While all plotter printers can create excellent high-quality images, plotter paper requires a specific kind of paper to print these images. You may feel tempted to use traditional paper, as it’s less expensive. But it’s also thin and tends to tear easily. If you want to save time and money in the long run, you must choose the right paper. To help you do just that, we cover the most common mistakes you need to avoid when buying plotter paper.
Not Paying Attention to Width and Length
The length and width of your paper represent the total size of the roll. You may notice that the average lengths for plotter paper rolls are rather long and don’t come in the traditional 8.5 x 11 inches. Typically, plotter printer paper comes in a range of 150 to 500 feet long. Of course, the longer it is, the more you can print without changing the paper. But you also have to consider how wide the roll is. Too wide, and it simply won’t fit. Too small, and the image won’t format correctly. Your printer’s manual should tell you the exact width and size you need.
Forgetting To Consider Core Diameter and Paper Weight
The paper you order should have a list of numbers that come with it. The first one is the weight of the roll. It’s important to look at the roll’s weight and compare it to the suggestion in your printer’s manual. If the weight is too heavy, the printer will jam often.
Additionally, when choosing the right size, you must consider the core’s diameter. Typically, the core will come in 2- or 3-inch diameters. If you choose the wrong core diameter, it simply won’t fit in the printer, rendering your purchase useless.
Using the Wrong Paper for Your Project
Once you’ve chosen the right size, you must pick the right paper for your project. Plotters print on three main types of paper: vellum, gloss, and bond paper. Vellum paper only works with inkjet printers and is best for printing a large number of blueprints. Gloss paper works with laser jet printing and pen plotters, which you can use to make professional presentations. Lastly, bond paper is the most versatile and affordable option for printing drawings and graphics. It also works well with inkjet and pen plotters.
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid when buying plotter paper, which paper roll is right for your printer? At Plotter Paper Guys, we have 24 lb paper that comes in 150 and 300 ft rolls so that you can print crisp images over and over without compromising quality.
