Choosing A1 format plotters

Large format documents cannot be printed on a standard printer due to the compact design. Therefore, the printing of such files is carried out on special equipment - plotter.

If we consider the plotter from a constructive and functional point of view, then this device is an enlarged printer. It is often used wherever it is necessary to organize the printing of engineering or design documentation. So, plotters are in demand in printing houses, which are often contacted by students of construction and engineering specialties in order to print annexes to term papers and theses.

A plotter is a device that provides the ability to output any file to a material medium in A1, A0 format. Printing on such equipment is performed on a roll of high quality engineering paper, the density of which reaches 80-90 g / m2. Additionally, most models provide the ability to output material to:

• whatman;
• tracing paper;
• standard paper.

The choice of media should be made depending on the requirements of the document and other factors.

There are several types of plotters for printing large formats. Let's consider the most common ones.

• Per'evoy... An indispensable device for those who constantly print out large drawings, diagrams or maps. The advantage of this machine is that it produces crisp lines during printing. This is achieved due to the feather provided in the design.

• Electrostatic... Copes with the task perfectly. In demand among designers and advertising agencies. The disadvantage of the device is the high price and the impressive cost of consumables. Additionally, it should be noted that working with such a mechanism requires special skills, therefore, at the initial stage of the development of the print business, it is better to give preference to cheaper options.

• Thermoplotter... The principle of operation is based on the effect of thermal transfer. By increasing the temperature, the image is transferred to fabric or paper. The final images are crisp and resistant to environmental influences.

• Jet... The most affordable option for large format color or monochrome printing devices. The principle of operation is the same as that of classic inkjet printers. Pressurized ink is applied to the surface through the provided spray holes. As a result, the resulting picture is saturated, but it is not always possible to achieve the required clarity.

• Laser... The design is based on laser printing technology. The coloring powder is applied to the areas of the roller charged with the opposite charge, which is rolled over the sheet and leaves an imprint of the required part of the image. Before going out, the sheet goes through a baking stage in the provided oven.

• Direct Output Plotter... The principle of operation is the same as that of a thermoplotter. However, the desired result is achieved due to a special thermal film. It heats the material inside the device in those places where the image is required. The disadvantage of the equipment is the ability to carry out only black and white printing.

• Cutting plotter... It is also called the cutter.Suitable for printers that produce stickers or other printed products in large volumes. The principle of operation is to cut out certain elements or shapes. The device itself does not print.

Today on the market of printing devices there are a huge number of models of plotters from different manufacturers. Let's see which devices turn out to be of the highest quality.

• HP... To create modern plotters, the manufacturer uses unique technologies of thermal inkjet printing, and also equips the models with an automatic paper loading function.

• Epson... This company is one of the world leaders in the production of printing devices. The advantages of the produced models are high print quality and excellent productivity. Additionally, the plotters have an automatic mode function and a regular ink supply system.

• Mutoh... During its existence, this company has achieved impressive success. The devices produced by her are distinguished by a long service life and high print quality.

• Canon... A famous company whose plotters are in demand all over the world. The creation of devices takes place on the basis of modern technologies, which allows us to guarantee excellent print quality. Wide format printers with fast printing function are popular today.

It is not always possible to immediately choose a suitable plotter, because the range of offered devices is simply huge. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is recommended to take into account several recommendations.

• Appointment. First of all, before buying, you need to decide what the device is needed for. For example, if you need to set up the production of advertising posters, leaflets or stickers, then you need not a simple plotter, but a device that provides a cutting function.
• Print speed. In order to optimize your own operating time and achieve the desired result, it is recommended to take into account the optimal speed when choosing equipment.
• Feed type. If the plotter is selected for business, then the roll-to-roll device will be the best option. A distinctive feature of such devices is their compact size and low cost of materials for printing. When it comes to using a plotter in production, it is recommended to give preference to flatbed models.

The listed parameters will help you choose a plotter suitable for the requirements and needs, which will be convenient to use.

An overview of the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF670 A1 inkjet plotter is presented below.