These five-colour printers excel in computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information system (GIS) applications while also delivering vibrant poster prints, making them versatile tools for diverse markets.
According to Gary Stockenstroom, production print and wide-format product manager at Canon SA, the flagship imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 offers unparalleled productivity for high-volume CAD printing. ‘With a 36-inch width and a speed of four A1 pages per minute, it is the fastest printer in Canon’s imagePROGRAF lineup,’ he comments. ‘The printer features a top delivery tray (TDT) that stacks up to 100 CAD drawings or 10 posters, ensuring uninterrupted workflows.’
Gary explains that the dual roll inputs reduce media loading frequency and allow automatic switching between sizes, ideal for complex CAD applications. Hot-swap ink tanks further enhance efficiency by enabling ink replacement during operation.
The imagePROGRAF TX-4200 (44-inch) and TX-3200 (36-inch) models provide versatile solutions for CAD, GIS and poster printing. These printers achieve speeds of up to 3.3 A1 pages per minute and feature an intuitive paper loading process with dual roll media input for fast exchanges.
Superior print quality
Gary says Canon’s latest TZ and TX models deliver enhanced image quality with sharper lines and consistent, vivid colours. ‘Improved image processing technology maximises the ink’s colour performance, while the new magenta ink produces brighter, bolder prints on plain paper,’ he remarks. ‘Robust pigment inks prevent smudging, making these prints ideal for outdoor use.’ These capabilities ensure the accuracy and legibility of CAD and GIS drawings, essential for industries such as AEC&M and public sector projects.
The printers are equipped with a range of automated features to boost productivity. An advanced paper loading system detects paper type and width while estimating remaining quantities, speeding up the process and reducing roll set-up time by 30% compared to previous models, according to Canon. Ink sensing systems and colour calibration functions maintain consistent quality while minimising downtime, enabling users to produce large volumes of technical drawings and posters quickly and efficiently.
Commitment to sustainability
Canon has incorporated environmentally responsible features into the new printers. ‘The TZ-32000 reduces power consumption by 29% during use, while the TX-4200/TX-3200 achieves a 25% reduction compared to earlier models. Packaging has also been redesigned to eliminate expanded polystyrene (EPS). Both series are EPEAT Gold-certified, reflecting Canon’s commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact,’ Gary emphasises.
To address data security concerns, the TZ and TX printers feature advanced measures such as encrypted communication, PIN-based printing, secure authentication and hard drive erasure. These safeguards ensure sensitive information is protected and accessible only to authorised personnel.
He highlights the significance of the new printers: ‘The TZ and TX imagePROGRAF models strengthen our offering for large-format CAD/GIS and poster printing. They provide high-quality, accurate and sharp prints with vivid colours, ensuring technical drawings are easy to read – even in challenging environments. With enhanced features and unmatched reliability, these printers are designed to meet the productivity and quality demands of our customers across various sectors.’
Ed’s note: The new Canon imagePROGRAF TZ and TX printers are available through accredited Canon Partners and directly from Canon.
