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Choosing a HP DesignJet Plotter
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What is your Budget for a plotter?
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Generally plotters will last for a good 3 years so your investment should take into account the growth of your company. A cheap plotter now may suite your needs over the next year but if your company grows from its current size you may be thinking about changing it within a short period. If your plotter is going to be a main part of your daily work flow, you do not want to be waiting around for your drawings to be printed out. So purchase with the future in mind!
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What Are You Looking To Print? CAD or Graphics
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Plotters also known as large format printers can be purchased for a variety of applications! The most general distinct paths are CAD (Line Drawings) or Graphics (Printing of Art and Photographic materials). CAD plotters generally only use Dye inks and some with modified Dye inks. Dye inks are not normally UV stable and hence will fade over time if the print is in direct sunlight. Some of the new modified dye ink machines improve the longevity of images printed and can last for 10’s of years!
Graphics plotters/printers come with Pigment inks that are UV stable for around a 100 years if the print is in direct sunlight.
CAD plotters generally are supplied with smaller memory buffers and less ink cartridges, whereas the Graphic Printers have more memory and ink cartridges to handle large print files and the range of colours.
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Do you want the plotter to output drawings unattended (Roll or Cut Sheet)?
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Plotters can be purchased both cut sheet or roll feed. If you purchase a cut sheet unit you may find your time taken up with the feeding of paper into the plotter. A roll feed plotter will automatically pull the drawing/paper roll through and cut to size when finished and drop the paper within a collection basket at the end of printing, generally only A1/A0 size.
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Size Of Drawings/Paper & Media
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Decide on the maximum size of drawing that you require e.g. A1 (24") or A0(36") the size of plotter states the maximum size that it will output. But a plotter will print all sizes up to the maximum size of the plotter e.g. A4,A3,A2 and A1 for an A1 size plotter. Also a roll feed plotter will also accept both roll and cut sheet media. Dependant upon the graphical abilities of the plotter it will relate to the types of plotter media that can be used e.g. 90gsm, 100gsm, Tracing paper, plastic, coated and many more! Check the specification of the plotter for what media can be used with it.
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Plotter Memory - Size/Density Of Drawings e.g. Line drawings or Graphical
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Generally plotters are now supplied with around 16Mb of Buffer and can be expanded at a later date with more plug in memory. Where line drawings and the odd photo are being produced on a drawing 16Mb is usually sufficient. However, where dense graphical work is being carried out you should investigate using the higher end range of DesignJets e.g. 800 and 1000 series. The majority of the 800 and 1000 series also have *Gb Hard Drives built into them. Note that on some plotters to extend the buffer you may also need to purchase an HPGL2 card which also contains additional memory on it.
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Stand & Collection Baskets
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Some plotters mainly A1 size, do not come with a stand so check whether it does and whether you need one.
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Multi Roll Options
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Some plotters can be supplied with multi roll feed so that you can purchase your plotter media on a roll e.g. not only A0, A1 but also A2,A3 etc. This helps reduce the amount of manual intervention if you are doing lots of different sizes of drawings.
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Will a Number of Operators Be Using The Plotter - Print Servers & Networks
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If a number of operators are to access the plotter you will probably have to think about linking it onto the existing network or have a network installed, or share the plotter through one computer (not always the best way to share a device for speed reasons). To share the plotter you will need to purchase either an internal JetDirect network card or external print server that will connect your plotter to the external network. If the plotters is to go on a network its best to have a I.T. person available for the installation. See the options available for the plotter or accessories that can be purchased for networkings.
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Single User Plotter Connections
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Generally new plotters are available with both parallel and USB connections (please check when purchasing) and not all plotters are supplied with parallel or USB cables so always check first. One other factor is the length between the actual plotter and the computer, anything between 5 and 10m is costly and over that practically impossible without signal amplification or put onto a proper RJ45 network.
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What should I order with the my Plotter
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Generally always order some extra plotter paper as the first batch you order will go quickly, especially with the setting up and the excitement of seeing what you can do with the plotter. With regards to cartridges, unlees you are doing colour work day in day out simply order an extra black cartrdge!
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What about extended Warranty
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Generally extended warranties for plotters are a very good idea and they cover both labour and parts. Especially when call out charges for plotters can run from around £150 upwards + hourly rate and parts. An extended 3 year warranty can be taken out at the start when purchasing the plotter (really 2 years on top of the original 1 year warranty with the unit). Warranties can be taken out at a later date but are less cost effective as they are only valid for a single year.
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Will it work with my CAD software
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Many plotter manufacturers have now removed the HPGL2 language off the plotter itself. So as a general rule of thumb if the CAD software is windows based and can use the windows printer drivers your CAD software will work with the plotter. Hence, the plotter will come with necessary windows based printer drivers. Should your CAD software be old or not main stream you should contact a specialist first. If the plotter does require HPGL2 the optional card can be purchased at the start or a later date.
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Still confused or need to talk over some grey areas then Free Phone 0800 0345116 and speak to one of our friendly consulants.
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All brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Colours of products may also be different to that shown.
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