A plotter is a printing device that produces high-quality graphics and text by drawing precise lines on paper using a pen. Plotters are often used for creating architectural drawings, technical diagrams, and other types of graphic documents that require a high level of detail and accuracy. They are often used in engineering, architecture, and other fields where precise drawings are required.
There are several types of plotters, including drum plotters, flatbed plotters, and electrostatic plotters. Drum plotters use a rotating drum to move the paper, while flatbed plotters use a flat bed to hold the paper in place. Electrostatic plotters use electrostatic charges to transfer ink to the paper.
Plotters are often used in conjunction with computers, as they can be controlled by computer software to produce high-quality graphics and text. They are typically more expensive than other types of printers, but they are capable of producing much higher quality prints.
Types of Plotters
There are several types of plotters, including:
Drum plotters: These plotters use a rotating drum to move the paper. The pen is mounted on a carriage that moves along the drum to draw the lines. Drum plotters are no longer in widespread use, as they have been largely replaced by other types of plotters.
Flatbed plotters: These plotters use a flat bed to hold the paper in place. The pen is mounted on a carriage that moves along the bed to draw the lines. Flatbed plotters are the most common type of plotter and are often used for creating architectural drawings and technical diagrams.
Electrostatic plotters: These plotters use electrostatic charges to transfer ink to the paper. They work by applying an electrostatic charge to the paper and then using a charged ink pen to draw the lines. The ink is attracted to the areas of the paper that are charged, creating a high-quality print.
Inkjet plotters: These plotters use a series of nozzles to spray tiny droplets of ink onto the paper to create the desired image. Inkjet plotters are capable of producing high-quality prints, but they are not as precise as other types of plotters.
Pen plotters: These plotters use a pen to draw lines on the paper. The pen is mounted on a carriage that moves along the paper to create the desired image. Pen plotters are capable of producing high-quality graphics and text, but they are not as precise as other types of plotters.
Laser plotters: These plotters use a laser beam to etch lines onto the paper. Laser plotters are capable of producing high-quality prints, but they are not as common as other types of plotters.
Features of Plotters
Some common features of plotters include:
Pen carriage: The pen carriage is the mechanism that moves the pen along the paper to create the desired image. Some plotters use a single pen, while others can use multiple pens to produce color prints.
Paper feed mechanism: The paper feed mechanism is responsible for moving the paper through the plotter. This can be a drum, a flatbed, or some other type of mechanism depending on the type of plotter.
Resolution: Resolution refers to the level of detail and accuracy that a plotter is capable of producing. Higher resolution plotters are capable of producing more detailed and accurate prints.
Pen accuracy: The accuracy of the pen is an important factor in determining the quality of the print. Plotters with more accurate pens are able to produce more precise and detailed prints.
Media handling: Plotters are designed to handle a variety of media, including paper, film, and other materials. Some plotters are capable of handling larger media, while others are limited to smaller sizes.
Connectivity: Most modern plotters can be connected to a computer or other device using a variety of connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, or Bluetooth. This allows users to control the plotter using computer software and send print jobs directly to the device.
How to choose Plotters
When choosing a plotter, there are several factors to consider:
Purpose: Determine the purpose for which the plotter will be used. This will help narrow down the options and ensure that you choose a plotter that is capable of meeting your specific needs.
Resolution: Consider the resolution that you need for your specific application. Higher resolution plotters are generally more expensive, but they are capable of producing more detailed and accurate prints.
Media handling: Consider the type and size of media that you will be using with the plotter. Some plotters are designed to handle larger media, while others are limited to smaller sizes.
Connectivity: Consider the connectivity options that are available and choose a plotter that is compatible with your computer or other device.
Budget: Determine your budget and choose a plotter that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that higher-end plotters are generally more expensive, but they may offer additional features and capabilities.
Brand: Consider the reputation and reliability of different brands when making your decision. Choose a plotter from a reputable and trusted brand to ensure that you get a high-quality device.
It may also be helpful to read reviews and ask for recommendations from colleagues or industry experts to help you make an informed decision.
Price Range of Plotters
The price range of plotters can vary significantly depending on the features and capabilities of the device. Entry-level plotters can start at around $500, while high-end plotters can cost several thousand dollars.
Factors that can impact the price of a plotter include the resolution, media handling capabilities, connectivity options, and overall quality of the device. Plotters with higher resolution and more advanced features tend to be more expensive.
In general, it is important to consider your budget and choose a plotter that fits within your price range while still meeting your specific needs. It may be worthwhile to invest in a higher-end plotter if you need a device with advanced features and capabilities, but a lower-priced model may be sufficient if you only need a basic plotter for occasional use.
Popular Brands of Plotters
Some popular brands of plotters include:
Hewlett Packard (HP): HP is a well-known and trusted brand in the world of printing, and they offer a wide range of plotters for a variety of different applications.
Canon: Canon is another major player in the printing industry, and they offer a range of high-quality plotters for both personal and professional use.
Epson: Epson is a well-known brand in the printing industry, and they offer a range of plotters for both personal and professional use.
Mimaki: Mimaki is a Japanese company that specializes in the production of wide-format printers and plotters for the printing and graphics industries.
Roland: Roland is a well-known brand in the printing industry, and they offer a range of plotters for a variety of different applications.
Graphtec: Graphtec is a Japanese company that specializes in the production of plotters and other printing equipment.
It is important to consider the reputation and reliability of different brands when choosing a plotter. It may also be helpful to read reviews and ask for recommendations from colleagues or industry experts to help you make an informed decision.
Why is it called a plotter?
A plotter is a printing device that produces high-quality graphics and text by drawing precise lines on paper using a pen. The word “”plotter”” refers to the device’s ability to “”plot”” or draw lines on paper to create an image. The term “”plotter”” is derived from the verb “”to plot,”” which means to create a graphical representation of data or information.
Plotters are often used in conjunction with computers, as they can be controlled by computer software to produce high-quality graphics and text. They are typically more expensive than other types of printers, but they are capable of producing much higher quality prints.
There are several types of plotters, including drum plotters, flatbed plotters, and electrostatic plotters. Each type of plotter uses a different mechanism to move the paper and draw the lines, but they all share the common function of plotting lines on paper to create an image.
Are plotters still used?
While plotters are not as common as they once were, they are still used in certain applications where high-quality, precise graphics and text are required. Plotters are often used in fields such as engineering, architecture, and other technical industries where accurate and detailed drawings are necessary.
There are several types of plotters, including drum plotters, flatbed plotters, and electrostatic plotters. Flatbed plotters are the most common type of plotter and are often used for creating architectural drawings and technical diagrams.
Plotters are typically more expensive than other types of printers, and they are generally not suitable for producing high volumes of prints. However, they are capable of producing much higher quality prints than other types of printers, making them a useful tool in certain applications.
In recent years, advances in printing technology have made it possible for other types of printers, such as wide-format inkjet printers, to produce high-quality graphics and text that are similar to those produced by plotters. As a result, plotters are not as widely used as they once were, but they are still an important tool in certain industries.
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