What is Plotters?
A plotter is an output device that prints vector graphics, much like a printer. Images composed of several mathematical elements, such as points, lines, curves, forms, etc., are known as vector graphics. Plotters print images with ink pens. Using a pen, marker, or other writing instrument, continuously draw lines on the paper in the plotter.
This gadget uses one or more automatic multicolored pens to draw lines on paper by interpreting commands from a computer. Continuous point-to-point lines can be drawn using a plotter directly from vector graphic files or commands.
Remington-Rand created the plotter in 1953, and it was utilized with a UNIVAC computer to create technological drawings.
Uses of Plotter in Computer
Geographic Information Systems
Plotter printers are also utilized for Geographic information systems and cartography because of their big-format printing capabilities. Plotters can create extremely accurate and high-quality maps.
Textile Design and Fashion
Plotter machines are used in the fashion and textile industries to print designs and cut textiles at the same time. Because of its ability to print on a wide scale, plotter machines are commonly used in several large-scale garment industries.
Engineering and Architecture
Plotter printers are typically used by engineers and architects because of their accuracy and precision. Plotter printers are also useful for architects and engineers to extract MCAD and construction applications, such as technical drawings, maps, orthophotos, and renderings.
Production and prototype work
Plotter printers let people in the manufacturing industry show and test product concepts before investing time and money in large-scale production.
Types of Plotters in Computer
- Drum Plotter
- Flatbed Plotter
- Inkjet Plotter
- Thermal Plotter
- Pen Plotter
- Cutting Plotter
1. Drum Plotter
As the name implies, drum plotters move the paper left and right with a spinning drum while writing vertically with one or more fixed pens. Large-format picture production is a feature of these plotters, which were once widely used for technical drawings and map creation. The use of many pens improves the plotter's capacity to draw in different colors. Drums are used in certain LaserJet printers to print on the pages.
2. Flatbed Plotter
3. Inkjet Plotter
These plotters produce high-quality color images and graphics by utilizing colored inkjet pens and inkjet technology. They operate well in areas that need precise, colorful work produced quickly, like fine art, architectural drawings, and graphic design. giant printers such as billboards, banners, and giant roadside signs are frequently utilized with them.
4. Thermal Plotter
This popular Thermal Plotter is used by all industries that require top-notch designs and goods. To generate output, heat must create an electrical pin, which is then used to construct images and designs.
5. Pen Plotter
It's a kind of plotter that makes lines on paper with a mechanical pen or pencil. They are frequently employed in technical drawings and illustrations that are monochrome. Pen plotters are valued for their accuracy and adaptability. They are well-liked because they offer speed and accuracy.
6. Cutting Plotter
Cutting plotters are technological tools that are used to mechanically cut graphics, text, and various shapes out of a range of materials, including cardboard, rubber, thin wood, plastic, and sticky film.
Advantages of a Plotter
- Plotters can work at high resolution on very large sheets of paper.
- They can print on a large range of flat materials, including plastic, cardboard, aluminum, plywood, and sheet steel, in addition to paper.
- Additionally, plotters may draw the same pattern thousands of times without seeing any decrease in image quality.
- Plotters can save all of their templates and patterns to disk, saving them the trouble of repeatedly loading the same files.
Disadvantages of a Plotter
- Plotters are much larger than conventional printers. When compared to a standard printer, they are far more expensive.
- It could be challenging to choose the ideal spot for your plotter if you are dealing with a small amount of space.
- Compared to standard printers, they require more room.
- More upkeep is needed for plotters than for printers.
- Printing an image on a plotter requires more time.
- Plotters are not portable.
