Canon imagePROGRAF TM-500 24-inch A1 Large Format Printer | 7448C003AA
An entry-level A1 printer for light-volume CAD, technical drawings, occasional posters, and everyday large-format printing.
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-500 is the entry point to Canon’s new imagePROGRAF TM series, designed for users who need professional A1 printing without the ink capacity or cost associated with higher-volume models.
Its 55ml colour cartridges and 80ml matte black cartridge are well suited to lighter workloads and smaller print budgets. Despite its entry-level position, the TM-500 retains many of the features found across the wider TM range, including a 4.3-inch tiltable touchscreen, automatic media detection, borderless printing and a wide choice of compatible roll media.
Importantly, the TM-500 is not restricted to short CAD rolls. It can accept compatible 2-inch core media up to 110 metres in length, while optional 3-inch core adapters allow suitable Bond media up to 175 metres. Its maximum roll diameter of 140mm also provides more media capacity than many entry-level A1 printers.
The result is a compact A1 printer that can handle far more than occasional CAD plots. It is equally useful for A1 drawings, technical documents, venue posters, signage and everyday business graphics.
Plot it Opinion
The TM-500 makes a particularly strong case for users buying their first A1 printer.
Its smaller ink capacities keep the initial consumable commitment sensible for light-volume users, while the cost per millilitre remains competitive with other entry-level large-format printers. You also get considerably more media flexibility than you might expect from an entry-level model.
The ability to use longer rolls is particularly useful. Compatible 2-inch core media can reach 110 metres, while optional 3-inch core adapters extend this to 175 metres for suitable Bond media. The 140mm maximum roll diameter also helps the TM-500 accommodate more media before a replacement is required.
For occasional CAD printing, the optional BU-07 basket is another useful feature. It allows the printer to be mounted in a more compact desktop-style configuration while providing a convenient way to collect completed A1 and A2 prints.
The TM-500 is also an accessible option for users without graphic design experience. Canon’s free PosterArtist Lite software makes it easy to create posters and other simple promotional graphics without investing in additional design software.
For light-volume A1 printing, the TM-500 offers an unusually broad combination of low-volume running requirements, media flexibility and professional features.
If you expect to print larger volumes regularly, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-510 offers larger interchangeable 130ml and 300ml ink capacities.
Why Choose the Canon TM-500?
Entry-level A1 printing without basic features
The TM-500 is designed for light and occasional A1 printing, making it suitable for smaller businesses, offices, and first-time large-format users.
Its 55ml colour cartridges and 80ml matte black cartridge help keep consumable capacity aligned with lighter workloads, while Canon’s pigment ink system delivers professional output for technical and everyday business printing.
Sharp technical drawings
Canon’s new high-density matte black ink produces sharper thin lines, crisp text and cleaner technical detail.
This makes the TM-500 well suited to:
- Architectural drawings
- Engineering plans
- Construction documents
- CAD drawings
- Surveying
- Technical reports
- Project documentation
Enhanced image processing also improves the reproduction of fine detail within technical drawings.
More than CAD printing
The TM-500 is not limited to technical documents.
Improved plain-paper colour mapping produces darker, more vivid output, making it suitable for:
- Venue and event posters
- Retail and hospitality signage
- Presentation graphics
- Educational displays
- Business posters and notices
- Marketing material
Borderless printing on supported media also helps create finished posters and graphics without unwanted white margins.
Flexible roll media for an entry-level printer
The TM-500 supports a broad range of paper and film media, giving users greater choice over print quality, application, and cost.
Compatible 2-inch core media can be used in lengths of up to 110 metres, depending on the selected media.
Optional 3-inch core adapters are available separately. With suitable Bond media, these allow rolls up to 175 metres to be used.
The printer supports a maximum roll diameter of 140mm, providing useful media capacity for a compact A1 printer.
Longer rolls can reduce media changes during regular printing, while the wider media choice allows users to select economical CAD paper or more specialist materials for posters and graphics.
Compact operation with the optional BU-07 basket
The optional BU-07 basket provides a convenient way to collect finished drawings and prints.
It can also support a more compact desktop-style installation, making it useful where floor space is limited.
For offices producing occasional CAD drawings or posters, the basket provides a simple way to keep finished prints contained and organised.
Create posters without specialist design software
Not every TM-500 user will have access to a graphic designer.
Canon’s free **PosterArtist Lite** software provides an easy way to create posters and other simple promotional material. This gives smaller businesses, offices, venues and schools a straightforward way to produce their own large-format graphics without purchasing additional design software.
Simple operation
The 4.3-inch tiltable touchscreen provides access to key printer settings and information, including:
- Media type
- Remaining media
- Ink levels
- Printer status
Automatic media detection helps simplify setup, while the flat-top roll-paper cover makes loading and changing media straightforward.
Borderless printing
Borderless printing is available on supported media sizes.
This is particularly useful for posters, notices and presentation graphics, reducing the need to trim unwanted margins after printing.
Connectivity for everyday users
The TM-500 supports conventional network printing as well as driver-free printing options including:
- Apple AirPrint
- Mopria
- IPP Everywhere
- Printing from compatible Windows and ChromeOS devices
This allows different users and devices to access the printer within a shared workplace.
Quiet office printing
The TM-500 is designed for low-noise operation, making it suitable for offices, classrooms and other shared working environments.
Canon has also incorporated sustainability measures including recycled materials and EPS-free packaging. EPEAT certification for the USA market.
Best For
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-500 is particularly well suited to:
- Occasional A1 CAD printing
- Small businesses buying their first large-format printer
- Architects and engineers with light print volumes
- Construction and AEC offices
- Schools and education
- Venues producing occasional posters
- Retail and hospitality signage
- Offices producing plans and notices
Need Help Choosing?
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-500 is designed for users who need professional A1 printing without the running requirements of a higher-volume plotter.
Its smaller ink capacities suit lighter workloads, while its 110-metre 2-inch core media capability, optional 3-inch adapters, and 140mm maximum roll diameter give it more media flexibility than many entry-level alternatives.
For regular or higher-volume A1 printing, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-510 offers larger interchangeable 130ml and 300ml ink capacities.
For integrated A1 printing, scanning, and copying, consider the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-510M.
Contact the Plot it team if you need help choosing between the Canon TM-500 and other A1 large-format printers.
