A New Movement To Inkjet: The Evolution of AEC Print Technology

Repros Engineering has had a front-row seat to the evolution of print technology in the AEC industry. For decades, we have observed a shift in printing methods from ammonia-based machines and drafting pencil plotters to the high-speed, color-accurate, network-connected devices we rely on today.

The pivotal turning point came when Xerox introduced toner-based copying, replacing ammonia and photo chemicals with dry toner on plain paper. This transition not only improved safety and efficiency but also brought blueprint reproduction directly into the office environment. By the 1980s, multi-function devices became the norm, enabling users to copy, scan, and print from a single network-connected system. These black-and-white printers became indispensable, offering engineers and architects the convenience of producing large-format drawings at any time.

• By 1990, over 60% of architectural and engineering firms had adopted in-house large-format copying systems, reducing reliance on outsourced reprographics.
• By the early 2000s, color became more prominent in technical documentation. Designers started using color to differentiate utilities, emphasize project details, and enhance branding with full-color logos.
• This ushered in an era of four-color toner machines. While effective, these systems were larger, more complex, and required greater power and maintenance.
• Studies show that color documents can improve comprehension and retention by up to 78%, especially in technical and construction planning environments (Source: Xerox).

Meanwhile, inkjet technology, although available, was still too slow to compete with toner-based systems for high-volume office use. That changed in 2015 when HP introduced its PageWide inkjet platform.

Rather than a moving print head, PageWide employed a stationary head that spanned the full width of the page, significantly enhancing speed and reliability. With fewer moving parts, reduced power requirements, and rapid, high-quality color output, PageWide addressed many of the challenges of earlier technologies.

• PageWide printers can produce up to 30 D-size prints per minute, compared to 4–6 pages per minute on older inkjet models—an increase of over 400% in speed.
• Built on a Linux-based OS, PageWide also reduces exposure to more than 60% of known Microsoft vulnerabilities, simplifying IT oversight.
• The cost per print using modern inkjet systems has dropped by up to 50% compared to legacy toner-based color devices, making full-color output economically viable for everyday use.

Today, PageWide inkjet technology has matured into a reliable standard for architects, engineers, contractors, government agencies, and manufacturers. It provides a unique combination of speed, reliability, cost-efficiency, and color fidelity, fulfilling the requirements of modern project workflows without compromising quality or security.

At Repros Engineering, we continue to help organizations across Ohio stay ahead of technology shifts. Please contact us if you’re reassessing your wide-format print strategy; we’re here to offer insight and guidance.