An interview we had with LEADING ARCHITECTURE for the Nov/Dec 2011 issue highlights the

importance of some of the latest trends in printer and CAD technology. Read more on page 44 here.

Being an HP Designjet reseller for over 20 years, we have seen the evolution of the CAD Printer, from
the simple Pen plotters all the way up to the latest HP T7100 High Speed printer. We thrive on
change, especially technological, and it’s been exciting to see how HP has come together with
architects & designers to develop printers that focus very specifically on their needs.

Q1: How do you believe the evolution of printers in recent years has affected architects?

HP Designjet printers these days have much better printing resolution & accuracy (up to 0.1%)
thereby producing better, crisper looking prints with excellent, long-lasting colour renderings. Due to
the large hard drive space and processing memory found in new-generation Designjets, 3D
presentations are more easily produced from CAD software today and printing these on high quality
printers enhances the presentation.

Output speed is enhanced both on the processing and printing side, allowing professionals access
to the documentation more quickly. This removes the tedium of scheduling print jobs and provides far
more flexibility.

There is greater connectivity. From the parallel cable connected to one computer to the 1000 based
Gigabit Ethernet Networking Solution, combined with the hard drive storage, allows very easy
connectivity within an office, including wireless. Also, printing over the internet with the HP e-Print &
Share solution allows print jobs to be accessible wherever & whenever a hard copy is needed.

We also now have the ability to print directly from a flashdrive! The new range of driverless HP
Designjet e-Printers make printing almost any file a convenient breeze. Ideal in any office environment!

Now introducing 3D printing! HP’s Designjet 3D printer can print 3D objects; from prototyping a
door handle to a scale model of a building, architects now can not only print great plans but also
physically make and visualise their projects.

Q2: What role do you see the introduction of smartphones and tablets playing in this business
environment?

The movement towards touch-screens in smart phones has definitely filtered into business equipment,
including easy to use touch-screen control panels on all the latest HP printers. HP have also
incorporated useful picture icons which make user interaction with the equipment that much easier.

Q3: In your opinion, are architects leaving varsity up to speed on the latest CAD programmes and
developments, or would they need to be trained?

In short, CAD skills will never be the primary function of a university, so students don't necessarily
have complete proficiency with current CAD software. Whilst it’s definitely easier to generate drawings
in today's technological environment, we believe becoming “CAD literate” requires many years of use
and experience to make full use of the benefits.

Q4: Have you noticed any recent trends in your market?

ROE aside, what you get for what you pay these days has improved by leaps and bounds. There
are many improvements and more media options to suit virtually any requirement, while still at cost-
effective pricing. We would encourage architects and designers to stay up-to-date with both their
printer and CAD/design technologies, so that the benefits of both hardware and software
advancements can be fully utilised and enjoyed.