Plotter paper
Plotter paper is the name for special types of paper that are suitable for large format printers , so-called plotters , and are mainly used in industrial and commercial areas. For example, plotter paper is used for technical drawing , CAD , geographic information systems and advertising media (signs, posters, etc.). A basic distinction is made between coated, uncoated and photo-like plotter paper.
Origin of name
The plotter paper owes its name to the large format printers, which are also known as plotters . In the past, pen plotters were the order of the day. However, these have largely disappeared today. Instead, laser and inkjet printers in large format are common.
Uncoated plotter papers
Uncoated plotter papers are also known as "inkjet standard plotter paper". They owe their name to the fact that their surface is not sealed. Mostly they are used with inkjet plotters. The ink penetrates directly into the plotter paper and spreads out in spots. The resulting stain is much larger in diameter than the original ink drop. It can therefore deviate considerably from the actually intended circular shape. If you work with uncoated plotter paper, it is therefore very important to ensure good drawing properties, high opacity and optimal edge sharpness.
The uncoated paper is mostly used to print test drawings, drafts, proofs and control papers. It is suitable for black and white as well as color prints with little ink application. The standard quality is grammages of 80 to 90 g / m².
Coated or coated plotter papers
Coated plotter papers are mainly used when graphic applications are to be illustrated. These have a high amount of paint, so it is essential that the ink does not run apart. For this purpose, the plotter paper is coated or painted. It therefore consists of two elements: a carrier material and a color-receiving layer. Either paper or plastics are used as the carrier material. As a color receiving layer (the actual coating) z. B. calcium carbonate . How exactly the dye-receiving layer is composed differs in some cases extremely. Each producer has its own procedure in this regard. Generalizing statements cannot therefore be made. The interaction of the two elements achieves a very high level of detail with optimal color separation. Optically, this results in the best possible representation.
The coated plotter paper is mainly used for posters, placards or presentations. For use outdoors or with its very strong ink application, the application must also be impermeable to water. This prevents waves from forming.
Photo-like plotter paper
Papers similar to photo paper can also be printed with plotters. This is a high-quality paper in a suitable large format that also has a special coating.
Inject procedure
A distinction is made between two inkjet processes in inkjet printers : thermal inkjet (or “bubble jet”) and piezo inkjet. Thermal inkjet is mostly used for technical printing, while the piezo inkjet process is used for graphic projects. With both methods, the absorption capacity of the paper is an important factor in order to prevent the ink from being smeared due to excessive ink application.
A distinction is also made as to whether the ink is water-soluble (water-based dye ink) or waterproof (solvent-based pigment ink). In addition to waterproof ink, appropriate paper is also required for outdoor use.
Other characteristics of plotter paper
Plotter paper is mostly offered on rolls. The width of the roll determines the maximum printable format (shorter side). As a rule, the roll can be clamped directly into the printer. For the coated or coated plotter paper, weight also plays a central role. Lightweight papers that weigh 90 g / m² are particularly suitable for simple presentations. Medium to heavy weight papers (more than 120 g / m²) are used for posters.