Max resolution
The highest image resolution the plotter is capable of printing on paper. It is indicated by the number of dots per inch horizontally and vertically — for example, 1440x720.
The higher the resolution, the smoother the printed image will be as a result, the less noticeable individual dots will be on it (to the point that they cannot be seen at all with the naked eye). On the other hand, the ability to print in such resolutions affects the price of the plotter accordingly. In addition, do not forget that high-quality printing requires appropriate source materials — the quality of the print cannot be higher than the quality of the original image.
Note that in this case we are talking about the maximum resolution; usually in the settings it is possible to set more modest parameters.
Print speed
The print speed provided by the plotter.
Such devices are intended for large-format material, so this parameter is usually indicated as m² per hour. Keep in mind that the spec usually give the maximum print speed, which is achieved at a reduced resolution and overall quality; in standard mode, the plotter may work noticeably slower. So when choosing for this parameter, it is worth taking a certain margin. On the other hand, according to the values indicated in the specs, it is quite possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed performance, usually, will proportionally correspond to the difference in the actual speed of work.
As for specific values, speed
up to 20 m²/h for modern plotters is considered low,
21 – 50 m²/h — medium, and in the most powerful and performant equipment this value can
exceed 50 m²/h.
Sheet printing time
Approximate time taken by the plotter to print one sheet.
This indicates for the paper size that the machine was originally designed for (see "Paper Size"). And it is approximate because it is usually given for optimal or almost optimal printing conditions: low quality and resolution, relatively simple images, etc. So the actual print time of the sheet may differ from the claimed one in one direction or another, depending on the operating parameters — starting from the mentioned quality and resolution to the type of media. However, according to the figures indicated in the specs, it is quite possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed time, usually, will proportionally correspond to the difference in the actual printing speed.
It is also worth noting that this time is usually indicated by the duration of the printing process itself — from the capture of the sheet by the feeder to the output of the completed print from the device. Interruptions inevitably occur between printing individual sheets, so that the total printing time is longer than the printing time of a sheet multiplied by the number of sheets. For example, a device with a time consumption of 36 sec per sheet theoretically should print about 100 sheets per hour (1 h = 3600 s, 3600/36 = 100), but in fact such a plotter usually produces about 70 – 75 sheets in this time.
Media width (min)
The smallest width of paper or other media that the plotter can handle. Such devices, by definition, are designed for large-format printing and are poorly suited for small media; therefore, if you plan to frequently print on sizes smaller than standard (see "Paper Size"), you should pay attention to this parameter and make sure that the selected plotter can work with all the necessary materials.
Max. roll diameter
The largest roll diameter that can be installed in a plotter with roll printing (see above). This parameter is useful primarily for the selection of media: the material of the same width can be produced in rolls of different diameters.
Paper grammage (max)
The highest paper grammage that the plotter can handle normally. For details about grammage, see "Paper grammage (Min)"; and you should pay attention to its maximum value if you plan to use thick materials. Do not try to print on more dense media than it is specified in the specs of the device: even if the plotter can handle such paper normally, it can cause serious damage.
Number of cartridges
The number of individual cartridges the plotter needs to operate.
Each cartridge is responsible for its base colour used in printing. Monochrome plotters (see "Output Type"), by definition, use only one cartridge, for black colour and for such devices this parameter is usually not specified at all. But in colour printing, where all available shades are obtained by mixing basic colours, the number of such colours (and, accordingly, cartridges) can be different.
The most modest of modern colour plotters are designed to work with
4 or 5 cartridges. The first option corresponds to the CMYK colour scheme with 4 basic colours — this is the minimum required for full colour printing. In turn, 5 cartridges usually mean a CMYK colour scheme, supplemented by a separate supply of black ink for monochrome images — this allows you not to waste consumables for such images that may be needed for colour prints, and also to print monochrome even with empty colour cartridges, and vice versa.
In general, these sets of basic colours are inexpensive, while they are able to provide fairly good quality prints; so plotters for 4 – 5 cartridges are very popular nowadays. However, the use of additional basic colours can significantly increase the quality of the image, primarily the reliability of colour reproduction. Thereby, advanced plotters can provide a larger number of cartridges —
6 – 10, and s
...ometimes more. Such devices are quite expensive and difficult to maintain, but they are indispensable for printing materials with high requirements of colour quality.Cartridge model
Models of cartridges used in the plotter. With this info, you can easily find original consumables for the device.
Built-in memory
The amount of built-in memory provided in the design of the plotter.
Such memory is used to store various service data: print tasks, settings profiles, etc. Due to this, the plotter becomes more "independent": for example, many models allow you to continue printing even when the master PC is turned off.
We emphasize that in this case we are talking about solid-state flash memory, which is used mainly for "operational" service information. The capacity of such memory is relatively low, it is measured in megabytes; but in addition to it, the design may include a larger storage capacity — usually a traditional hard drive. For more information about it, see "Drive Capacity".
