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What Is A Plotter

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276 views5 pages

What Is A Plotter

Uploaded by

aamirshahad3321
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a plotter?

A plotter is a type of printer that prints vector graphics. It is a piece of computer gear that
converts computer commands into paper line drawings. It draws a line with one or more
automatic pens. Unlike a traditional printer, a plotter uses a pen, marker, pencil, or other writing
tools to draw multiple rather than toner. It may also use vector graphics files or commands to
draw continuous point-to-point lines. Though it was previously widely used for computer-aided
design, it is now only used to print hard copies of schematics and other comparable application.

In engineering projects, plotters are widely used. Because they have the ability to draw
continuous lines, whereas ordinary printers use closely spaced dots to conventionally drew lines.
Plotters are designed in different forms, and they use different-different tools to draw lines on the
paper. For example, a 3-D plotter (cutting plotter) uses knives to design any type of diagram or
cut out a piece of material on the basis of given inputs from the computer. On the other hand,
most of the plotters use a pen to draw lines on the paper.

The object that is to be cut is located on the flat surface in front of the plotter. The computer
forwards cutting design and dimensions to the plotter for producing an exactly carved design.
Then, repeat the cutting process on hundreds of objects to produce identical copies of the same
designs.

Applications of Plotters

o Draw charts
o Computer-aided designs
o Architectural Blueprints
o Textile Printing
o Banners and Billboards
o Electric circuit layouts
o Geographical layouts
o Building plans
o Line Art

How does plotter work?


A plotter works in tandem with imaging software on a computer to create a finished image or
object. In using a plotter, the first step is to enter the suitable coordinates to display the pictures
on the paper. Drawing lines and images with imaging software is a simple way to achieve this
goal with modern software. When the schematics for the image are finished, the computer sends
the coordinates to the plotter. The computer then decodes the code and calculates the best way to
use the pen and paper.

HPGL2 and DMPL are two programming languages used by later plotters from Hewlett-Packard
and Houston Instruments, respectively. Initially, plotters had two separate pens, one moved
horizontally, and one moved vertically. These plotters were limited in terms of image complexity
because they produced outputs at a slow rate. Modern plotters employ a sliding roller to move
the paper against a stationary pen. Plotter pens are usually hollow fibre rods with a sharpened
end. Until the drawing is finished, the ink supply flows and dispenses through the sharpened tip
through the centre of the rod; the paper travels vertically and horizontally against the pen.

Types of plotter
There are various types of a plotter, which are as follows:
Drum Plotters
Different sorts of printer designs that draw on paper that is wound around a drum are referred to
as "drum printers." The plot is produced in one direction by the drum, while the other is
produced by the pens moving in the opposite way. Because it included printed characters carved
on a physical drum and impacted paper in certain ways, the previous iteration of the printer is
today referred to as a drum plotter. The drum plotter utilises a drum to move the paper left and
right while one or more pens write up and down, according to the Chron website. The plotter's
ability to draw in numerous colours is enhanced by the use of multiple pens.

Flatbed plotters
A flatbed plotter works with paper that is put on a flat surface in a stationary position. In this
plotter, the writing pen moves in both the x and y axes. Flatbed plotter pens are available in a
number of sizes and colours. Unlike a drum plotter, it works by moving a pen over paper rather
than a paper beneath the arm. The paper's size is governed by the size of the flat surface on
which it is placed. Larger flatbed plotters have the ability to print up to 60-inches in length on the
paper.
In addition to printing on paper, some flatbed plotters are able to print on other materials such as
plastic, cardboard, or even metal. Flatbed plotters can make exact copies again and over again
without sacrificing the quality of the printed drawing. However, they can be rather expensive to
buy and fairly huge in size.

An early flatbed plotter, the Cal Comp Model 738, is an example. It had a big bed on which large
designs could be made, and it was employed in the 1970s. This plotter also used a magnetic tape
to input data because it was an offline flatbed plotter.

Advantages of plotter

o Plotters can work on very large sheets of paper while keeping good
resolution..
o In addition to printing on paper, they can print on a wide variety of flat
materials such as plastic, cardboard, aluminum, plywood, and sheet
steel.
o Furthermore, without any image degradation, plotters can draw the
same pattern thousands of times.

Disadvantages of plotters

o As compared to traditional printer plotters are very large in size.


o Also, they are much costly as compared to a regular printer.

Benefits and Advantages of Plotters in Points

1. The Plotters can print on large sheets to obtain results in high resolution with maintaining
and preserving DPI.
2. They are capable of printing on various other materials like plastic sheets, cardboard,
wood, aluminum, and steel.
3. Plotters can print with incredible speed and consistency.
4. They can work with almost 100% accuracy.
5. They work with enormous speed which does not deteriorate the design and quality of
output produced by modern plotters.
6. The plotters are used by professionals for quality printouts.
7. A large number of printouts can be produced in less time.
8. The Plotters are used to print vector graphic images and pictures of relatively big sizes
compared to printers.
9. The Plotter is used in drawing, diagrams, construction maps, engineering drawings, 3d
printing, etc.
10. Modern plotters can be used as a component of a computer system or a standalone
device.
11. The Plotters can work with specific software like Adobe Illustrator, Corel, Flexi, and
CAD.
12. Plotters are very efficient.

7+ Drawbacks and Disadvantages of Plotters

1. The Plotters are big in size compared to old printers.


2. They are quite expensive.
3. The plotters are large in size, therefore, need massive space for installation.
4. Some plotters make noise while printing.
5. A plotter needs heavy maintenance.
6. The plotters are not for home use like printers.
7. They are not portable due to their huge size and cannot locate from one location to
another.
8. Plotters are used in printing agencies where they design and develop giant banners,
signboards, signboards, and billboards.

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