Understanding the Difference Between Printer and Plotter for Large Format Poster Projects

In any project related to large format printing, particularly posters, it is a good idea to be familiar with the distinction between a printer and a plotter. These are two devices involved in printing, but they are not used in the same way and may influence the success of your project.

Learning the essential differences between a printer and plotter

What is the difference between a printer and a Plotter?

Although both machines are operated in manufacturing printed material, the difference between printer and plotter is in their operational characteristics and the kind of printed material that they produce. Printers usually print images and text on paper by toner or ink. Plotters, however, are specialized equipment that produces accurate drawings of lines and graphics, it is widely used in engineering, architectural, and poster printing of large size.

The differences between printers and plotters

Printing mechanism

• Printers: Ink or toner can be used to print images and text onto paper. They are usually printed in general offices.
• Plotters: Use pens or any other ink, and it is possible to draw lines more carefully on large pieces of paper.

Output type

• Printers: Generate images and text typically of photo-quality and which is best used to print documents, brochures or posters with rich colors.
• Plotters: Draw in line formats, which are suitable in use in projects such as blueprints, CAD plans and technical illustrations.

Printing speed

• Printers: These tend to be both faster and capable of printing out a few pages simultaneously. They are more effective for bulk print.
• Plotters: They were more at a slower pace as they would draw every line in a very systematic way, but were also very precise.

Precision

• Printers can produce quality color printing, although they lack the finesse to do detailed line work.
• Plotters: Plotters are used to create sharp lines, which are used in technical drawings or oversized posters where a line has to be an accurate length.

Cost and usage

• Printers: low cost and multiple functionalities, can be found in the home office and in general working environment.
• Plotters: These may be more costly, and are mostly intended to be used by a professional, such as in architecture and engineering where accuracy is important.

Top considerations when choosing between a printer and a plotter

It is important to know the major differences, yet the decision to take either a printer or a plotter is a matter of various factors. These are some of the considerations to be made when making your decision:

• Purpose of the print: Find out whether your project requires quality color prints or line drawings.
• Precision needs: When you need precision in your print, you should consider a plotter.
• Budget: Printers tend to be less expensive, whereas plotters tend to be more expensive.
• Speed of production: Think about the speed at which you have to do the poster. Printers are generally faster, whereas plotters are more precise but slower.

How to select the right device for your large format poster project

The decision that you make regarding the appropriate device to use on your large format poster project depends on the nature of your project. The following are some of the useful steps you can use to make your decision:

• Identify the project requirements: Are you designing a colored marketing flyer or a map?
• Consider the quality needed: Does the poster call on fine lines or will reproduction of color be more critical?
• Consider the Volume: Is it a high volume of posters that you will be printing, or is it a one off project?
• Decide on a Budget: Decide how much you can spend because plotters are more expensive.
• Evaluate space and setup: Plotters can be huge machines, and make sure that you have space to place the equipment.

Conclusion

Although plotters and printers play important parts in the large format poster printing, they fulfill dissimilar needs. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the devices will guide in the selection of the most appropriate large format printer device.