Plotter Vs Printer: Detailed Comparison

One needs to know about Plotter Vs Printer, as the knowledge about the difference can enhance one’s productivity. While both are output devices, however, these work differently and have different purposes as well. But how do we realize the main difference and how to apply the same? For this, we need to take a closer look into each of the devices and weigh out how the applications likewise.

The plotter is also a Printer type that is designed in a manner to obey commands from the PC. It then makes patterns, images, and graphics onto the paper or any compatible surface. This is done with the help of special ‘pens’ that are arranged in a certain manner. The lines drawn as a result are point to point and emerge directly from the graphics within. When you compare plotter and printers prices, the former is more expensive as it is more sophisticated. The main application of the plotter is to draw, and hence, it is more time-consuming. Unlike the printer, the plotter makes use of a Marker, pen, or pencil to create the markings on the surface. Specifically speaking, this device is used to make printed copies of schematics.

The Plotters are more of Vector illustration gadgets and are massively used in designing and construction. The best part about the plotters is that they can print upon Aluminum, Sheet Steel, cardboard, Plastics, and Plywood. Lately, the LED toner-based printers are much in rage. The 3D plotters are also much in demand as these utilize various knives arranged in a certain manner to execute the required output. So, what are the 3 types of plotters? Let us take a look:

Drum Plotter

This comprises a drum that wraps the paper around itself to pin feed the attachment.

Flatbed Plotter

This is popularly used by CAD programmers and is a mechanical drafting device.

Inkjet Plotter

Much like its name, this type creates images by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto the paper.

The plotter is mostly used by: 

Manufacturers, Architects, Mapmakers, Craftsmen, and Product designers.

The Printers

The printer is one of the most widely used output devices that also work on the computer’s command. Inputs in the form of texts, images, and other formats are taken from the PC and displayed as outputs on the paper. The main difference between a plotter vs wide-format printer is that the latter is mostly used for low-volume printing works. These are comparatively simple devices that have a range from 6 to 25 pages for every moment (ppm). The cost per page is also more in comparison to other devices. There are two types of Printers available:

The Impact Printers: Here, Pins and needles are used to type as a method of processing the output.

The Non-Impact Printers: This Printer creates output by just mirroring the file and displaying it on the surface of the sheet.

Based on the technology used, the printer is of the following types:

The Impact Printers

Here, Pins and needles are used to type as a method of processing the output.

The Non-Impact Printers

This Printer creates output by just mirroring the file and displaying it on the surface of the sheet.
Based on the technology used, the printer is of the following types:

1. Toner-Based Printer

In this type, the dry toner is used as ink, and hot rollers are used to infuse it onto the paper’s surface.

2. The Dye-Sublimation Printer

This type utilizes heat to transfer the dye onto the surface of the medium.

3. Liquid Ink-Printer

This Printer type utilizes heat to ‘infuse’ the liquid ink into the vapour bubble and later sprayed onto the paper’s surface.

4. Solid Ink Printer

Here, thermal transfer technology is used. This works by melting the ink and spraying it onto the rotating oil-coated drum. This is later printed onto paper.

Plotter Vs Printer

plotter vs printer

Let us take a look at what is the difference between a plotter and a Printer:

FEATURES

PLOTTER

PRINTER

Description

This is an output device that is used to produce large vector designs like architectural blueprints and more.

This is a device that is used to create a hard copy of the electronic data which is stored in the computer.

The Main Feature

This can be categorized both as a standalone device and a Peripheral device. It has an internal processor of its own.

It makes a Solid copy of the digital data which is represented on the computer screen. This is a Peripheral device in nature.

The Reading of the File

JPG TIFF, BMP, PDF.

DWG, AI, CDR, and various other vector formats.

Software Used

CAD, Flexi, Adobe Illustrator,

Photoshop and other programs that are used for image editing

The Output Format

Much like the vector graphic made using lines.

Bitmap or pixels

Line Drawing

More than one line can easily be drawn continuously point-to-point simultaneously.

A single line at a time

Uses

These are used by Architectures, engineers, and artists.

The Printers are one of the most widely used output devices. These can print graphics and texts on the surface of the paper. The printer is used widely by graphic artists, for quality display.

Resolution

These are not dependent on the resolution and offer great clarity. These can be enlarged to any size without the loss of subsequent clarity.

There is a subsequent distortion of the images, as these are resolution dependant. Usually, these appear larger as compared to the original.

Types Available

There are four main types available: Flatbed, Drum, Inkjet, and Cutting Plotter.

These are of two main types: Impact printers and the non-impact printers.

Plotter Vs Printer: FAQs

The Plotters are used instead of Printers to create images, graphics, charts, and more with better clarity.

No, laser Printers are much faster in comparison.

Yes, a non-impact Printer can be categorized as a plotter.

Plotter Vs Printer: Conclusion

So, there you have it, people. All you needed to know about plotter vs large format printer, and much more. While both the terms appear to be interchangeable, nevertheless, these are much different in comparison. However, being output devices that utilize a certain degree of impact technology for their functioning, these are usually quite confusing. Lastly, it is important to understand the finer details to be able to apply them accordingly.

Liked our content? Share it with Your Friends.

Leave a Comment