The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 is a 44″ professional large-format printer built for photographers, fine art printers, and print service providers who need archival-quality color at a bigger scale. Its 12-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink system, paired with a Chroma Optimizer, produces a wide color gamut, smooth tonal gradations, and deep, neutral black-and-white output. Buffalo Imaging serves professional print shops and studios with the equipment and supplies they need to keep production moving.


LUCIA PRO II Ink System
Eleven of the printer’s twelve inks are newly formulated for improved color reproduction and black density compared to earlier LUCIA PRO ink sets. The Chroma Optimizer lays down a clear coat across the print surface, which improves gloss uniformity and suppresses bronzing on glossy and satin media. A crystalline wax additive in the ink also improves scratch resistance during handling, framing, and shipping.
Intelligent Media Handling
The PRO-4600 automatically detects media type, width, and length, and performs auto print head alignment without manual calibration steps. It accepts roll and cut-sheet media from 6″ to 44″ wide, with a built-in 2″/3″ core roll holder. An optional Multifunction Roll Unit (RU-43) adds a second roll for switching between media types or continuous take-up printing.
Built for Studio Workflows
Semi-translucent covers and interior LED lighting make it easy to check ink levels and loaded media at a glance. A built-in multi-sensor helps maintain color consistency print to print, and the included Device Management Console software can calibrate and monitor up to 50 networked PRO Series printers from one dashboard, which is useful for shops running multiple units.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The printer connects via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, with a built-in USB port for direct printing from external media. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows workflows and supports Canon’s Professional Print & Layout, PosterArtist, Free Layout Plus, Direct Print Plus, and Accounting Manager software.
What’s in the Box
- imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 printer with stand
- Print Head (PF-10)
- 330ml Starter Ink Tanks (11 colors plus Chroma Optimizer)
- Maintenance Cartridge (pre-installed)
- 2″ Roll Holder with 3″ Core Adapters
- Power cable
- Installation guide and printer stand setup guide
- Warranty statements and product registration materials
Full Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | 12-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink (11 colors + Chroma Optimizer) |
| Ink Colors | Matte Black, Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Gray, Photo Cyan, Photo Magenta, Photo Gray, Red, Blue, Chroma Optimizer |
| Max Print Width | 44″ |
| Max Resolution | 2400 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Head | PF-10, 1.28″ wide, 18,432 nozzles (1,536 per ink), FINE anti-clogging technology |
| Media Handling | Roll and cut sheet, 6″ to 44″ wide, up to 6.7″ roll diameter, min. 6″ x 6″ cut sheet, auto loading and alignment |
| Dual-Roll Capability | Via optional Multifunction Roll Unit (RU-43) |
| Connectivity | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, built-in USB port for direct printing |
| OS Compatibility | Windows and Mac |
| Processing Engine | L-COA PRO high-speed image processing engine |
| Power Consumption | 85W max, 1.7W standby, ~0.1W power off |
| Operating Environment | 59-86°F, 10-80% relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Printer Dimensions (stand + basket open) | 62.7″ W x 38.7″ D x 46″ H, 273.4 lbs |
| Package Dimensions & Weight | 71.7″ W x 36″ D x 41.2″ H, 407.9 lbs (main unit with stand and pallet) |
| Certifications | ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Gold |
| SKU | 6407C002AA |
| UPC | 013803375480 |
| User-Replaceable Items | Ink tanks (PFI-3100/PFI-2100MBK 160ml, PFI-3300/PFI-2300MBK 330ml, PFI-3700/PFI-2700MBK 700ml), Print Head PF-10, Maintenance Cartridge MC-30, Cutter Blade CT-07 |
| Bundled Software | Professional Print & Layout, PosterArtist (Online/Lite), Free Layout Plus, Direct Print Plus, Accounting Manager |
What is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 used for?
The PRO-4600 is a 44″ large-format printer built for professional photography and fine art reproduction at a bigger scale. It’s commonly used by photographers, print studios, and print service providers who need archival-quality color output for large gallery prints, exhibition work, and oversized client proofs.
What is the best Canon printer for large-scale fine art photography?
For 44″ fine art and photo printing, the imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 is Canon’s current PRO Series option in that width. Its 12-color LUCIA PRO II ink system with Chroma Optimizer is built specifically for the color accuracy, black density, and archival lightfastness large-format fine art printing requires.
What’s the difference between the Canon PRO-4600 and PRO-4100?
The PRO-4600 shares its core chassis with the PRO-4100 but adds a reformulated LUCIA PRO II ink set, improved black density, higher scratch resistance, and updated media handling and alignment features. Print quality and workflow are refined rather than a ground-up redesign.
What media types and paper sizes does the PRO-4600 support?
The printer handles roll and cut-sheet media from 6″ to 44″ wide, including canvas, luster, photo rag, fine art white, and fine art etching papers, with a maximum roll diameter of 6.7″ and a minimum cut sheet size of 6″ x 6″.
Does the PRO-4600 support two rolls of paper at once?
Not out of the box. The PRO-4600 ships with a single 2″/3″ core roll holder, but you can add the optional Multifunction Roll Unit (RU-43) to run two rolls at once or use the second position as a take-up reel for continuous printing.
Is the Canon PRO-4600 the best 44-inch printer for professional studios?
It’s built specifically for that use case: 12-color pigment ink, automatic media handling, and a built-in color sensor for print-to-print consistency across multiple units. Whether it’s the best fit for your studio depends on your paper types and color-management workflow, but it’s a purpose-built option for professional photo and fine art output at 44″.
How do you replace the ink tanks or print head?
Both are user-replaceable. Ink tanks (PFI-3100/PFI-2100MBK in 160ml, or PFI-3300/PFI-2300MBK in 330ml, or PFI-3700/PFI-2700MBK in 700ml for high-volume printing) slide into labeled slots behind the front cover, and the PF-10 print head is accessed through the printer’s built-in maintenance menu, which walks you through alignment after installation.
What connectivity options does the PRO-4600 have?
USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi are all built in, along with a front-facing USB port for direct printing from external storage. It works with both Mac and Windows and supports Canon’s Professional Print & Layout and PosterArtist software.
What is the best ink system for archival photo prints?
Pigment-based inks like the PRO-4600’s LUCIA PRO II system are the standard for archival work, since they resist fading and scratching far better than dye inks. The added Chroma Optimizer layer also improves gloss uniformity, which matters for long-term print consistency in gallery and portfolio work at any print size.






































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