HP DesignJet T630 36-inch Plotter Review
In-depth review of the HP DesignJet T630 36-inch plotter — speed, accuracy, connectivity, and value for architects and engineers.
Introduction
The HP DesignJet T630 36-inch plotter is a purpose-built large-format printer designed to solve the perennial challenge of producing fast, accurate line drawings, high-resolution posters, and detailed maps without sacrificing office space or workflow efficiency. Built for architects, engineers, GIS professionals, and graphics teams, the T630 delivers the precision required for technical output while offering modern connectivity and a compact footprint that fits into busy project environments.
If you need crisp CAD prints, reliable poster production, or quick plan iterations, this plotter addresses the biggest pain points: slow plot times, complex job setup, and costly maintenance. With a claimed A1/D print time as fast as 30 seconds, automatic sheet feeding, roll handling, and integrated HP software for job submission and preview, the T630 is engineered to accelerate production and reduce reprints — turning plotting from a bottleneck into a reliable step in your design process.
Overview
The DesignJet T630 uses HP’s proven thermal inkjet approach with pigment and dye-based inks, achieving a maximum color and black-and-white resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi. Physically it’s compact for a 36″ plotter — 24″D x 52″W x 37″H — and ships with a stand, media bin, spindle, and automatic sheet feeder that accepts up to 13″ x 19″ sheets in addition to 36″ rolls. Weighing about 123 pounds, this unit fits small to mid-size studios where space matters and professional output is essential.
Connectivity is modern and flexible: Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi‑Fi Direct let teams print from desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones. Software integration includes HP Click for drag-and-drop printing with PDF error checking and auto-nesting, HP Smart for remote job management, plus compatibility with common CAD and RIP workflows. Ideal users are small architectural and engineering firms, print-for-pay shops doing occasional wide-format work, and corporate design studios who need dependable, accurate large-format output without a steep learning curve.
Features
Fast A1/D Plotting and Efficient Workflow: Rated to print an A1/D size in as fast as 30 seconds (up to 76 A1/D prints per hour), the plotter speeds up iteration cycles. HP Click and driver-level true print preview streamline job submission, reduce errors, and minimize wasted media by verifying PDFs and nesting jobs automatically.
High-Resolution Line and Color Rendering: With 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution and a mix of pigment and dye inks, the T630 reproduces fine CAD lines, small text, and color fills with high fidelity. The precision printhead array and HP Bright Office inks expand gamut and enhance line accuracy, resulting in technical prints and posters that remain sharp at scale.
Sustainable Design and Low Maintenance Footprint: HP highlights reduced CO2 emissions, use of recycled plastic components, and a maintenance routine that consumes up to 95% less ink compared to some competitor plotters. The combination of efficient maintenance cycles and economical ink usage reduces lifecycle costs and environmental impact.
Robust Connectivity and Remote Control: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi (b/g/n), Wi‑Fi Direct and USB options let design teams print from local networks and mobile devices. Integrated apps — HP Smart and HP Click — allow remote job submission, print preview, and management from smartphones, tablets, and workstations, improving responsiveness across teams and job sites.
Versatile Media Handling with Automatic Sheet Feeder: Supports 36-inch roll media and up to 13″ x 19″ sheets via the included automatic sheet feeder. The unit automatically switches between roll and sheet feed, includes a media bin and an automatic horizontal cutter for clean finishing, and accepts a range of substrates from bond and glossy photo paper to banner and high-resolution media.
Benefits
Lower Operational Waste
HP Click’s PDF error checking, auto-nesting, and efficient cutter reduce misprints and media waste, while HP’s maintenance approach uses significantly less ink for routine tasks versus older plotter designs.
Faster Project Turnaround
Quicker A1/D plotting (as fast as 30 seconds) and driver-level preview cut time between design revision and printed output; teams can iterate more frequently and reduce waiting time for deliverables.
High-Quality Technical Output
2400 x 1200 dpi rendering and upgraded inks increase line accuracy and color gamut, producing presentation-ready posters and technically accurate blueprints that stand up in client meetings and on construction sites.
Simplified IT and Mobile Workflows
Built-in Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi Direct, and app-based job submission allow architects and engineers to send prints directly from CAD stations or mobile devices without complex driver setups, reducing IT overhead and job friction.
Space and Cost Efficiency
Claimed as one of the world’s smallest plotters of its class, the T630 fits tight office footprints while the lower maintenance ink usage provides long-term cost savings for firms printing moderately high volumes.
Usages
Poster and Signage Production
Marketing teams and print shops can produce high-resolution posters and signage quickly using HP Click templates, roll media support, and the built-in cutter for clean edge finishes.
Technical CAD and GIS Mapping
Engineers and GIS professionals benefit from the plotter’s precise line quality, high dpi output, and reliable roll-to-sheet switching for producing large maps, overlays, and detailed construction drawings.
On-Demand Proofing and Client Presentations
Design teams can rapidly print full-scale proofs and presentation materials in-house, reducing outsourcing costs and providing clients with immediate, tactile deliverables during review sessions.
Perfect for Home Offices and Small Firms
Small architecture and engineering practices will appreciate the T630’s small footprint, integrated stand, and media bin, which avoid the need for a dedicated print room while offering full-size 36″ capability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast A1/D plotting (as fast as 30 seconds) and efficient workflow software
- High 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution for precise line work and posters
- Compact footprint with included stand, media bin, and automatic sheet feeder
- Modern connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, Wi‑Fi Direct, and USB
- Eco-conscious design and lower routine maintenance ink usage
Cons
- Mixed user feedback on print consistency for certain media and color-critical work
- Not a duplex unit — single-sided large-format only
- Large-format ink cartridges and OEM supplies can be costly for very high-volume shops
- Heavier and requires stable installation due to 123 lb weight
FAQs
How does warranty and support work?
HP provides a 1-year limited warranty with the printer. For business-critical installations, extended care plans and on-site support packages are available from HP or authorized resellers to increase uptime and response times.
Does the T630 support printing directly from CAD formats?
Yes. HP Click and the integrated driver support common CAD formats and raster/image types (PDF, JPEG, TIFF, DWF, HP-GL/2, PNG). It integrates smoothly into CAD workflows or RIP software for production environments.
Is duplex printing available?
No. This DesignJet is focused on single-sided large-format output. Duplex functionality isn’t applicable to wide-format roll plotting and is therefore not supported.
What media sizes and types can it handle?
The printer accepts up to 36-inch wide rolls and up to 13″ x 19″ sheets via the automatic sheet feeder. Supported media include plain paper, high-resolution paper, glossy photo stocks, and banner paper; the unit also has an automatic horizontal cutter for roll output.
Are third-party inks supported?
HP recommends using HP 712 and HP 713 genuine ink cartridges for best print quality and longevity. While third-party inks exist, they can affect color accuracy, head health, and warranty coverage.
Product Specifications
| Warranty | 1-year Limited Warranty |
| Included Components | Automatic sheet feeder, media bin, stand, spindle, printhead, introductory ink cartridges, power cord |
| Memory | 1 GB onboard memory |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 52″W x 24″D x 37″H (including stand and media bin) |
| Print Speed (A1/D) | As fast as 30 seconds per A1/D (up to 76 A1/D per hour); general max speed listed as 2 ppm for smaller formats |
| Supported Media Sizes | Up to 36-inch wide roll media; up to 13″ x 19″ sheets via automatic sheet feeder |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 2400 x 1200 dpi |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | Up to 50 sheets (sheetfed accessory) |
| Duplex | No (single-sided large-format printing) |
| Weight | Approximately 123 pounds |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 2400 x 1200 dpi |
| Printer Type | Large-format thermal inkjet plotter (DesignJet T630 36-inch) |
| Ink/Toner Type | Pigment & dye-based inks; HP 712 & HP 713 genuine ink cartridges |
| Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi‑Fi Direct |
Ratings
| Print Speed (Pages per Minute) | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.1 |
| Print Quality (Color & Sharpness) | 4.3 |
| Build Quality & Design | 3.9 |
| Ink Efficiency / Yield | 4.7 |
| Connectivity & App Integration | 4.4 |
Recommendation
The HP DesignJet T630 36-inch is recommended for small to mid-size architecture and engineering firms, print-for-pay shops focused on posters and technical prints, and in-house design teams that need dependable wide-format output without a large dedicated print room. Its balance of speed, accuracy and modern connectivity makes it a strong choice for teams that require frequent iterations and presentation-ready posters.
If color-critical photo production or ultra-high daily print volumes define your work, consider pairing the T630 with a color-managed workflow or a higher-capacity production plotter. For most studios and small production environments, the T630 delivers the best blend of accuracy, footprint, and total cost for typical large-format needs.
Conclusion
The HP DesignJet T630 36-inch plotter is a thoughtfully engineered solution that brings enterprise-class plotting capability into smaller offices. Strong points include its high-resolution output, fast A1/D times, flexible media handling, and integrated software that simplifies run preparation and reduces waste. The compact footprint and reduced maintenance ink consumption further strengthen its case for teams where space and operating costs matter.
While some users report mixed results depending on media choice and color-critical work, the T630 is overall a dependable, productivity-focused plotter that reduces turnaround times and helps teams produce professional, accurate prints in-house. For architects, engineers, and design professionals seeking a reliable wide-format printer that integrates into modern workflows and cuts job prep time, the T630 is a compelling investment.
