HP DesignJet Z9+ PostScript Printer series
High-Impact Color. Creative Speed. Less Fuss. 🖼️ Color Matters. Time Does Too.
If you’re in the business of making things look amazing, you already know the struggle: printers that can’t keep up, colors that shift just enough to drive you nuts, and 45-minute trim jobs that somehow turn into full-on production delays. Whether you’re cranking out gallery pieces, posters, banners, or match prints — every minute and every detail counts.
That’s exactly where Mark Lindquist found himself. Mark’s not just some weekend hobbyist — he’s a sculptor and photographer with work in the Met, the Smithsonian, and the V&A Museum in London. And even with three HP Z3200s in his studio, he hit a wall.
“They were solid machines,” Mark said, “but things change. Expectations go up. Deadlines tighten. I was spending more time babysitting prints than creating them.”
So when HP asked him to test out the HP DesignJet Z9+ PostScript Printer series, he jumped at the chance. And the verdict?
“It prints like a Z3200 with a rocket engine… but it’s whisper quiet.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Here at Lawton, we’ve seen the same thing — not just in speed and color accuracy, but in how much smoother everything runs when you’re not fighting your equipment. The dual roll system switches automatically, the built-in trimmer means no more X-Acto knife marathons, and the color output is so consistent it’s borderline unfair.
Even our on-site service manager (the one who’s seen everything), was floored:
“First time I saw the Z9+ in action, I thought it wasn’t even printing — that’s how quiet it is. Then I saw the results and said, ‘Alright…”
🖨️ The Bottom Line? This Printer Just Gets It.
The HP DesignJet Z9+ PostScript Printer series gives you what you actually need: pro-level color, fewer production headaches, and faster turnarounds — without all the micromanaging.
Whether you’re framing fine art, printing gallery pieces, or managing a deadline-heavy print shop, these printers are built for how real creatives work. From 24″ to 44″, every model brings smoother workflows, automatic roll switching, built-in trimming, and rich, consistent color that holds up to close inspection.
And if you’re thinking beyond posters and prints — maybe toward more immersive work — here’s something worth checking out:
👉 Experiential Graphics: Building a Better Experience
This article from Wide Format Impressions explores how design and print are shaping physical spaces and creating lasting impressions. A quick, inspiring read if you’re looking to stretch your creative muscle — or expand what you offer clients.
📏 Which Z9+ is Right for You?
| Model | Size | Best For | Noteworthy Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z9+ 24-in | 24″ | Boutique studios, photographers | Compact. Clean. Reliable color. |
| Z9+ 44-in | 44″ | Print shops, galleries, agencies | Dual roll, clean trims, serious speed. |
| Z9+dr 44-in | 44″ | High-volume workflows | Vertical trimmer + dual roll = print powerhouse. |
🧠 Real-World Power for Real-World Workflows
✓ Smoother Gradients. Sharper Edges.
With HP Pixel Control and dual-drop technology, the Z9+ prints like it has something to prove — and it doesn’t even need light inks to do it.
✓ Built-In Trimmer = Less Time with a Box Cutter
Seriously. It trims as it goes. Clean cuts. No mess. Up to 20% faster finish time.
✓ Prints That Impress (and Sell)
HP Vivid Photo Inks and an embedded spectrophotometer mean consistent, rich color — frame after frame, banner after banner.
✓ Gloss Enhancer Upgrade? Yes, Please.
Want your work to pop on photo paper? Add gloss enhancer for a finish that screams “premium.”
✓ Dual Roll Support for Smart Switching
Load two media types or sizes and let the printer auto-switch. No manual swaps. No drama.
✓ One-Click Prints. Zero Waste.
With HP Click software, you just… click. And go. Less setup, less scrap, less swearing.
🧾 Want specs, sizes, or ink options?
👉 Download Full Datasheet (PDF)
🎯 Ready to Upgrade Your Print Game?
✅ Request a free quote here
FAQ's
Do I really need 9 inks? What happened to CMYK?
Great question. Traditional CMYK can’t capture the full color range modern creatives demand. The Z9+ uses 9 pigment-based inks — including chromatic red, green, and blue — to expand the gamut and nail those tricky skin tones, rich blues, or perfect brand colors. Plus, HP Pixel Control means you get buttery gradients without light inks. So yes, it’s worth it.
What does the built-in trimmer actually save me?
Time, labor, and patience. The vertical trimmer cuts your prints cleanly as they come out — no more manual trimming with rulers or rotary blades. According to HP, that’s up to 20% less post-processing time. According to us? That’s one less person yelling, “Where’s the cutting mat?”
Can I use this with my current RIP/software?
Yup. The Z9+ is designed to integrate easily with most existing workflows. It supports Adobe PostScript 3, PDF 1.7, HP Click, and even email/USB direct printing. Plus, HP offers a certified RIP program, so your current system likely plays nice.