Plotter and its types

Plotter

It is designed to print vector graphics, which are images composed of lines and curves rather than a grid of pixels like a traditional printer. Plotters are commonly used in various fields such as engineering, architecture, and graphic design.

Unlike regular printers that work by depositing ink or toner onto paper, plotters use one or more pens or markers to draw continuous lines on paper or other drawing surfaces. They are capable of producing precise and detailed drawings with high resolution and accuracy. Plotters can create complex geometric shapes, technical drawings, maps, charts, and other graphical representations. There are different types of plotters available, including drum plotters, flatbed plotters, and inkjet plotters. Drum plotters have a drum-shaped surface onto which the paper is attached and rotated to create the image. Flatbed plotters have a stationary flat surface where the paper is placed and moved linearly to create the drawing. Inkjet plotters use inkjet technology to spray ink onto the paper. In modern times, as digital printing technologies have advanced, plotters have become less common and have been largely replaced by large-format printers that can produce similar results at a lower cost. However, plotters are still preferred in certain applications where precise line drawings or specialized graphical output is required.

Plotters are output devices used in computer-aided design (CAD) and graphic design applications to produce high-quality, precise, and large-scale drawings or plots.

There are several types of plotters available, including:

Pen Plotters:

Pen plotters use a mechanical arm to move a pen across the surface of the paper to create drawings. They are known for their precise line quality and are capable of producing complex and intricate designs. Pen plotters can work with different pen colors and line thicknesses.

Electrostatic Plotters:

Electrostatic plotters use electrostatic charges to attract and deposit toner particles onto the paper. They operate similarly to photocopiers or laser printers. Electrostatic plotters are faster than pen plotters and can produce high-resolution output, but they are limited to monochrome (black and white) drawings.

Inkjet Plotters:

Inkjet plotters use tiny nozzles to spray ink onto the paper in a controlled manner. They can produce color output and offer a wide range of colors and shading effects. Inkjet plotters are commonly used for large-format color printing and are suitable for producing high-quality graphics and images.

Drum Plotters:

Drum plotters feature a drum-shaped surface on which the paper is mounted. The drum rotates, and pens or other drawing instruments are held stationary. As the drum spins, the pens move along the drum's length, creating drawings. Drum plotters can produce fast and accurate plots but are less common nowadays compared to other types of plotters.

Flatbed Plotters:

Flatbed plotters have a flat surface on which the paper is placed. The plotting head moves across the paper to create drawings. Flatbed plotters are versatile and can handle different media types, including rigid materials such as foam boards or sheet metal. They are often used in architectural and engineering applications. It's worth noting that with the advancement of printing and imaging technologies, traditional plotters have become less prevalent in favor of large-format printers that offer similar capabilities at a lower cost. However, the term "plotter" is still used to describe large-format printing devices in many cases.