What is a plotter?

This is a recommends products dialog
Top Suggestions
Starting at
View All >
Language
French
English
ไทย
German
繁體中文
Country
Hi
All
Sign In / Create Account
language Selector,${0} is Selected
Register & Shop at Lenovo Pro
Register at Education Store

Pro Tier Benefits

• Save up to an extra 3% on Think everyday pricing
• Spend HK$78,000, advance to Plus Tier with increased benefits

Plus Tier Benefits

• Save up to an extra 5% on Think everyday pricing
• Spend HK$120,000 advance for free to Elite Tier with increased benefits
• Take advantage of flexible payment options with TruScale Device as a Service.

Elite Tier Benefits

• Save up to an extra 8% on Think everyday pricing
• Take advantage of flexible payment options with
TruScale Device as a Service.
Reseller Benefits
• Access to Lenovo's full product portfolio
• Configure and Purchase at prices better than Lenovo.com
View All Details >
more to reach
PRO Plus
PRO Elite
Congratulations, you have reached Elite Status!
Pro for Business
Delete icon Remove icon Add icon Reload icon
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Wow, your cart is empty!
Remove
item(s) in cart
Fill it in with great deals
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Hamburger Menu
11.11 Super Sale
Sale Extended for 1 Week! Hurry Last Chance! Shop NOW!
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
11.11 Super Sale
Sale Extended for 1 Week! Hurry Last Chance! Shop NOW!
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds


What is a plotter?

A plotter is a computer output device used to produce high-quality, large-scale graphics and drawings. It works by precisely positioning a pen or other drawing tool to create lines, curves, and shapes on paper or other media. Unlike printers that produce raster images, plotters generate vector-based output, resulting in sharp and accurate drawings.

What are the main types of plotters?

There are mainly two types of plotters: pen plotters and electrostatic plotters.

Pen Plotters: Pen plotters use a pen or a set of pens to draw continuous lines on paper. The plotter mechanism moves the pen along the x and y axes to create precise shapes and curves. These plotters are known for their accuracy and the ability to produce detailed drawings.

Electrostatic Plotters: Electrostatic plotters, also known as drum plotters, use charged toner particles to create images on paper. A charged drum attracts the toner particles, which are then transferred onto the paper. These plotters can produce high-speed output and are commonly used for architectural and engineering drawings.

What are the advantages of using a plotter?

Using a plotter offers several advantages over other printing methods:

Precision: Plotters can produce highly accurate and detailed drawings with precise line weights, making them ideal for technical and engineering applications.

Large-format capability: Plotters are designed to handle large paper sizes, allowing you to create drawings and graphics on a larger scale.

Versatility: Plotters can work with various media types, including paper, vellum, film, and even fabrics, providing flexibility for different design requirements.

Longevity: Plotters typically use high-quality pens or toner that can withstand fading and maintain their integrity over time, ensuring the longevity of your drawings.

Vector-based output: Plotters generate vector-based output, which means that the drawings can be scaled without loss of resolution or quality, making them suitable for architectural and engineering projects.

What are some common applications of plotters?

Plotters find application in various fields, including:

Architecture and Engineering: Plotters are widely used in architecture and engineering firms for creating detailed blueprints, floor plans, and construction drawings.

Computer-aided design (CAD): Plotters play a crucial role in CAD systems, enabling designers and engineers to transform digital designs into physical drawings.

Geographic information systems (GIS): Plotters are employed in GIS applications to produce maps and cartographic visualizations with precise geographical details.

Fashion and Textile Design: Plotters are used in the fashion industry to create patterns, textile designs, and templates for clothing and fabric production.

Signage and Graphics: Plotters are used to produce large-scale signage, banners, posters, and vehicle wraps, where high-quality and precise graphics are required.

What are some considerations when choosing a plotter?

When selecting a plotter, there are several factors to consider:

Size and scalability: Determine the paper sizes and drawing scales you require. Choose a plotter that can handle your desired dimensions and offers the scalability you need.

Speed and productivity: Consider the speed of the plotter and its ability to handle large volumes of output. If you have high-volume printing requirements, opt for a plotter with faster printing capabilities.

Connectivity and compatibility: Ensure that the plotter you choose is compatible with your computer system and software. Check for connectivity options such as universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, or wireless, depending on your setup.

Media handling: Assess the plotter's ability to handle different media types, such as paper, film, or fabrics, depending on your specific needs.

Cost and maintenance: Evaluate the initial cost of the plotter and ongoing maintenance and consumable expenses, such as ink cartridges or pens.

What are some maintenance tips for plotters?

To keep your plotter functioning optimally, consider the following maintenance tips:

Cleaning: Regularly clean the plotter's paper path, pens, and any other accessible parts to remove dust, debris, and ink residue. Refer to the guidelines for specific cleaning instructions.

Calibration: Periodically calibrate your plotter to ensure accurate positioning and alignment of the pen or toner. This step is crucial for maintaining the precision of your drawings.

Paper handling: Use the correct type and quality of paper recommended by the plotter manual. Improper paper can cause jams and affect the quality of output.

Ink or toner replacement: Replace ink cartridges or toner as needed to prevent fading or poor print quality. Follow the instructions for replacing consumables.

Regular usage: It is generally recommended to use the plotter regularly to prevent ink or toner from drying up and to keep the mechanical components in good working condition.

Can plotters print in color?

Yes, plotters can print in color. While early plotters were primarily monochrome, modern plotters can produce color output. Color plotters use multiple pens or toner cartridges, each containing a different color, to create vibrant and detailed color drawings.

What is the difference between a plotter and a printer?

The main difference between a plotter and a printer lies in the output they produce. Printers are designed to create raster images by applying ink or toner directly to the paper. On the other hand, plotters generate vector-based output by precisely positioning a pen or toner to draw lines and shapes. Plotters are typically used for large-scale, high-precision graphics, while printers are more suitable for smaller, everyday printing tasks.

Can plotters be used for artistic purposes?

Absolutely, plotters can be a fantastic tool for artists and designers. Their precise drawing capabilities allow artists to create intricate and detailed artworks. By using different pen thicknesses and colors, artists can experiment with various techniques and create unique pieces of art. Plotters offer a digital-to-analog connection, allowing artists to bring their digital designs to life on physical media.

What is the role of plotters in the architectural field?

Plotters play a significant role in architecture. They are used to print architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed construction documents. Architects rely on plotters to produce accurate and scaled drawings that can be easily shared with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. Plotters enable architects to visualize their designs on a larger scale and ensure precise representation of every detail.

How do plotters handle complex graphics?

Plotters are designed to handle complex graphics with ease. They use advanced algorithms and precise mechanical movements to accurately reproduce intricate designs and curves. Plotters break down complex graphics into smaller segments and render them one line or curve at a time, resulting in smooth and accurate output. This capability makes them ideal for producing intricate technical drawings, maps, and other complex visuals.

Can plotters be used for three-dimensional (3D) printing?

While traditional plotters are not typically used for 3D printing, there are specialized plotters known as 3D plotters or 3D printers that can create physical objects layer by layer. These devices use additive techniques to build 3D models using materials such as plastics, resins, or powders. Unlike two-dimensional (2D) plotters, 3D plotters can produce three-dimensional objects with complex geometries.

How has the advancement of digital technology affected plotters?

The advancement of digital technology has greatly enhanced the capabilities of plotters. With the integration of computer-aided design (CAD) software, plotters can directly process digital files and convert them into physical drawings. This digital workflow allows for faster design iterations, seamless integration with other digital tools, and improved accuracy. Additionally, the availability of more efficient printing mechanisms and higher resolution sensors has led to enhanced print quality and faster output speeds.

Are plotters still commonly used today?

While the use of plotters has decreased in some industries due to advancements in digital display technology, they are still widely used in many fields. Architecture, engineering, geographic information system (GIS), and textile design are just a few examples of industries that heavily rely on plotters for their large-scale, precise output requirements. Plotters continue to offer a level of accuracy, versatility, and quality that is unmatched by other printing technologies in certain applications.

{"pageComponentDataId":"537198bf07954-401a-b47a-087e257f1d72","isAssociatedRelease":"true","pageComponentDataLangCode":"en_hk","configData":{"jumpType":"currentTab","headlineColor":"black","displayNumber":"","styleMode":"vertical","miniCardHoMode":"2","headline":"","products":[{"number":{"t_id":"len101t0102","language":{"zh_hk":"len101t0102","en":"","en_hk":"len101t0102","zh":""},"id":"Page497e178f-e4db-4b5b-b1a5-ec4687329efb"}},{"number":{"t_id":"len101t0104","language":{"zh_hk":"len101t0104","en":"","en_hk":"len101t0104","zh":""},"id":"Page9145835b-830f-4dee-9765-5a8ed87b670f"}},{"number":{"t_id":"len101t0081","language":{"zh_hk":"len101t0081","en":"","en_hk":"len101t0081","zh":""},"id":"Pagebb4de9bf-4262-41eb-9982-04bc0777035c"}},{"number":{"t_id":"len101g0036","language":{"zh_hk":"len101g0036","en":"","en_hk":"len101g0036","zh":""},"id":"Paged7259f59-5586-49c9-8b68-20a93f7b4c51"}}]},"urlPrefix":"AAAAAAALAAAG","needGetLatestTransDataKey":"needGetLatestTransDataValue","title":"glossary-right-blue-boxes-fragment","pageId":"82171833-6325-4d09-947e-5979c9876a90","urlEdit":0,"uri":"/FragmentDirectory/glossary/glossary-right-blue-boxes-fragment.frag","pageComponentId":"537198bf07954-401a-b47a-087e257f1d72","tplId":"c7389f9a-59c0-4c34-a9e1-f1c090c6ab86","pageComponentUuid":"537198bf07954-401a-b47a-087e257f1d72","targetUser":"0"}
coming coming
Starting at
List Price
Est Value
Web Price:
List Price
Est Value (Estimated Value)
List Price is Lenovo’s estimate of product value based on the industry data, including the prices at which first and third-party retailers and etailers have offered or valued the same or comparable products. Third-party reseller data may not be based on actual sales.
Estimated value is Lenovo’s estimate of product value based on industry data, including the prices at which Lenovo and/or third-party retailers and e-tailers have offered or valued the same or comparable products. Third-party data may not be based on actual sales.
Learn More
See More
See Less
View {0} Model
View {0} Models
shipping.options.for.{0}
Part Number:
Features
See More
See Less
compare
Added!
Great choice!
You may compare up to 4 products per product category (laptops, desktops, etc). Please de-select one to add another.
View Your Comparisons
Add To Cart
Add To Cart
We're sorry,
Products are temporarily unavailable.
Continue Shopping
Learn More
Coming Soon
Featured Product
Featured Products
Oops! No results found. Visit the categories above to find your product.
Save
open in new tab
© 2024 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
© {year} Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Compare  ()
x