.

At Dimix, we’ve seen it all: companies buying a low-capacity model only to replace it six months later, or choosing a high-end machine that never gets pushed beyond 20% of its capacity. It’s not just about the machine itself—it’s about how well it fits into your specific workflow, media requirements, and job types. In this post, we’ll break down the top 5 mistakes to avoid when buying a technical large format printer, and how to get it right the first time. If you're still in the decision phase, make sure to also check our guide on choosing the right printer for CAD and GIS, and explore the Dimix solvent printers category to compare your options with confidence.

Mistake #1 – Buying based on price, not productivity

It’s tempting, especially when budgets are tight, to make your decision based on the cheapest model that seems to meet your requirements. But in technical printing, that mindset can backfire quickly. Lower upfront costs often mean higher long-term expenses: slower print speeds, fewer features, more manual handling, and even higher ink consumption. For example, if your signmaking business regularly prints A1 or A0 CAD drawings in batches, a basic printer might get the job done—but it’ll take hours longer, increase labour costs, and leave more room for human error.

Let’s say you opt for a low-cost single-roll printer with no stacker. You’ll likely spend a good portion of your day manually sorting and handling prints. Now compare that with a dual-roll, high-speed model like the HP DesignJet XL3600, which stacks and separates jobs automatically. The initial investment may be higher, but the productivity gains pay off quickly, especially if you're running multiple jobs per day.

Bottom line: always consider total cost of ownership, not just sticker price. Look at speed, media handling, software integration, and downtime. You might find that a mid-range model like the HP DesignJet T2600, available from Dimix, delivers far better value than a cheaper alternative with half the features. Later in this article, we’ll explore other key mistakes—like overlooking your real media usage and underestimating the importance of software. And for a closer model comparison, check out our T-series vs XL-series guide for expert insights.

Mistake #2 – Underestimating media handling needs

Another common oversight? Choosing a printer that can’t handle the media types you actually use. It might seem like all large format printers handle the same paper rolls, but in technical and CAD/GIS applications, the variety of substrates can be wider than you think. Plain bond, coated paper, tracing paper, photo gloss, polyester film—these are all common in zoning, infrastructure, or engineering work. And not every printer handles them equally well.

Some entry-level models, for instance, may only support lighter media or require manual adjustments for certain paper types. That can lead to cockling, ink bleed, or alignment issues—especially problematic when printing detailed maps or precise technical plans. If you regularly switch between media types or formats (say, from A1 construction drawings on plain paper to A0 site maps on film), you’ll want a printer with dual-roll support and automatic roll switching. Printers like the HP DesignJet T2600 or XL3800, available via Dimix, are built for exactly that kind of versatility.

Think ahead: what jobs might you be doing in 6 to 12 months? If your projects are evolving, your media handling needs probably are too. Buying a printer that’s locked into a narrow media range might save a bit today—but could cost you jobs later. If you're unsure what media range your current printer can support, or want to explore what's possible with HP’s latest models, check out the Dimix solvent printers category or reach out to the team for tailored advice.

Mistake #3 – Ignoring workflow and software compatibility

You’ve chosen your printer. It prints at the right speed, handles the right media, and fits your budget. Great—but how does it work within your existing workflow? One of the most overlooked mistakes is assuming all printers are plug-and-play when it comes to file handling, job queuing, and user management. In a shared office, design studio, or signshop, smooth file processing can mean the difference between chaos and calm.

This is where HP SmartStream makes a big impact. Available for mid-to-high-end DesignJet models, it helps technical printers manage large print volumes, complex files, and batch processing. If you’re printing from Revit, AutoCAD, or GIS platforms, SmartStream allows previewing, nesting, and job prioritisation—reducing both waste and errors. Without it, you might end up with overlapping drawings, mismatched scales, or even lost jobs in the queue.

Some printers also integrate better than others into team-based environments. Models like the T2600 and XL3600 come with user authentication, usage tracking, and remote job submission—features that reduce admin work and help teams stay efficient. If you’re juggling multiple users or working across locations, these features can save hours of frustration each week.

Choosing the right printer means choosing one that plays well with the tools and people you already rely on. If you haven’t already, take a look at our deep dive into SmartStream and print efficiency, or revisit Blog #1 on choosing the right CAD printer for foundational tips before you commit.

Mistake #4 – Overlooking future scalability

It’s easy to buy for now—but smart signmakers and technical print providers in Belgium and the Netherlands know to also buy for what’s next. One of the costliest mistakes we see is investing in a printer that meets only current demands, with no room to scale. Then six months later, a big contract lands on your desk, and suddenly your system is maxed out, your deadlines are tight, and your team is scrambling.

Let’s say your business is currently outputting 10 to 20 technical drawings a day. Today’s volume might justify a basic T850 or T950. But what happens if you land a municipal infrastructure contract that requires 80 prints a day? Or your firm starts handling GIS overlays and A0 color plots for environmental consultants? Without a machine like the HP DesignJet XL3600 or T2600, which are built to handle growing workloads, you could face unnecessary downtime, overworked staff, and even the cost of needing a second printer far too soon.

Future-proofing isn’t just about speed or print volume. It’s about connectivity, security (hello, HP Wolf Security), and modular features that can adapt to a growing team or diversified job portfolio. If you think expansion might be on your horizon, don’t limit yourself to what seems “enough for now.” Ask Dimix to walk you through upgrade paths and long-term value—because what works for 2024 might not hold up in 2025. And while you're planning ahead, it’s worth checking out our T-Series vs XL-Series comparison to see which models give you the most room to grow.

Mistake #5 – Buying without expert consultation

Here’s the simplest—and most avoidable—mistake: going it alone. We get it. There’s a lot of information out there, and specs can be confusing or misleading. But no blog, brochure, or YouTube review can replace a focused conversation with an expert who knows how your business operates. The truth is, no matter how good the printer, if it’s not the right fit for your specific workflow, clients, or software stack, it can become a bottleneck rather than an upgrade.

That’s why Dimix takes a consultative approach. We don’t just sell printers—we help signmakers and large format professionals find the right solution, and that includes understanding things like spatial layout, team size, media usage, file formats, and future growth. Whether you’re printing 5 plans a day or 100, working solo or with a team of 12, there’s a printer and a setup that suits your workflow—and we’ll help you find it.

Before you buy, we recommend revisiting our article on choosing the right CAD/GIS printer for an overview of how to match printer capabilities with real-world needs. And don’t forget to explore the full line-up on the Dimix solvent printers category page, where you’ll find every model mentioned in this article—plus accessories, software, and support.