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With its exceptional precision and accuracy, an inkjet plotter is an essential tool for many industry professionals. Whether they're being used in the AEC industry or for marketing and graphic design purposes, the latest options allow businesses of any size to access powerful, professional tools.

But with the many options on the market, finding the right solution can be a challenge. Understanding inkjet plotter features and the total cost of ownership will help you make an informed purchase decision. In this article, we'll explore the five top factors involved in selecting an inkjet plotter. When the time is right to buy your own model, you'll be able to shop with confidence.

Understanding the Inkjet Plotter Printer Difference

Inkjet plotters are a unique category of printing technology developed to create highly detailed prints. While a standard inkjet printer works by depositing small dots of ink onto paper, this process creates lines that aren't very precise or continuous.

Plotter printers, on the other hand, create highly precise lines, marking the paper without lifting off the page. They're designed to print over large areas, which is ideal for creating large-format images. Engineering, architecture, and GIS professionals all require this technology to create precise maps and technical drawings.

1. Identifying How Much Detail and Resolution Matter

For any type of printing, image quality and resolution are important. However, in industries like construction or graphic design, these factors can mean the difference between a successful project and a failure.

Whether you're looking for the best inkjet plotter for small business needs or a more robust workload, one of the first factors to consider is resolution capabilities.

How Ink Influences Output Quality

2. Account for Your Print-Per-Minute (PPM) Requirements

Anticipating your print-per-minute needs is a factor that should not be overlooked. A printer's PPM rating communicates how many pages it can complete per minute. Inkjet plotters with higher PPMs will allow you to increase your operational efficiency, meet tight deadlines, and easily make last-minute design changes.

Meeting Your High-Volume Printing Needs

PPM on Time-Sensitive Projects

Speed and Accuracy with Inkjet Plotters

3. Do You Need a Printer With Connectivity Options?

Connecting Your Workflows With Inkjet Plotters

4. Deducing the Total Cost of Ownership

Creating a budget for the purchase of your plotter is an important step, particularly for small businesses. By planning for routine maintenance and following a few key care tips, you can ensure your inkjet plotter delivers a long service life.

How to Keep a Durable Lifespan for Your Inkjet Plotter

Maintenance Tips for Your Inkjet Plotter

5. Consider the Lifetime Add-On Costs

There are several costs associated with inkjet plotters. From replacing inks and printheads to other expenses, it's important to be aware of these add-ons and factor them into your operating budget.

Cost of Ink Toners

Cost of Printheads

Cost of Cleaning Kits

Calculating Long-Term Expenses

Making a Purchase After Assessing Your Specific Needs and Budget Constraints

Create a feasible yearly budget that you can devote to your printing needs. Then, consider the quality and quantity of printed media your business requires. With the diverse plotter printer options available, you're sure to find something that meets all of your requirements.

Reach Out to HP With Your Large-Format Printing Needs

Inkjet plotter printers are a valuable solution for creating wide-format, accurate designs. With HP DesignJet technology, you can harness the power of industry-leading large-format printing. To learn more, explore our plotter printers or contact a specialist.