Plotter printers are specialized printing devices that use a pen or other drawing tool to create images on paper. Most professionals use these printers to produce large-format documents such as maps, architectural drawings, and engineering designs. Plotter printers can draw precise lines and curves with much higher accuracy than traditional inkjet and laser printers. In this informative blog, we further explain what a plotter printer is and how it works.
What Is a Plotter Printer?
A plotter printer is a specialized device primarily used to produce large vector-based illustrations, designs, and blueprints. Unlike traditional printers that rely on pixels to create images, plotters utilize a precise pen or marker to execute a line drawing. This results in incredibly accurate drawings that experts can replicate countless times without losing any details.
Moreover, plotters are much larger than standard printers and can easily create designs on various materials, including vinyl, fabric, and paper. While plotters are excellent at printing precise, vector-based images, they cannot generate raster images—pictures made up of pixels— like a traditional printer can.
Plotter Paper Guys
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How Do Plotters Work?
Now that we’ve explained what a plotter is, let’s get into how it works. Plotters communicate with CAD software installed on your computer to print drawings and technical designs. Unlike typical inkjet or laser printers, which spray ink or toner onto a sheet of paper, a plotter uses an automated pen to draw plans.
These printers create vector graphics, which are images comprised of mathematical equations rather than pixels; this is also why they cannot produce raster images. As a plotter prints designs, the pen moves across the paper. When moving, the markermakes precise marks that combine to create the final image.
There are three main types of plotters: drum, flatbed, and inkjet. Each works a bit differently. We explain each type below to help you determine which one to purchase.
Flatbed Plotters
In a flatbed plotter, the paper remains flat and in place to prevent it from slipping as the pen executes its intricate movements. A series of motors and gears can move the marker in any direction the pen controls, allowing it to create detailed designs with pinpoint accuracy.
This plotter type is an ideal tool for creating large-scale designs requiring precision and attention to detail.
Drum Plotters
A drum plotter is a graphic output device that produces images by moving a pen up and down while the paper or other media remains wrapped around a rotating drum.
Moreover, the pen is mounted on a carriage that moves horizontally across the drum. The marker knows where to move based on the design; the printer will communicate with your computer to understand how the pen needs to move.
Inkjet Plotters
An inkjet plotter is a printing device that utilizes ink in the plotter pen to create colored vectors. These vectors create a wide variety of colors by mixing cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. Some models also use black ink to make darker shades for prints. Additionally, the ink used in these plotters is water-based, allowing it to dry quickly and remain resistant to fading.
The plotter pen moves precisely and accurately across the surface of the material it’s printed on, depositing ink droplets in a defined pattern. An inkjet plotter can produce prints on a wide range of materials, including paper, vinyl, fabric, and metal. It can also create large-format prints, making it ideal for producing banners, posters, and other promotional materials.
What Is a Cutting Plotter?
A cutting plotter can print on vinyl and cut out all needed shapes and letters. Often, these devices can print and cut a range of materials, including vinyl, paper, cardboard, and even thin metals. This is ideal for individuals making decals, signs, and billboards because, unlike a vinyl cutter, they provide access to a wide range of colors since they double as a printer.
Who Uses Plotter Printers?
Plotter printers are valuable tools for a wide range of professionals, including architects, engineers, builders, marketing experts, and artists. These users benefit from the high-quality vector prints produced by plotter printers, which are ideal for creating large-scale technical drawings, detailed blueprints, and intricate artwork. Also, since the plotter is so precise, experts can make perfect copies of each project as needed.
Architects and Engineers
Architects and engineers can create precise, detailed designs requiring accuracy and clarity. These professionalsuse plotters to print scale drawings for building designs that include layouts, elevations, and projections. Ultimately, this allows themto create detailed and accurate plans of structures.
Marketing Professionals and Graphic Artists
Marketing agencies often use plotter printers to produce large-format displays such as banners, signs, and billboards. Additionally, plotter printers excel at producing complex and intricate designs, which some graphic designers may need for projects.
Topographers
Professionals working in topography also use plotters when creating maps, especially for mass production. Since these printers are highly accurate, you’ll get the same results on each map. Plus, plotters can produce large images and diagrams that are often required for maps.
Tips for Buying a Plotter
Buying the right plotter printer is about more than just understanding your options. You also need to prioritize quality and find the option that fits into your budget.
Compare Price to Value
As you set your budget, keep in mind that price often correlates to value. Most name-brand plotters come at a higher price point because they promise superior quality.
Purchasing a cheaper printer may seem tempting, but it’s more likely to break down prematurely, which can cost more in the long run.
Buy From a Reputable Seller
Most importantly, buy your plotter from a knowledgeable seller who understands the products they carry. An expert can assist you in determining the type and model of plotter printer you need. You can count on The Plotter Paper Guys for a quality product to fulfill all your printing needs. We have over 40 years of experience and are always happy to share our knowledge with customers.
