A plotter is used for the representation of diagrams and graphs.
The plotter is a computer peripheral that allows drawing or representing diagrams and graphs. There are monochrome plotters (or plotters) and four, eight or twelve colors.
Currently, injection plotters are the most used, since they make non-linear drawings with greater precision and are faster and quieter. The oldest plotters, on the other hand, were limited to making line drawings .
The plotter has different sizes, depending on its characteristics. There are plotters that barely exceed 90 centimeters wide, while others are closer to 160 centimeters and allow for professional and intensive use.
What to consider before buying a plotter
As we have been able to read, there are various types of plotter, so it is essential that when purchasing one you have very clear ideas about it. In this sense, we could establish that experts advise following these recommendations before making the purchase:
- The fundamental thing is to bet on a professional who knows this type of device perfectly and can advise in the best possible way based on the needs and tastes of the person who is going to make the purchase.
- There is a large market for used plotters. In this case, those who bet the most on them are those who have less money to make an investment since it is a much cheaper alternative.
- However, the vast majority of people and companies that need a plotter choose to buy a new one, as it will have all the necessary guarantees to ensure that it will work perfectly and that certain breakdowns are covered.
- It is essential to assess the cost of certain elements that are periodic consumables. This would be the case, for example, of inks.
Broadly speaking, these are some of the most useful tips that exist when buying a plotter. However, it is also essential to follow others when using it daily. In this sense, experts emphasize periodically subjecting it to exhaustive and preventive maintenance, keeping it clean at all times, installing it in a place with sufficient space and using it in the appropriate way.
There are various types of plotters.
Peripheral operation
The plotter works by moving pens over the paper . When the machine must make a complex stroke , it draws very slowly due to the mechanical movement of the pens.
This operating logic makes plotters not suitable for painting surfaces, since they must pass the pens numerous times. Instead they are useful for delineation.
The feathers are located inside a drum. The plotter has two stepper motors, which move along the X axis (across the width of the paper) and along the Y axis (with vertical movement of the pens or generating the movement of the paper).
The type of paper, on the other hand, depends on the plotter model. Many plotters operate with a roll of paper that allows drawing indefinitely in length (only limited by the length of the roll). The thickness, flexibility, softness and roughness of the paper will affect the quality of the work.