Placement
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Floor. Plotters designed for installation directly on the floor, on special stands; the availability of a stand for such a device is mandatory, because it carries various auxiliary equipment – particularly, a basket for completed prints. The floor models are predominantly advanced models, which are distinguished by their large weight and size. This option is convenient because the plotter does not require additional surfaces such as tables for installation. On the other hand, such a unit can create inconvenience in tight room where there is little free space on the floor. Also note that some floor models are not equipped with stands, they must be purchased separately.
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Desktop. Plotters designed to be placed on a table, workbench, or other similar stand. This installation is good in constrained conditions, because it does not require floor space. On the other hand, it imposes some restrictions on weight and dimensions, which is why desktop plotters are usually designed for relatively small paper sizes - A2, less often A1 (see above).
Noise level
The maximum noise level produced by the plotter during operation. The lower this indicator, the less inconvenience to others the device will create. At the same time, in modern plotters, the noise level usually does not exceed 60 dB, which is comparable to a TV set at an average volume; and many of them do not "reach" even up to 50 dB, corresponding to a quiet conversation at a distance of 2-3 m. And if we also take into account the fact that plotters are usually used in industrial premises, then we can say that in most cases this indicator does not play a significant role.
Power consumption
Rated power consumption of the plotter. Usually specified by the maximum value — for the print mode, when the device requires the most power.
The heavier and more performant the device, the higher its power consumption in general. At the same time, models that are similar in performance may differ in this indicator. And here it is worth proceeding from the fact that a more energy-efficient unit usually costs more, but with intensive use, this difference can quickly pay off due to energy savings.
In addition, the power consumption may be necessary for special electrical calculations — for example, determining the necessary parameters of a voltage stabilizer, a backup generator, etc.
Dimensions with stand (WxDxH)
The overall dimensions of the floor plotter (see “Placement”), including the stand, in other words, the dimensions of the device in the operative condition (in addition to the stand itself, other equipment, such as trays for printed materials, is taken into account here). This indicator is worth evaluating how much space is needed to install such a plotter.
Weight
The total weight of the plotter is usually listed without ink and paper. You should pay attention to this parameter foremost when choosing desktop models (see "Placement"): modern plotters are quite massive, which puts forward corresponding requirements for stands for them.
