Did you know that there are many types of plotter ink cartridges, and they are specially formulated to be used in specific printers? Did you know that there are a variety of different plotters and they all print differently? From laser, inkjet, or even electrostatic options, they all require a different type of cartridge or tube to distribute the ink or toner that’s used to give you the look you’re hoping to achieve.
Plotters are used in a wide variety of industries considering that it’s an entirely different specialization of printing technology. A plotter ink cartridge is an essential piece of the way the printer works and there are a few things you should know about it for your printing operations. Plotter technology is quite advanced in graphic output, and to get the most out of your plotter cartridges you should know what to use for your specific printer and how it works.
Printing services often require high accuracy and attention to fine detail and because of this, we’re going to break down what you need to know about the plotter ink cartridge, along with the other features that make your plotter printer capable.
What Is a Plotter Ink Cartridge?
In the simplest terms, the ink cartridge is the component that is responsible for depositing the ink onto paper to create a final product. That ink is specific to the machine, just like with any other printer.
We know that a plotter printer is a bit different from your standard printer. Plotter’s actually get specific commands from your computer and then the printer responds by drawing out the design that the computer is telling it to create.
More traditional printers only print imagery and different types of text once the command is received from the computer. The ink cartridge that you use, whether by Canon, HP, Epson, or any other ink supplier, should be specific to the plotter printer that you’re using.
What Kind of Ink Does a Plotter Printer Use?
Plotter printers use a pen to create the drawings that the computer tells it to. In comparison, Inkjet printers use ink in droplets to create designs. Due to the difference in functionality, the ink that they take is also different.
Printers don’t use the same types of ink and plotter printers specifically use aqueous dye ink. This type of ink acts as a type of colorant and it’s the standard option for any plotter. Aqueous ink is based with dye and that dye is soluble in water.
Can You Use Any Type of Ink in Your Plotter Printer?
The general rule of thumb is that printer ink will often get labeled for compatibility reasons. This means that you should also consider the type of ink you’re using. Are you using an aqueous-dye-based product or an aqueous-pigment-based product?
It’s important to know that they can’t be used interchangeably and there are also different printer options for each. The reason for this is not because you “aren’t supposed to” but because of how the print heads are designed. They simply are designed to be used with their specified printers.
You should also know that different branding won’t work on printers not intended for that brand. So, a Canon plotter ink cartridge won’t work with the same printer as HP plotter ink would.
Quality Ink for Any Size Project
A plotter ink cartridge is the component of your plotter printer that is responsible for delivering the ink that forms your final product. Plotter Paper Guys is an industry leader in not just plotter paper supply but equipment and accessories as well.
No matter what your design is, you’re going to need quality ink at affordable prices. Try talking to an expert about your next project today.