Canon imagePROGRAF TM-350 vs TM-355
Both are 36″, 5-color LUCIA TD plotters for CAD/GIS and posters. The TM-355 adds native PDF (v1.7) printing, USB-stick direct print, and an encrypted 500 GB HDD for job storage and queue control—while core speed and image quality remain the same.
Spec comparison (at a glance)
| Feature | TM-350 | TM-355 |
|---|---|---|
| Printer languages | HP-GL/2, HP RTL, JPEG, CALS G4 | PDF (v1.7), HP-GL/2, HP RTL, JPEG, CALS G4 |
| USB-A / Direct print | N/A | USB-A (USB memory direct print) |
| On-board storage | — | 500 GB HDD (encrypted) |
| Standard memory | 2 GB | “128 GB (physical 2 GB)” + HDD |
| Interfaces | USB-B, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi; Apple AirPrint | USB-A, USB-B, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi; Apple AirPrint |
| Print speed (CAD) | A1: 0:17 (Fast Economy) • up to 3.2 ppm | A1: 0:17 (Fast Economy) • up to 3.2 ppm |
| Max resolution | 2400 × 1200 dpi (PF-06 head) | 2400 × 1200 dpi (PF-06 head) |
| Media & borderless | Roll/cut-sheet 8″–36″; borderless on common widths incl. A1/A0 | Roll/cut-sheet 8″–36″; borderless on common widths incl. A1/A0 |
| Power (operation) | ≤65 W | ≤69 W |
All figures are from Canon Emirates TM-350/TM-355 spec pages (captured Sept 13, 2025). See sources below.
Why the TM-355’s PDF + USB + HDD combo matters
TM-355 lists PDF (v1.7) as a printer language. That means it can interpret PDFs directly, reducing reliance on driver-side rasterization and enabling faster, consistent output for shared queues.
With USB-A (USB memory direct print), users can print supported file types from a thumb drive without a PC—a win for site offices and quick reprints.
The 500 GB encrypted HDD lets you retain jobs on device, improve spooling for large files, and reprint from the panel—useful for multi-team environments.
Real-world speed (identical)
| Mode | A1/D | A0 |
|---|---|---|
| CAD (Fast Economy) | 0:17 • up to 3.2 ppm | 0:32 |
| CAD (Fast) | — | 0:41 |
| CAD (Standard) | — | 1:08 |
Poster speeds (A0): Fast Economy 0:37 • Fast 0:43 • Standard 1:18 — same on both.
Choose TM-350 if…
- You send jobs from PCs/apps and don’t need USB walk-up printing.
- Lowest acquisition cost matters more than on-device storage.
- You want the same print engine, speed and quality as TM-355.
Choose TM-355 if…
- You need native PDF and USB direct print for quick walk-ups.
- Teams benefit from on-device job storage and easy reprints.
- IT/security prefers encrypted HDD with better queue control.
In-Depth Analysis
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Hard Drive and On-Board Storage
The most significant difference is the built-in hard drive. The TM-355 comes equipped with a 500GB encrypted hard disk drive. This is a game-changer for high-volume environments or for those handling sensitive data. It allows users to store print jobs directly on the printer, enabling direct printing without a PC and providing an extra layer of security. The TM-350 relies solely on its 2GB of physical memory, which is more than sufficient for most tasks, but lacks the storage and security benefits of the hard drive.
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PDF Support and Workflow
While both printers handle common file formats, the TM-355's native support for PDF printing is a notable advantage. The TM-350 requires the use of a print driver to handle PDF files, but the TM-355 can process them directly, which can simplify the workflow and improve efficiency. This is particularly useful for printing large architectural or engineering documents that are often in PDF format.
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Enhanced Security Features
For environments where data security is a priority, the TM-355 is the clear winner. Its encrypted hard drive and support for PIN code printing ensure that sensitive documents are protected from unauthorized access. The secure erase feature allows you to permanently wipe data from the hard drive, which is essential for compliance and peace of mind.
FAQ (short)
Does TM-350 print PDFs?
Can TM-355 print from a USB stick?
Do they share media handling and output quality?
Still unsure which one to deploy?
Share your monthly A1 volume, file types (PDF/CAD), and walk-up needs—we’ll recommend the right model + supplies plan.
Specs and features sourced from Canon Emirates TM-350/TM-355 pages on Sept 13, 2025.
