25 Mar Comparing Wide-Format Printers and Plotters
Whether your business deals in architecture, interior design, or marketing, it’s likely that you’ve utilized a wide format printer or plotter to draft important documents. While these devices can accomplish similar tasks, they each serve a different purpose for your company. Here’s how to tell the difference between a printer and a plotter, as well as how to determine which machine is best for your business.
Plotters
A wide format plotter differs from standard laser printers in that it uses a ‘handheld’ pen to draw onto a sheet of paper. One advantage of plotter printers is that multiple colors can be used in one single print job – however, the user must manually switch the color pens when it is time to change shades. This feature makes it ideal for interior designers, marketers, and other creative professionals.
Printers
Printers differ from plotters in that they often employ laser or ink-jet technology to produce graphics. Wide format printers are used to create documents that are larger than 11 inches in width using a roll of paper, as opposed to single sheets, but they can also print standard projects like memos, presentations, and reports.
How to Choose the Right Machine for Your Business
Modern advances have made wide format printers able to rival the clear, precise graphics of plotters. Printers are also more versatile: they can print both specialized and basic documents, while plotters are relegated to large-scale projects like blueprints and maps. However, plotters can scale an image to any size without sacrificing clarity, while printers may pixelate re-sized graphics. If you only need to create documents for utilitarian purposes, a printer may be ideal for your business, while companies that produce professional graphics for aesthetic value may find that a plotter is best for their needs.
Contact Arizona Business Equipment
Arizona Business Equipment in Tucson, AZ, can help you determine which of our high-quality wide format printers and plotters is best for your business. For more information on our professional services or to inquire about our leasing program, call (520) 888-2679 or send us a message here.