HP DesignJet XL 3800 Multifunction Printer
The fastest color wide-format printer in its class — built for architecture, engineering, and CAD teams who can't afford to wait on prints.
Built for Teams Who Print to Move Projects Forward
The XL 3800 is designed around a simple idea: teams that print for a living shouldn't have to compromise between speed and quality.
Architecture and engineering firms rely on it for fast, accurate CAD drawings and blueprints — the kind of output that needs to be precise the first time, not the third. Construction and AEC teams use it on tighter project timelines where a plotter sitting idle costs real money. Sign shops and design studios rely on the same device for vibrant color graphics and presentation-quality output, without needing a second, separate machine for color work.
If your team currently splits technical printing and color/graphics printing across two different devices, the XL 3800 is built to consolidate that into one.
Why Teams Choose the XL 3800
Waiting on prints isn't just an inconvenience; it's lost time on every project. The XL 3800 delivers a first page out in as fast as 20 seconds, with sustained print speeds up to 6 A1/D color pages per minute. For a busy office running multiple drawing sets a day, that difference adds up to hours saved every week.
The 15-inch front panel makes copy and scan jobs genuinely one-click — no navigating layered menus mid-deadline. With a smaller footprint than many comparable machines, the XL 3800 gives smaller offices back valuable floor space without sacrificing capability.
Printers are network-connected devices, which also makes them potential entry points for cyber threats. HP Wolf Enterprise Security is built into the XL 3800 from the ground up, and HP's Command Center gives your team a centralized way to monitor print activity — important for firms handling sensitive client drawings or proprietary designs.
The XL 3800 is made with 33% recycled plastic, uses recyclable cardboard-based ink cartridges, and is ENERGY STAR certified. For firms that need to report sustainability commitments to clients or ownership groups, this is a legitimate line item.
Trade In Your Old Plotter
Upgrading from an older wide-format printer? Trade it in toward your new XL 3800. Flexible financing and lease options are also available.
Get a Personalized Quote From an Authorized HP Dealer
No pressure, no spam: just pricing, availability, and answers to your questions.
HP DesignJet XL 3800 at a Glance
- Print speed
- Up to 6 A1/D color pages per minute
- First page out
- As fast as 20 seconds
- Max roll size
- 36 inches, up to 650 ft
- Ink system
- 500-ml HP Flex Tech Inks
- Connectivity
- LAN, HP Command Center, HP Click, HP Smart Stream
- Memory
- 128 GB for smooth file processing
Trusted by Teams Who Print for a Living
We compared HP DesignJet XL 3800 pricing across a couple of dealers before deciding, and setup went smoothly from delivery to our first print. Trading in our old plotter took some of the cost off the top, and the team walked us through financing so the whole thing fit our budget without any guesswork.
Redrock Civil Engineering
Not Sure Which DesignJet Fits Your Team?
The XL 3800 is built for speed and everyday reliability. If your team needs even higher volume or throughput, the HP DesignJet XL 3600 may be a better fit.
See our full XL 3600 guide to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questions · scroll the listWhat is the specification of the HP DesignJet XL 3800 Printer?
The XL 3800 prints up to 36 inches wide, supports roll lengths up to 650 ft, and uses 500-ml HP Flex Tech Inks. It delivers print speeds up to 6 A1/D color pages per minute with a first page out in as fast as 20 seconds, and includes 128 GB of memory for smooth file processing on large or complex jobs. Full specs, including connectivity and media handling details, are available in the downloadable brochure above.
What is the price of the HP DesignJet XL 3800 MFP printer?
Pricing for the HP DesignJet XL 3800 MFP depends on your configuration, any active trade-in credit, and whether you're purchasing outright or financing through a lease. Request a quote above and one of our dealer specialists will provide accurate, current pricing based on your setup.
Can the HP DesignJet XL 3800 print on vinyl?
The XL 3800 is primarily built for technical and CAD printing on standard plotter media, but it supports a range of compatible print media depending on ink and roll specifications. For vinyl or specialty signage material, we recommend confirming compatibility with our team based on your specific application, since results vary by media type and ink formulation.
How much space does the XL 3800 need?
The XL 3800 has a notably compact footprint compared to many machines in its class, but it still requires clearance around the unit for media loading, output collection, and routine servicing. Our team can provide exact dimensional requirements and help plan placement as part of your quote or installation process.
Is financing available for the HP DesignJet XL 3800?
Yes. Flexible financing and lease options are available for the XL 3800, which can make sense for firms that want to preserve capital or bundle service and supplies into a predictable monthly cost. Ask about financing when you request your quote.
What's the difference between the XL 3800 and the XL 3600?
Both are part of HP's DesignJet XL production series, but they're built for different volume and throughput needs. If your team is evaluating which model fits your print volume, see our full HP DesignJet XL 3600 guide for a detailed look at that model, or talk to our team — we can match the right machine to your actual workload, not just the spec sheet.
What is the XL 3800 best suited for?
The XL 3800 is best suited for architecture, engineering, and construction teams that need fast, reliable technical printing, as well as sign shops or studios that also need quality color output from the same device. It's a strong fit for offices that want to consolidate technical and graphics printing without maintaining two separate machines.
Does the XL 3800 include scanning and copying?
Yes. The XL 3800 is a full multifunction printer, and its 15-inch front panel supports one-click scan-and-copy workflows, not just printing.
Can I trade in my current plotter toward an XL 3800?
Yes. We offer trade-in credit toward your new XL 3800 when you retire an older plotter or wide-format printer. See our current trade-in offer for details, or mention your current equipment when requesting a quote and we'll provide an estimated trade-in value.
What's the cost per print or running cost of the XL 3800?
Running costs depend on factors like ink usage per job, media type, and print volume. Because the XL 3800 uses 500-ml HP Flex Tech Ink supplies, cost per print tends to be more predictable at higher volumes. Our team can walk you through realistic running-cost estimates based on your expected print volume and typical job types.
What kind of ink does the HP DesignJet XL 3800 use?
The XL 3800 uses HP Flex Tech Inks in 500-ml supplies. They are the first large-format inks to earn UL ECOLOGO® Certification, reflecting HP's focus on reducing environmental impact without sacrificing print quality.
What's included in the warranty or support plan when you buy through SBR?
As an authorized HP dealer, SBR provides support alongside manufacturer warranty coverage, including local service access rather than relying solely on manufacturer call centers. Ask our team for specifics on warranty terms and available extended support plans when you request your quote.
How long does delivery and installation typically take?
Delivery and installation timelines vary based on configuration and current availability, but our team prioritizes getting your XL 3800 up and running with minimal disruption to your workflow. We'll confirm an estimated timeline in your quote.
What media/paper types is the XL 3800 compatible with, beyond vinyl?
The XL 3800 is compatible with a range of standard plotter media used for technical drawings, renders, and presentation-quality output. If you have specific specialty media requirements beyond standard rolls, our team can confirm compatibility before you purchase.
Ready to Speed Up Your Print Workflow?
Talk to a print specialist about pricing, trade-in value, or a live demo.
