Plotter vs. Printer Differences - Plotter Doctors

What Is The Difference Between Plotters and Printers? Explained 

Main Differences between printers and plotters: The main difference between plotters and printers are that a traditional printer is a device that is used to create a printed copy of the data that is on a computer screen vs. a plotter which is a commercial printing device that is used to print vector graphics from CAD and CAM designs in the engineering and architectural fields. 

Printer Vs. Plotter Differences 

Printer

A Printer is a device used to create printed copies of data from a design/document on computer screen. This is type of printing device that you would plug up to your computer via USB cable or connected wirelessly. These types of printers can also be connected to a network of computers. These types of printers are commonly referred to as multi-function printers.

Plotter

A Plotter, on the other hand, is a commercial printing device that is used to print vector graphics in the engineering and architectural fields, which are able to print blueprints or CAD designs. Plotters draw images on to the paper using a pen like instrument and draw in lines instead of dots or pixels like multi-function printers do.

Printer VS. Plotter Uses 

Traditional Printer Uses 

Printers can reproduce shadows, color images, some gradients and other computer design elements. Printers can print poster, full-color banners, and large-scale media.

Printer VS Plotter Uses 

Plotters are good for simple vinyl sign making. Vinyl plotters don't use a pen, they use a blade. However, this process is time consuming because only one color of vinyl can be cut at a time. 

Plotter Vs. Printer Costs 

Printers will cost you around $300-$500 to purchase while plotters costs around $3,000-$6,000. As you can see the printer vs plotter costs are very different.  

Other Differences Between Printers & Plotters 

Other ways plotters and printers are different are that plotters use a pen to draw on the paper while printers spray the ink onto the surface of the paper. Also, plotters are mostly used by CAM and Cad software users. Plotters are slow and take a while, while printers are fast. Printers are able to color bigger sections, while plotters are only able to create close lines. Most plotter paper is perforated so that the technician can rip the paper from the device without messing up the images.

Plotter Doctors has been providing wide format printing, scanning, and cutting solutions for over 15 years. Specializing in the servicing of all trusted brands in the industry we have had the opportunity to compare all of these machines both from a reliability and cost of ownership standpoint.