What is a plotter? The answer to this question becomes clear when it becomes necessary to print various information in large format. An ordinary printer can not do this task. So, a plotter is a device designed to draw diagrams, drawings, maps and any other graphics with maximum accuracy.
Plotters are capable of handling large-format paper starting at A0. According to the principle of operation, the plotter device is somewhat different from the printer. The fact is that in standard printers, the ink element remains stationary, and printing occurs due to the movement of paper. The plotter system is a pen that moves along the surface of the paper according to a programmed path. Due to this feature, some individual modifications of plotter devices allow you to apply graphics not only to paper, but also to vinyl, fabric, film and other similar materials. According to their functionality and device features, plotters can be of different types.What is a tablet plotter
This device can create an image on almost
any material that is fixed on a specially designed table. The print element in the form of a head, which during the application of the image moves in a two-dimensional projection, is installed on top. A tablet plotter, the head of which is in a fixed state, and the image is applied due to the movement of the table, has a significant minus: the media in its format should not exceed the size of the table.
What is a pen plotter
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Inkjet plotters apply the image using special ink, which is supplied in the form of droplets from the nozzle and applied to the surface of the medium. Recently, the "bubble" inkjet printing method has found wide application . Ink is applied using microscopic nozzles. They are in the amount of several hundred located in the design of the disposable print head . Ink quickly heats up (up to 10 μs) with the help of a thermistor from an electric pulse, as a result a bubble forms. It creates a buoyancy force, under the influence of which the ink leaves the nozzle. After turning off the pulse, the resulting bubble disappears, and the temperature of the thermistor drops rapidly.This is not a complete list of existing plotters. There are also electrostatic, direct output, laser, cutting, solvent. Each one is selected according to its technical characteristics and printing method for specific tasks.