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If you're printing larger materials such as maps, blueprints, and engineering diagrams, a conventional printer may not do the job. In most cases, these materials require large-format printing, and small-scale printing simply can't capture the level of detail that these projects often demand. To help achieve the best results, you may want to use a plotter. Whether you're a hobbyist, architect, or engineer, you can use a plotter to create top-quality prints with consistent ease and efficiency. At the same time, plotters can minimise errors and ensure precision with every project. You might wonder what the differences are in terms of a plotter vs printer. Let's dive into these differences to help you determine which equipment you're better off getting.

One of the first questions you're likely to ask when deciding on a large-format printer purchase is: “Plotter vs printer, what is the difference?" Considering they're both printers, the confusion around these devices is understandable.
The principal difference of a plotter vs printer is the size of paper they can use. Traditional printers can create large prints comprising multiple sheets of paper. But you can use large rolls of paper with a plotter, allowing for increased accuracy for scaling and ratios.

For professionals in Malaysia, particularly in the AEC sector, this level of precision is essential for projects like urban infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur or detailed blueprints for developments in Penang.

Plotters work by printing graphics and text based on points along X and Y axes. They're highly versatile and can work with larger print media, making them ideal for printing blueprints, maps, and other larger print jobs. If deciding on a plotter or laser printer, know that the former works differently from the other, using inkjet printing technology to print on paper. Additionally, they print in vector format. This is different from printers using raster or bitmap formats in their use of coordinates to form dots and connect them with a line. This vector format improves the quality of larger prints.

Plotters work well with large print sizes as they can handle large rolls of paper. But they also work with smaller paper sizes. This versatility is particularly important for Malaysian businesses that need to produce everything from large trade expo signage in Johor to smaller marketing flyers for Selangor’s retail hubs. So whether you want to use large rolls or cut sheet paper, your plotter can likely work with it.

When choosing between a plotter v/s printer, there are several factors to look for based on your unique needs.

For example, what type of project are you printing? Professionals working with large projects will have higher standards. Your ideal business printer should be able to work with vector graphics and produce high-resolution images, which professionals often require in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In Malaysia, selecting a plotter designed to handle high humidity is equally important, as the tropical climate can impact print quality and machine longevity.

You can also choose from different types of plotters. For instance, drum plotters work by using a drum to hold paper or other print materials. The drum then moves below a fixed pen that performs the drawing. Alternatively, you may consider a flatbed plotter, which prints images on a flat surface and is better for larger projects than drum plotters.

Ultimately, the right plotter will come down to the materials you're printing on, their size, and the number of colours you need to print.

For high-quality plotters that can complete nearly any print job, turn to HP. To find the perfect solution, contact us today, and we'll put you in touch with one of our experts.