Graph Plotters

Graph plotters use pens to draw on the paper. Two types are available:

Flatbed plotters have an arm that moves the pen over the flat sheet of paper in both the x and y directions to form the image.

Drum Plotters have the paper draped over a drum. The drum rotates to provide y-direction movement while the pen is moved back and forth in the x-direction. This arrangement takes up less floor space than the flat bed plotter. The plotter can automatically select pens from a rack allowing a variety of colours and nib sizes to be used.

The quality of output is very high. Initial purchase price is high and running costs are moderate. The plotter produces output very slowly however. Its main purpose is as an output device in CAD applications, producing architectural and engineering drawings. These are commonly larger than the A4 sheet size that a normal laser printer can accommodate.

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