Best plotter in 2020

A plotter is one of the types of printing devices that are used to produce a wide variety of printed products. To choose the best plotter in 2020, you should disassemble the characteristics of the various device models.

How to choose a plotter correctly

A plotter is used quite often in the modern world, so a huge number of different devices can be confusing, since the functionality of such devices is quite diverse. For this reason, many people, faced with the need to purchase such equipment, wonder which plotter is better to buy.

The products provided by this technique can be very diverse. These include printed T-shirts as well as large-scale engineering projects in large format. The purpose can be very diverse, since such a technique makes it possible to show imagination, however, the functionality of such devices is approximately the same. So how to choose the right plotter and not make a mistake?

As technologies improved, devices of this type were gradually modified and received a whole set of options in their functionality that can be used to solve a wide variety of tasks. There are plotters with automatic cutting or 3D printing, so in order to correctly choose such a device, you need to understand exactly what you want from the device.

The prevalence of certain characteristics depends on the type of device, as well as on its intended purpose. For example, one type of device is suitable for printing photo wallpapers, posters or different banner formats, but a completely different device will be needed to print a variety of complex images or vector pictures with many small details.

For this reason, depending on the purpose of the device, they are divided into several categories:

• drawing, which are designed for printing drawings with small details and a large number of intersections;
• topographic, which are also designed to capture small details on a fairly large-scale image;
• artistic, which are designed for printing large-format images with rich colors.

For the technique, which belongs to the first two categories, first of all, the accuracy and clarity of printing will be important, therefore the requirement for high-quality resolution is brought to the fore. For artistic printing, color rendition will be important, that is, the maximum accuracy of the reproduction of those shades that are displayed in the digital image.

If you find it difficult to independently choose the equipment you need, then it is better to resort to the help of a specialist. For this reason, it is worth consulting directly where you are going to purchase this or that device.

Plotter formats and types

The format of the plotter is practically the key point in choosing a device, since it is precisely due to its scale that this equipment is classified as a large format. The A2 format is often used, but this format may vary depending on the type of printing and purpose. However, plotters can use different types of paper. Depending on the specific purpose of the device, the ink can lay on the paper in different ways, but the top layer of the paper itself is also not of last importance. So, on glossy paper, the paint will lay down evenly, but when using a matte surface, it will be more saturated.

What ink is used for printing

Plotters are inherently large printers, so they also differ in the type of printing. Mostly plotters are inkjet and are divided into several types: thermal and piezoelectric. The difference between them is as follows. The latter type is significantly superior to thermal inkjet printers in print quality, but it loses to a large extent in print speed. In addition, piezoelectric plotters are many times more expensive, which means that in terms of their availability they also lose to the first. Thermal plotters are mostly a budget option, so in some functions they can be inferior to piezoelectric plotters.

In addition, what kind of ink is loaded into the plotter is more important. The most affordable and more or less cheap inks are water-soluble or pigment inks. However, such inks are the most unstable in relation to environmental factors. They are able to fade quite quickly and stay on paper in their original form for a relatively short time. In addition, you can work with such ink exclusively on paper, since no other material simply will not take it, but rather smear it.

For professional printing, it is best to use solvent inks, which can take even on PVC substrates. This paint shows a certain resistance to fading, it is practically not affected by sunlight. In addition, the density of such paint will not allow it to be washed off by rain. If you plan to print on fabric, dye sublimation ink is best for you. One of the most expensive and highly efficient inks is UV ink. During the printing process, they are irradiated with special lamps and ultraviolet light. The end result is a fundamentally different kind of image.

Cutting plotters

An important value is the ability of the plotter to independently cut paper or any other material. After the image or drawing has been printed, it must be separated from the remaining course of material so that it can be used later. For this reason, the best cutter should cut paper or other media so that the edges do not appear torn. In addition, if you use drag cutting, then you must remember that in this case, sharpness and accuracy of cutting will be of no small importance. In addition, you need to pay attention to the pressure of the pen.

There are a lot of plotters for cutting in the modern world, so when choosing a device, always pay attention to what kind of materials the device can cut and what density. In addition, for images with especially fine details, it is important to take into account the accuracy with which the device will cut out certain elements.

Best plotters in 2020

Many users of such devices are now wondering which plotter is the best in 2020. In fact, it is quite difficult to single out a specific model, since any device has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, only a few leaders can be singled out in this matter.

The best models of inkjet plotters

Inkjet plotters are the most affordable and cost effective options for printing a variety of A2 images.Models of this type are used more often than models of other directions, however, they are often able to print with less quality and accurately reproduce the color gamut.

HP DesignJet Z9 + 24 ″ Postscript (W3Z71A)

This American-made model is practically the leader among devices in its class. The large format inkjet plotter is easy to handle and does not require too much space. However, compared to others, this printer is not very high quality, so it is not classified as professional.

This printer has been specially designed to be placed on the floor. At the same time, it has a movable panel that helps to conveniently place the material and adjust the print as you need it.

pros devices are as follows:

• the level of the device is as close as possible to the professional;
• the set includes 9 ink cartridges of different colors, which mix well with each other and give a very rich image;
• there is an additional 10 cartridge, which, if necessary, enhances the gloss effect;
• with this device you can print excellent photos in high quality;
• This plotter has support for cloud printing, so you can print any file that is saved in your cloud space;
• the device has its own special cutter, which separates the printed pages from each other;
• there is a fairly convenient mobile stand-trolley, with which you can arrange the sheets as you like.

Cons this device has not been identified. Among similar models, this plotter is the most versatile device, the functions of which are fully consistent with its class.

Epson SureColor SC-T3400N

In terms of its functionality, it is in no way inferior to the first device. This plotter can also be called the most versatile device for its class, moreover, it is somewhat more affordable than the first one, but at the same time it is in no way inferior to it in print quality. However, this device does not have a special trolley-stand, which would greatly simplify the printing process, as well as make it more convenient. However, it should be noted that such a device, if desired, can be purchased.

As pluses devices include the following:

• in terms of price range, a fairly affordable device when compared with models of a similar type;
• printing speed is quite high, due to which, using this plotter, you can output a large number of images at the same time;
• consumables do not need to be ordered additionally, since they can always be bought at any specialized store;
• this device perfectly saves energy, therefore it is perfect for those who rarely use the equipment, but thoroughly;
• the device connects to the network without any additional wires, which is very convenient.

Any significant cons the device did not show in operation. Many users choose this particular model, since the characteristics meet most of their needs.

Canon imagePROGRAF iPF685

This company has been on the technology market for quite a long time, and during its work has managed to establish itself as a successful manufacturer of quality products.

This device can be classified as a leader among the models of its class, just like the previous versions. In terms of its functionality, it is somewhat simpler than previous models, but at the same time it is quite easy to use, even a beginner can figure out the operating modes and capabilities of this plotter. Despite the high level of printing, the device is sold at a very affordable price. It is the combination of these factors that contributes to the high demand for this product.

Among pluses devices include the following:

• it is possible to replace the cartridge of the device in a hot way;
• the quality of printing images and other graphic materials is at the highest level;
• the device can connect to your personal cloud space and print the files that you uploaded there;
• the software helps to print all images and files directly, as well as exchange them in real time;
• functionality of this plotter built-in special accounting functions.

If speak about cons of this device, then no significant drawbacks can definitely be deduced. Users referred to a long connection with the cloud space, but mentioned that compared to the positive aspects of the plotter, this is negligible.

The best solvent plotters of today

The print quality with solvent inks is much higher when compared to inkjet printing. However, the cost of such devices is several times higher. Ink consciousness is based on organic components, which are a mixture of hydrocarbons.

The solvent itself is a rather aggressive substance, so it slightly dissolves the top layer of paper or other material, after which it is firmly absorbed into the structure and lasts longer.

Roland VersaStudio BN-20

This plotter is the simplest device in comparison with others in its class. In terms of its price range, this device is capable of reaching about half a million rubles on the Russian market, but this figure depends on the supplier and the point where this device is sold. It weighs relatively little - 35 kg, so it is quite possible to move the plotter if necessary.

Among other positive aspects, several main ones are worth noting. pluses plotter:

• in addition to basic inks, this plotter is capable of printing in shades with a metallic sheen, in particular, a silver shade is used;
• the functionality of this device has contour cutting, which turns on and off automatically as soon as printing is completed;
• due to its high resolution, this printer can print images with a lot of fine details;
• high quality color reproduction will delight any user, but the maximum effect can be achieved only if the original paint is used.

Cons as such, this device was not found.

Mimaki JV150-160

This plotter confidently takes the second position in the ranking of the best solvent printers of this year. Not only does this device have a huge range of different characteristics, but also the price is relatively affordable for its level. This plotter can be safely classified as a professional device. In terms of its dimensions, it is quite impressive and requires quite a lot of extra space, but the overall functionality is worth it.

As pluses devices should be named as follows:

• replacement of cartridges is carried out automatically and hot;
• there is an automatic cutter for paper and other materials on which printing is performed;
• in order to achieve the highest possible quality, innovative technologies of the latest generation are used;
• the productivity of the plotter is high enough for its class;
• for a fairly affordable price, you get a professional-grade print.

As cons it can only be noted that the functionality of this device does not provide for contour cutting. Nevertheless, this plotter occupies a confident second position among similar models.

The best plotters for printing on fabric

These plotters are used to print graphics on textiles. Often, even special paint is used for these purposes, which not only displays the image in the gamut in which it should be, but also better contacts such a specific surface. In addition, ink not only makes the image look realistic, but also helps to fight against negative external factors. For example, sunlight is less damaging to a graphic if it is applied with sublimation ink.

Epson SureColor SC-F2000

This model of a plotter is a highly specialized device, since in its functionality it has the ability to print on T-shirts, T-shirts or sweatshirts. It is very popular among entrepreneurs who purposefully do business in this direction. It is thanks to such a model that it is possible to apply relatively inexpensively not just graphic images, but also drawings with a three-dimensional effect.

This plotter uses a special piezoelectric ink that successfully transfers the desired image in the correct gamut. During the printing process, this device will not allow much noise, but it takes some time for the device to fully print.

Pros:

• the ability to print on selected fabrics, as well as on finished T-shirts;
• the thickness of the fabric can be quite large;
• dyes do not cause allergies, therefore they are safe for sensitive people and children;
• the device is easy to configure and manage.

As the only minus we should mention the fact that it will be very expensive to buy consumables, especially regularly, since they are quite expensive by themselves.

Mimaki TS300P-1800

This device from a Japanese manufacturer perfectly prints on fabrics, without smearing the ink and retaining color for a long time.

As pluses the following can be named:

• able to print large format images;
• it is possible to print not only on fabric, but also on paper;
• high print speed allows for batch printing;
• very saturated colors are obtained on fabrics due to high quality printing;
• innovative technologies of the latest generation allow you to comfortably operate the device.

Any significant cons was not found.

The best UV plotters

Such devices are often quite expensive, but a specific paint can create a rather unusual effect.

Mimaki JFX200-2531

Japanese quality model that allows high quality printing on large sizes from A2 to A0.

Pros:

• during printing, a special pressure creates a vacuum, thanks to which the ink lays down better;
• uses innovative technology to control the wavelength;
• the variable drop technique is applied.

The lack of a network connection can be considered the only minus.

Mimaki UJF-3042 MkII

The plotter offers high print quality, but is not designed for large enough sizes.

Pros:

• compact enough, so it can be placed in small spaces;
• very affordable price;
• the print quality is quite good for its class.

As the only minus notably the lack of PostScript support.

There are a huge variety of plotters, so in order to choose exactly the one that is right for you, you need to study the characteristics of the devices and decide for what purpose you need it.