Top 4 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Plotter

Before buying a plotter, it is important to consider the type and size of paper that will be used. In addition, you must know what inputs and attachments are needed. A plotter is not a complete tool unless it has a full set of inputs. Before buying a plotter, you should know the type of paper it is compatible with and its size and weight. You should also check the resolution of the plotter. This is measured in dpi (dots per inch) and a higher dpi means higher resolution. Additionally, you want to consider having it serviced by a plotter service Vienna, VA, particularly when repairs and part replacement are necessary.

Printing Ink Cost

When purchasing a plotter, you should consider the cost of printing ink. This component can be very expensive. Manufacturers sell these machines lowly but make money by selling replacement cartridges. Depending on the page size, the ink cost will vary.

Generally, ink costs about $.70 per square foot, but the cost will be lower in many cases. It is best to purchase an ink tank in bulk if possible. It’s much cheaper to purchase a large quantity of ink when compared to individual bottles.

If you work in engineering, you might need to print large format plans for your projects. This is not an easy task to do with standard devices. Most printers and copiers can only produce A3 format, which is not large enough for large plans. This will require you to take them to a copy shop, which is costly. Instead of spending money on these unnecessary trips, consider purchasing a plotter that can produce large-format maps.

The type of work you want will determine which type of plotter fits your needs. It would help if you considered factors such as size, number of colors, and materials used. Getting all this information before purchasing a plotter will prevent you from buying one that cannot handle the type of graphics you want.

Average Number of Impressions Per Day

When purchasing a plotter, it is important to check the average number of impressions per day. This is an indicator of how many times the plotter has been used. If this number is high, the plotter is used often. On the other hand, if it is low, the plotter is not used often enough.

Brand Name

While buying a plotter, you should consider several factors, including what kind of work you will do. The size and material of the plotter will also play an important role in the decision-making process. If you don’t have the right information, you might purchase a plotter that is too small for your needs or too large for your workspace.

Another consideration when purchasing a plotter is the size of the hard drive. Some plotters include this, while others are optional extras. A hard drive can help your plotter transition between print jobs more quickly, and it can be especially helpful if you’re printing large files.

Other features to consider include speed and connectivity. If you’re planning on printing large amounts of documents, a high-speed printer is a good choice. Additionally, a plotter with Wi-Fi connectivity is great for a professional office environment, as it can be shared easily among several people. Lastly, pay attention to customer support and warranty options. Finding a reputable brand with good customer service and a comprehensive warranty is important.

Ink Quality

Ink is an important part of plotter printers and should be considered when purchasing one. Depending on your specific printer model, you may need different inks to produce the right images. Some inks may not be compatible with your printer model or may produce inferior-quality results. For these reasons, you should read the ink information carefully and seek professional help when choosing an ink.

Purchasing a plotter with a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) is convenient and profitable. It allows you to use compatible ink cartridges and save on the cost of printing. 

Another factor to consider when purchasing a plotter is the density of the ink. Higher densities mean richer colors. However, different ink sets can produce different ink densities. You can measure the density of the ink using a densitometer. If you can get a good delta reading on the black ink, it’s a good sign that the plotter you are looking at has higher ink densities.