HP 747 300-ml Gray DesignJet Ink Cartridge (P2V86A)

HP part P2V86A: a 300-milliliter genuine HP Gray tank, one of the four 747 cartridges that extend what an HP DesignJet Z9⁺ can reproduce beyond its core color set.

Which printers take P2V86A

Built for one platform: the Z9⁺ line in its 24-inch, 44-inch, Z9⁺dr and Z9⁺ Pro configurations. The 747 range has no Z6 equivalent, and HP’s compatibility data for this part excludes the Z6 series outright — check the badge on the machine before raising the order.

• HP DesignJet Z9⁺ series (24-in / 44-in / Z9⁺dr / Z9⁺ Pro)

The job Gray actually does

Gray is not a second black. Its job is tonal: it fills the steps between light and dark so gradients and neutral shadow areas resolve smoothly rather than stepping. HP ties this cartridge to monochrome and mixed-content prints — photographic yearbook panels, greyscale charts beside full-color artwork on one sheet. The 747 range holds no black, so Gray handles tone, never density.

Size, and the liter tank

This is the 300-milliliter size. The same Gray is also made as a 1-liter tank, part 1XB05A in the 776 range, and on the same printer it works out roughly 28% cheaper per milliliter — compare the current prices on its page. The catch is supply rather than arithmetic: 1XB05A is not on the shelf at the moment, so if a Z9⁺ needs Gray in the bay, P2V86A is the part that ships.

Easy to mis-key

The number sitting next to this one is a different color entirely: P2V85A is Chromatic Blue. Both are 747, both are 300 ml and both cost the same, so a transposed digit will not look wrong on a purchase order — it shows up when the carton reaches the printer.

Questions schools ask about this part

Is Gray the black ink?

No. The 747 range has no black in it. On this platform the blacks are separate numbers: P2V83A Matte Black and P2V82A Photo Black at 300 ml, or 1XB12A and 1XB11A at 1 liter.

We run a Z6. Can we use P2V86A?

No, and there is no substitute in the Z6 families we stock. The Z6 takes 746 at 300 ml or 775 at 500 ml, and neither range includes a gray.

Will P2V86A fit a Z9⁺dr?

Yes. HP names the Z9⁺dr in the machine list for this part, alongside the 24-inch and 44-inch Z9⁺ and the Z9⁺ Pro. A dr machine takes the same 747 cartridges as the rest of the series.

School POs and card orders both welcome. Not sure which part fits your machine? Call 866-788-7900 or see all genuine HP parts by number.