HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink Review | Professional Printing
Comprehensive review of the HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink cartridge. Learn about its benefits, features, compatibility & why it’s perfect for professional printing needs.
Introduction
In the demanding world of professional printing – whether you’re producing breathtaking photo art, detailed architectural renderings, or impactful signage – consistent color accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable. Compromising on ink quality can lead to faded prints, clogged printheads, and frustrating downtime, ultimately impacting your reputation and bottom line. The HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink cartridge addresses these challenges head-on, offering a high-yield, genuine solution designed for discerning professionals.
Many creative professionals and businesses find themselves caught in a cycle of substandard prints, frequent printhead maintenance, and the constant worry of ink compatibility issues. The allure of cheaper, third-party alternatives can be tempting, but often results in more problems than savings. This review dives deep into the HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink, explaining why sticking with genuine HP ink is an investment in quality, efficiency, and long-term peace of mind.
Overview
The HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink cartridge is a high-capacity, pigment-based ink meticulously engineered for use with HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ large format printers. This isn’t your average inkjet; it’s a professional-grade ink designed to meet the rigorous demands of graphic designers, photographers, architects, and businesses requiring exceptional image reproduction. Its high-yield formulation minimizes cartridge replacements, while its robust design ensures consistent, vibrant prints every time.
At its core, the HP 746 leverages HP Vivid Photo Inks, formulated for an extended color gamut and remarkable fade resistance. This cartridge works seamlessly with your printer, optimizing printhead life and delivering consistently high-quality output. Its compatibility options are centered around genuine HP design, ensuring the printer operates within designed parameters, preventing issues found with cheaper alternatives and remanufactured solutions.
Features
Pigment-Based Ink Technology: Unlike dye-based inks, pigment-based inks are encapsulated within a protective polymer. This structure contributes to exceptional fade resistance – up to 200 years – ensuring prints maintain their vibrancy and detail over time. The water-based formula also promotes quicker drying and reduced smudging.
Designed for HP DesignJet Printers: The HP 746 is specifically formulated to work in perfect harmony with HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ printers. This ensures optimal print quality, printhead longevity, and reliable performance, preventing issues common with third-party inks.
Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing: HP’s closed-loop recycling process uses plastic from recycled Original HP cartridges, along with recycled bottles and hangers, to create new cartridges, contributing to a more sustainable printing process. This minimizes waste and reduces environmental impact.
HP Vivid Photo Inks – Extended Color Gamut: These specialized inks expand the range of colors achievable, resulting in richer, more nuanced prints that truly capture the intended artistic vision. This enhanced color gamut is crucial for accurate reproduction of photographic and graphic imagery.
High-Yield Ink Capacity: The 300 ml cartridge capacity significantly reduces the frequency of replacements compared to standard cartridges, minimizing downtime and ongoing costs. This makes it ideal for high-volume printing environments where constant interruptions are detrimental to productivity.
Benefits
Professional-Grade Color Accuracy: Reproduce images with unparalleled fidelity, capturing the true nuances and depth of color.
Exceptional Fade Resistance & Archival Quality: Prints retain their vibrancy and detail for generations, ensuring your work remains impactful and valuable.
Time Savings & Increased Productivity: Consistent print quality and fewer cartridge replacements free up valuable time and improve overall workflow efficiency.
Reduced Printing Costs: The high-yield cartridge capacity and efficient ink usage translate to lower per-page printing costs, providing a significant return on investment over time.
Minimized Printhead Clogging & Maintenance: The formulation is designed to keep printheads clean and functional, reducing the risk of costly repairs and downtime.
Usages
Signage & Graphic Design: Delivers vibrant, durable prints ideal for impactful signage and graphic designs.
Architectural & Engineering Drawings: Ensures crisp, accurate lines and precise color reproduction for vital technical documentation.
Professional Photography & Photo Art: Perfect for photographers and artists producing high-quality prints for display, galleries, or client presentations.
Fine Art Reproduction: Reproduces delicate detail and a broad color gamut for faithful and long-lasting art prints.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional color accuracy and vibrancy
- High-yield cartridge reduces replacement frequency
- Outstanding fade resistance for archival prints
- Designed for seamless integration with HP DesignJet printers
- Environmentally responsible manufacturing process
Cons
- Higher initial cost compared to third-party alternatives
- Limited compatibility – designed specifically for HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ printers
FAQs
What is the page yield of this cartridge?: While a precise page yield is difficult to determine due to variable print coverage, the 300ml cartridge is designed for high-volume printing and offers a substantial number of pages compared to standard cartridges.
What is the warranty period for this ink cartridge?: HP provides a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Refer to HP’s website for complete warranty details.
Why should I avoid third-party ink alternatives?: Third-party inks often lack the same level of quality control and can cause printhead clogging, color inaccuracies, and premature printer failure. Genuine HP inks guarantee optimal performance and reliability.
How do I recycle the empty cartridge?: HP offers a cartridge recycling program. Visit HP’s website for details on how to participate and properly recycle your used cartridge.
Is this cartridge compatible with other printers?: The HP 746 is specifically designed for HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ printers. Using it in other printer models is not recommended and may void warranties.
Product Specifications
| DPI Resolution | Up to 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print Technology | Pigment Ink |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| Size | 300-ml |
| Color | Yellow |
| Print Speed | Varies based on print size and settings |
| Item model number | HP 746 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | P2V79A |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Product Dimensions | 1.61 x 11.14 x 4.65 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Brand | HP |
| Ink Type | Water-Based Pigment Ink |
| Ink Color | Yellow |
| Manufacturer | HP DesignJet |
| Connectivity | N/A (Ink Cartridge) |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item Weight | 8.8 ounces |
| Page Yield | Approximately 1,000 pages (dependent on print coverage) |
Ratings
| Durability & Reliability | 4.4 |
| Workflow Efficiency | 4.3 |
| Print Quality | 4.6 |
| Color Performance | 4.9 |
| Technical Specifications | 4.7 |
Recommendation
The HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink is an indispensable investment for professional photographers, graphic designers, and architects who demand the highest quality prints and long-term archival stability. The cost savings derived from reduced maintenance and fewer replacements quickly outweigh the initial purchase price.
For businesses producing marketing materials, signage, or large-format graphics, the HP 746 ensures consistent brand representation and minimizes costly reprints due to ink-related issues. Its compatibility with HP DesignJet printers provides a worry-free printing experience, allowing you to focus on your creative output and business goals. This cartridge is a cornerstone for a robust and professional printing setup.
Conclusion
The HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink represents a commitment to quality and reliability within the professional printing landscape. Its high-yield formulation, exceptional color accuracy, and robust fade resistance justify the investment, resulting in tangible benefits through reduced costs and increased productivity.
By choosing genuine HP ink, you’re not just buying a cartridge; you’re investing in a complete printing solution that delivers consistent, professional results, minimizes downtime, and safeguards your equipment. The HP 746 Yellow DesignJet Ink is a worthwhile choice for any professional who values precision, longevity, and exceptional print quality.
