Plotter Printer
What It Is
A printer plotter creates line art rather than normal graphics. This is because it uses lines rather than dots to create images unlike standard printers. These printers are connected to a computer and follow commands instructing it to create continuous lines from vector graphics files. Plotter printers have mechanical arms that hold automated pens that are responsible for creating the lines as data is entered into the computer.

The History
The earliest plotter printers were created by attaching normal ballpoint pens to pantographs. These pens were then powered by the computer to create images. These early models were extremely slow and required that the paper be laid flat on the floor in order to be fed through the machine. This was both inconvenient and space consuming.
Later models utilized a roller which moved the paper while an arm held the pen and moved it back and forth as well.

Computer plotter printers were the first type of printer that could produce full size color images. This is because the arm that held the pen was equipped with an electrical clamp that allowed then pen to be removed and replaced with pens in different colors and styles.

Today
Today most plotter printers are used for computer aided engineering applications such as computer aided design, CAD, and computer aided manufacturing, CAM. The best quality plotter printers are used for these applications primarily because they can print on large rolls of paper while maintaining high resolution images. They are ideal for plotter printer photos, drafts, plotter printer stock photos, and designs.

In addition, some plotter printer replaces the mechanically held pen with a pen knife. This version of the plotter printer is used to make signs and garments. This printer generally cuts vinyl rather than paper and can be used in both large and small applications. Generally it operated by cutting through vinyl, while leaving a paper backing behind. The images or letters can then be peeled off and applied to a surface such as a billboard, vehicle or sign.

Another type of plotter printer replaces the pen with a pounce wheel. The wheel perforates the paper by running along the outline of an image. This outline is then used as a pattern which is ideal for projects that need to be hand painted.