9 best plotters
Plotters are a special subspecies of printing devices that are used to produce a wide variety of products - from visual advertising and widescreen engineering schemes to T-shirts with bright prints. As such devices become more and more affordable, maintenance and operation of them acquire more and more enterprises of operational printing. Our current rating review is dedicated to the best in plotters experts in expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ in four different categories - inkjet, solvent, textile and ultraviolet. And first, let's go through the main criteria for choosing a plotter that is suitable for a particular purpose.
How to choose a plotter
Initially, the term "plotter" meant plotters - pen tablet devices, literally drawing graphs and charts with great accuracy. With the improvement of inkjet printing technology and the expansion of the range of devices, any large-format printers (at least A2) with automatic cutting function or even without it began to be called plotters. It is obvious that there are no domestic wide-format printers-plotters - all this is professional equipment for commercial use - in the enterprises of operational polygraphy, large advertising agencies, design bureaus, copy centers.
Purpose
The importance of certain characteristics and the presence of certain functions is primarily determined by the purpose of the acquired plotter. For example, if it is assumed that the lion's share of printouts will be wallpaper, banners, posters, billboards and other outdoor advertising - one type of device will do; if you mainly plan to print complex infographics, vector images with small details, engineering drafts - you need to look after the plotter with this specialization.
In any case, there is a common conventional division of large-format printers-plotters into three groups: drawing (CAD / AEC), topographic (GIS) and for art printing. For the first two categories, the accuracy and subtlety of the lines is important, so the first plan will be the maximum resolution (optimally in most cases 2400x1200 dpi) and the minimum thickness of the lines - no more than 0.01 mm.
All of these points should be clarified at the point of sale and require a detailed explanation, detailed consultation.
Media format and type
The size across the width of the media or simply the format is a key characteristic by which printers are categorized as widescreen. It is accepted as such to consider those models that are capable of printing on A2 format and more. A great advantage is the envisaged possibility of roll feed, since paper and other media in rolls are much cheaper than sheet ones, all other things being equal. The maximum format directly affects the size of the device and its cost.
The permissible type of media can vary significantly from model to model and is directly dependent on printing technology and the type of ink. For example, most of the plotters without any problems print on matte and glossy paper of varying density, a little less able to print on polymer films and even less on textiles. There are no fully universal devices in this price category on the market, and future specialization must be carefully considered in advance.
Some models of specialized printers are also considered plotters, if they use the appropriate technologies - cutting, roll feed, printing on special media and so on. In the latter case there can be even a smaller format - in our rating we will consider one such plotter of a slightly smaller format than A2, capable of printing on textiles, including ready-made T-shirts.
Type of ink and printing technology
Inkjet printers, including widescreen, are distinguished by the principle of printing - thermal or piezoelectric. The difference between them is as follows. Piezoelectric for the most part provide significantly better quality than thermal jets, but at the same time lose them in print speed and, on average, are significantly more expensive. On the contrary, thermal jets are cheaper, faster, but all other things being equal (resolution, number of basic colors used, application of innovations) are inferior in quality to picture piezoelectric.
The crucial point is the type of ink used. Conventional water-soluble or pigment - the easiest and most affordable option, but it is also the least resistant to environmental factors, and such ink can be reliably applied almost exclusively to paper. If solvent-based inks are used in the printer, this automatically means that the image will hold tight even on PVC media, will not be washed away by rain, and it will not fade in the sun. For effective and high-quality printing on textiles used sublimation ink. A separate and very expensive type of ink - UV ink, hardening when irradiated with an ultraviolet lamp or LEDs. This is a fundamentally different nature of the printed image.
Electronics, connection and dopfunktsii
When printing large raster images in high resolution, the plotter has to handle large amounts of data. In order for the device to cope with such processing without failures and disastrous for the quality of interruptions in the printing process, it is desirable that it be equipped with enough RAM for the range of tasks required by the customer, a powerful processor and a hard disk. Such a complete set is not always in the basic configurations of plotters, so at the point of sale you need to be interested in what tasks this or that configuration will cope with and whether it can be expanded.
In some cases, there is a sense in the presence of additional functions and features in the plotter - the function of printing on photo paper with sheet feeding from a separate tray, borderless printing, and so on.
You should ask in advance how to connect to the device. Some models are limited only by the LAN interface - RJ-45, others in the appendage allow you to connect the device directly to your PC via USB, and some allow you to interact with the plotter via Wi-Fi and effectively use cloud services.
Cutting
An important function of the plotter is the presence of automatic cutting. In the minimum case, at least you need a knife to cut the roll media upon completion of printing of each block. A more advanced version is the function of contour shape cutting. Its presence significantly expands the potential range of products produced by the plotter - stickers, shaped flyers, cardboard souvenirs and so on. When choosing a plotter with contour cutting, you should pay attention to two main parameters - cutting accuracy and pen pressure. The first determines which materials and which density the device will be able to accurately cut along the contour, and the second determines how much detail the plotter can cut. "Aerobatics" - the presence of an optical positioning sensor - if present, the plotter can cut along contours and graphic marks even if the workpiece itself was printed on another device.
Top Plotter Rankings
Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
Top inkjet plotters | 1 | HP DesignJet Z9 + 24 "Postscript (W3Z71A) | 244 986 ₽ |
2 | Canon imagePROGRAF iPF685 | 154 169 ₽ | |
3 | Epson SureColor SC-T3400N | 148 000 ₽ | |
Top Solvent Plotters | 1 | Roland VersaStudio BN-20 | 556 224 ₽ |
2 | Mimaki JV150-160 | 725 872 ₽ | |
Top textile plotters | 1 | Mimaki TS300P-1800 | 1 787 860 ₽ |
2 | Epson SureColor SC-F2000 | 850 820 ₽ | |
Best UV Plotters | 1 | Mimaki JFX200-2531 | 7 731 000 ₽ |
2 | Mimaki UJF-3042 MkII | 1 390 559 ₽ |
Top inkjet plotters
Let's consider first of all printers-plotters of the most inexpensive price category. Their affordability is explained by the use of the simplest printing technology - inkjet (thermal or piezoelectric) using conventional water-soluble or pigmented inks. Our experts suggest paying attention to three models from different manufacturers - Hewlett-Packard, Canon and Epson. All three examples are designed for maximum sheet size A1, and also support printing on roll media. The type of media can vary - from matte paper to plastic film, and it is desirable to specify this at the point of sale.
HP DesignJet Z9 + 24 "Postscript (W3Z71A)
Rating: 4.9
Opens the first selection of the ranking of the best plotters wide-format inkjet printer from the famous American company Hewlett-Packard. This is the most versatile and expensive device in the top three widescreen inkjet plotters.
A plotter has been designed for floor placement - the printing module is placed on a special mobile trolley on wheels. The overall dimensions of the whole structure - 1293x998x695 mm, weight - 72 kg net and 102 kg in the package. Package dimensions are 1440 x 766 x 718 mm.
For operation, the device needs up to 100 W of electrical power, in the passive mode it is up to 32 W. Nominal noise during operation should not exceed 45 dB. In a simple printer, too, makes a little noise - up to 33 dB. The control panel is equipped with a color touch screen.
Color printing of this model is carried out by thermal inkjet technology. As many as nine cartridges of 300 ml each with pigment inks and one more with an auxiliary composition take part in forming a high-quality image: purple, yellow, blue, chromatic red, black photographic, matt black, chromatic green, chromatic blue, gray, gloss enhancer. The maximum resolution is 2400x1200, the minimum drop volume is 6 square meters. The accuracy of the lines within the error of 0.1%. The minimum line width is 0.02 mm.
In this model, several possibilities for the use of media are realized at once. Thus, the minimum allowable sheet format - 210x279 mm, maximum - 610 x 1676 mm. Sheets can be fed from above or behind. The rear feed is designed to the greater honor for the heaviest and hardest carriers (the plotter is capable of printing 500 grams per square meter on cardboard, the minimum grammar of paper is 80 g / m2). Another option is roll media with a width of 279 to 610 mm. In this case, one more detail of the model becomes important - an automatic paper cutter. For careful placement of the output prints, there is a special catch basket under the printer in the stand-trolley space. Maximum printing capacity reaches 55.7 square meters per hour.
Against the background of the outstanding characteristics of the print itself, in this model, the electronic-hardware part commands respect. So, there are as many as 4 GB of RAM installed - a volume comparable to full-fledged personal computers and a 500 GB hard disk in which 128 GB is automatically allocated to virtual memory for expanding the RAM. Thus, the developers of the model did everything so that the plotter did not “slow down” even when processing the most voluminous data sets for printing large format images in high resolution.
The plotter is connected directly to the local network via a wire with a standard twisted pair RJ-45 interface. There are no other ways to connect, such as Wi-Fi, but this is by no means a disadvantage, it is a well-founded feature of the professional-grade commercial equipment.
Additional functions and features: web interface; PostScript support; direct printing; integrated processor Adobe PDF Print Engine. Branded drivers are written for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android operating systems.
Package includes printer: plotter, a set of test cartridges, a mobile stand-cart; basket catcher for finished prints; spindle; instruction; poster setup instructions; power cable; print heads. In addition to the listed, the manufacturer recommends the HP Original Software Kit for various systems: Applications Center, Color Center, Click, Partner Link Pay-per-use, PrintOS, Web JetAdmin.
Virtues
- professional level of the device;
- 9 pigment ink cartridges;
- gloss enhancer in the 10th cartridge;
- printing photos;
- cloud printing support;
- automatic cutter;
- mobile support cart.
disadvantages
- no obvious flaws and systematic negative reviews were revealed.
Canon imagePROGRAF iPF685
Rating: 4.8
The second number in the first selection of the rating, we consider the wide-format printer of the famous Japanese brand Canon. This device is less functional and generally simpler than the previous model, but it is still capable of providing all or almost all of the production needs of an operational printing company. And with all this, this model is cheaper than the previous average by as much as 100 thousand rubles.
The design of this model is fundamentally identical to the previous one: the functional module is placed on a mobile trolley stand with wheels, in the trolley space under the printer there is a basket-catcher for ready prints. The dimensions of the whole structure are 997x1062x1100 mm, the net weight is 56.9 kg, the nominal operating voltage is 140 W, the operating noise is up to 47 dB, the noise of idle time is 35 dB.
In this plotter, the formation of a color image is already carried out on the basis of the standard four-color model with a single additional ink — matte black. Each ink has a separate reservoir with two capacity options - 130 or 300 ml. The minimum amount of drops - 4 pl. Black ink - pigment, color - water-soluble type. The maximum resolution is 2400x1200 dpi. There is a function of printing photos and borderless printing. The estimated print speed on the example of one D-size color print (24x36 inches) is 28 seconds.
We should also highlight the elegant solution of the developers of this plotter in terms of ink use. There are two options for ink tanks - 130 or 300 ml, and you can decide for yourself what volume is best suited based on the most probable workload. In addition, there is the possibility of "hot" replacement of cartridges due to the presence of intermediate tanks between each cartridge and the print head.
The parameters of recommended and allowable consumables: sheet width - from 203.2 to 914 mm; roll width - from 254 to 610 mm; media thickness - not less than 0.07 and not more than 0.8 mm; outer diameter of the roll - up to 150 mm; The maximum print length is 18 meters.
Electronics in this model is already more modest than in the previous one, but it completely copes with its direct tasks. The RAM is set to 256 MB, and the hard disk is not much behind the volume of the above solution - 320 GB. You can connect to the device not only via the local network to the RJ-45 interface, but also directly from the PC via USB 2.0. The standard driver set supports the Windows and Mac OS family of systems. PostScript is not supported.
Virtues
- hot-swappable cartridge;
- quality graphic materials CAD;
- convenient work in cloud environments;
- intuitive software for direct printing and sharing;
- accounting tools.
disadvantages
- not found.
Epson SureColor SC-T3400N
Rating: 4.7
Completing the top three inkjet devices in the ranking of the best plotters according to expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ is the model of the SureColor line from Epson. This is a desktop form factor, although if necessary, you can easily add the same cart stand as the two models listed above.The price of the printer is comparable to the previous model of Canon.
Plotter dimensions - 1080x585x668 mm, net weight - 49 kg. The work consumes significantly less energy than any of the two models described above - 38 W under load and no more than 13 W in idle. Noise at work does not exceed 50 dB. The control panel is equipped with a 3.4 inch color display. Printing technology - piezoelectric jet.
Color printing here is based strictly on the 4-color standard model without additional ink and auxiliary formulations. Accordingly, four cartridges are used. The minimum amount of drops - 4 pl. The maximum resolution is 2400x1200. There is a function of printing photos and printing without borders. Cartridge capacity is 110 or 350 ml. Print speed is 25 seconds per A1 print. The first print comes out after 25 seconds.
This plotter is designed only for printing on paper as a carrier. Allowable thickness - not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 0.3 mm - applies to both sheet media and roll. The maximum roll diameter is 170 mm.
The RAM here is installed in the amount of 1GB, connection is possible via a local network, USB 3.0, and also via a wireless channel Wi-Fi standard 802.11n. Direct printing and AirPrint are supported. PostScript no support. Official drivers - for operating systems Windows-families, Mac OS and iOS.
Virtues
- relatively affordable price;
- print speed;
- available consumables;
- low power consumption.
- wireless connection.
disadvantages
- no obvious flaws found.
Top Solvent Plotters
The second group of plotters in our ranking are devices that use a special type of ink for printing - solvent. Their basis is actually solvent - an organic solvent, which is a mixture of light hydrocarbons. Being chemically aggressive, the solvent in the ink, falling on the media image when printing, partially dissolves the top layer, deeply and firmly embedded in the surface, and then quickly evaporates. The resulting image is obtained resistant to moisture, ultraviolet rays and a number of other environmental factors. In this way, inkjet printing becomes possible even on PVC-containing media with reliable image fixing. Solvent inks are used only in printers with the piezoelectric principle of printing.
Currently, the most prominent manufacturers of solvent printers are Japanese companies Mimaki and Roland. It is their products and experts recommend expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, and we consider the two most successful models.
Roland VersaStudio BN-20
Rating: 4.9
The first will describe the plotter "simpler" and cheaper. This is a representative of the bright line VersaStudio from the company Roland. Its cost in the Russian market is about half a million rubles, depending on the point of sale and the specific lot.
The dimensions of the device are largely dictated by the maximum possible format of the carrier - A1, and are 995x291x585 mm. Net weight - 35 kg. These parameters are almost the maximum limit for desktop installation, and Roland engineers managed to implement just such a form factor. In operation, the printer consumes up to 90 watts of electricity and no more than 5.5 watts per idle. Noise when working nominally should not exceed 62 dB, in a simple unit is also not silent - 42 dB.
The plotter forms full-color images on the basis of the standard CMYK model with an additional fifth Mt cartridge for reproduction of the “metallic silver” shade. The maximum resolution is 1440x1440. There is a photo printing function. Recommended inks are Roland ECO-SOL MAX or FPG Aqueous.
This device can use the following media types: paper, photographic paper, photo wallpaper, plastic film, poster paper, vinyl mesh, mural and eco-mural, various materials for banners. The design model is optimized for the roll feed, the maximum thickness of the roll in diameter is 150 mm and the weight is not more than 6 kg. The allowable width of the carrier is from 150 to 515 mm. Maximum thickness - 1 mm with the substrate.
One of the important aspects of the functionality of this model is the function of page-by-page and contour cutting. The allowable thickness of the carrier for cutting is 0.4 mm in the presence of a substrate or 0.22 mm without using a substrate. Cutting width - up to 480 mm. The speed is 150 mm / s.
The plotter is connected to the PC via the USB 2.0 interface. Standard drivers support only Windows operating systems. PostScript is not supported.
The scope of supply includes a plotter, cords — power and USB connections, a knife and holder, VersaWorks software, and instructions.
Virtues
- the fifth color is silver paint;
- automatic contour cutting;
- a high resolution;
- Consistently high quality when using original ink.
disadvantages
- not found.
Mimaki JV150-160
Rating: 4.8
And the second solvent plotter in our rating is a model twice as large in size and much more functional. For the price, of course, more expensive than the above described Roland, but not by several times, but by 50-60% on average by points of sale. It should be understood that despite the impressive price, this series is considered a budget alternative to the Mimaki JV300.
The physical, practical features of the device are practically industrial: the dimensions are 2775x1392x700 mm, the net mass is 185 kg. The power consumption is commensurate with fairly powerful household heaters - 1920 W, but in the context of capabilities and performance, such costs are fully justified - they allow for prompt and high-quality printing on A0 format media.
The maximum resolution in which the plotter is capable of printing is 1440x1440 dpi. Here, for a complete understanding, you need to take into account a number of important points that the device developers provided for in its functionality. For example, it is possible to install and use two variants of sets of cartridges by color: 4 colors of the standard CMYK model or 6 colors, where in addition to the 4 basic colors, light blue and light purple are used. The functionality allows you to add orange and light black. In addition, a number of patented Mimaki innovations are implemented, such as the Advanced Pass System (imitation of printing gradations to eliminate the visibility of non-transit inconsistencies), a three-step intelligent media heating system, compensation for faulty nozzles, and other features that allow you to get a picture of extreme quality and realistic color reproduction
The plotter supports printing on paper and films, including roll feed. The maximum allowable thickness of the carrier - 1 mm, width - 1610 mm. Print speed reaches 56.2 square meters. at one o'clock. When using the standard four-color model, the device can work from paired cartridges - if one is empty, the plotter automatically switches to another cartridge of the same color, and the empty one can be replaced without stopping printing. Optionally, a CISS with volumetric tanks of several liters per color can be installed.
You can connect to the plotter via the network via RJ-45 or directly to the PC via USB 2.0. Official drivers are released for Windows operating systems. PostScript is not supported.
In general, the possibilities of the plotter allow you to produce the most diverse graphic products: high-quality outdoor advertising, art reproductions, exhibition graphics, interior decor, auto-styling elements, POS materials and much more.
Virtues
- hot-swappable cartridges;
- paper cutter;
- CISS optional;
- innovative technologies and approaches to maximize print quality;
- performance;
- professional level at a relatively affordable price.
disadvantages
- no contour cutting.
Top textile plotters
The third category of devices in our rating are plotters, structurally and conceptually oriented for printing on various textile carriers.Such printers use a special type of ink - dispersion or sublimation, a variety of techniques and technologies are used to make the image realistic and at the same time resistant to the manifestations of environmental factors - solar ultraviolet, moisture, negative temperatures and their drops. Textile printers make flags, pennants, standards and other symbolism; tablecloths and bed linen; curtains and upholstery fabric; stretch ceiling; outdoor advertising; clothes for sports competitions, promotions, for everyday wear (t-shirts with prints); various decorations.
Mimaki TS300P-1800
Rating: 4.9
First, we consider a powerful professional wide-format production model of the specialized Japanese company Mimaki. This is a real record holder in terms of the allowed maximum media format.
Dimensions of the device in no way leave a chance for office installation - 3200x1857x850 mm. The unit also weighs more than decently - 213 kg and consumes 1.92 kW of power in operation. Included in the delivery is a stand for floor installation. Connection - via USB 2.0 or Ethernet.
The maximum media format for this model exceeds even the dimensions of A0 - the print width is 1940 mm. Sheet feed is not provided - only roll, and it is more than rational with such a huge format. The maximum allowable roll diameter is 250 mm, maximum weight is 40 kg. For this model, it is permissible to use as a carrier not only textiles, but also polyester and various types of special paper - transfer, sublimation, for thermal presses. Borderless printing is not provided. There is an automatic scooter for smooth transition from roll to roll and an automatic paper cutter. The maximum thickness of the carrier is 1 mm.
The plotter uses piezoelectric printing technology with sublimation ink type. The maximum resolution is 1040 x 1040. In draft mode, the print speed reaches 115 square meters. meters per hour. You can use two options for the color scheme - 4 basic colors of Mimaki brand inks - blue, magenta, yellow. the black; 6 basic colors - light blue and light purple are added to the four listed. The “default” plotter is equipped with a branded CISS Mimaki Bulk Ink System 3, where a 2-liter tank is allocated for each ink color.
In this model, Mimaki engineers have implemented a number of improvements and innovations, which allow to maximize print quality and stability, minimize the likelihood of rejection, simplify the work of the operator, etc. For example, an innovative system of vacuum tension of the material is successfully introduced - preventing waviness of the carrier and unwanted direct contact with the printhead. Automatic winding ensures even feeding of media from the roll. MAPS4's patented print control technology eliminates the effect of bending and uneven spot color blending by blurring the edges of the aisle like a gradient. Also here, an improved technology is implemented to control the voltage wave on the piezomembrane of the head - the drops are obtained in an ideal spherical shape.
Virtues
- print width;
- printing not only on textiles, but also on paper;
- speed;
- exceptional quality;
- effective use of innovation.
disadvantages
- no noticeable flaws and systematic user complaints were found.
Epson SureColor SC-F2000
Rating: 4.8
Now, as part of the ranking of the best plotters according to expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, we will consider a model of a highly specialized assignment - to create prints on T-shirts and carriers that are similar in form factor. Our experts considered it necessary to pay special attention to this type of printer, as the business model, which implies earnings on T-shirts with prints, was and remains relevant and in demand.
The printer prints on fabric or ready-made t-shirts. Print width - 406 mm. This is slightly smaller than A2, but there are modifications of the same model with the print field expanded to 420 mm. With this format, the device dimensions are 985x490x1425 mm, net weight - 82 kg. These parameters allow you to set the plotter on the table.For work needs to be connected to the mains with a consumption of up to 52 watts. The noise level is low, comparable to simple household printers - up to 41 dB.
The plotter uses the piezoelectric inkjet principle of printing using special ink. You can use two options for a set of ink cartridges: 4 colors in accordance with the standard model CMYK or 5 colors, where the additional color is white. Appointment of white color is obvious - for full reproduction of images on dark bases. The volume of ink tanks can also be different - 250 or 600 ml to choose from, depending on the intensity of operation of the plotter.
Print quality is determined directly by the technical resolution - 1440x1440 dpi and the use of special innovative techniques, which are described below. The minimum amount of drops - 21 PL. This is many times and tens of times more than in the case of other types of plotters, but for printing on cotton or any other basis of T-shirts, a smaller volume will not provide the proper quality. Print speed is up to 88 seconds per t-shirt, depending on resolution.
The printer has a lot of RAM - 512 MB. There are two ways to connect - a local network through an RJ-45 interface or USB 2.0 directly to a PC. Proprietary drivers are only released for Windows-based operating systems. PostScript is not supported.
Separately, it is worth emphasizing a number of important advantages of this model: the ability to print on 100% cotton or on mixed fabrics (minimum cotton content is 50%); thickness of the carrier - up to 25 mm - a special table is used for printing, which can even be bought separately if desired; the model has received the Oeko-Tex 100 (Product Class 1) certification, which guarantees safety for all ages - from adults to babies; minimization of defects due to the ink circulation system and effective automatic cleaning of the piezo-head; Epson UltraChrome DG ultra-resistant ink dyes do not fade, do not crack, do not wear out, are not afraid of washing; do not create a feeling of stiffness and "sharp corners" when wearing clothes.
Virtues
- printing on cotton, synthetics and blended fabrics;
- large allowable thickness of the carrier;
- environmentally friendly, safe for children dyes;
- convenient and understandable software.
disadvantages
- very expensive consumables.
Best UV Plotters
The final category in our ranking is plotters printing using so-called UV inks. The principle of applying the image here is based on the use of a special chemical composition of ink susceptible to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of a powerful UV lamp, the deposited image quickly polymerizes. Thus, it becomes possible to print on a variety of bases without additional processing. Polymerization under the influence of ultraviolet is an irreversible process, so the images of UV-plotters are not afraid of either sunlight, nor moisture, or the effects of many corrosive chemical environments.
UV-plotters are, on average, the most expensive machines when compared with plotters working on any other principle. Their cost is generally estimated at millions of rubles at the end of 2019.
Mimaki JFX200-2531
Rating: 4.9
First of all, we will present you the “older” model, which has wide functionality and a whole range of additional features. The device is capable of printing on media of the largest possible format - A0 and more.
The power requirements of the power supply, voltage and stability of the power grid are increased, and in the most serious way, a current of up to 240 V and power up to 12 A is necessary. It is highly desirable to provide the plotter with an intermediate power supply to protect it from power and voltage surges.The dimensions of the device are impressive - 4290x4400x1250 mm, and all the more so - the whole structure weighs almost exactly one ton. Power consumption - 4.8 kW!
The width of the print working area of this model is 2500 mm (98 inches), the nominal size of the working area is 2500 x 3100 mm. Print speed - up to 25 square meters. m per hour It is meant only sheet giving, on roll carriers it is impossible to print. This apparent limitation is easily explained by a wide range of materials that are suitable as a base - acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC, glass, aluminum, metal, polyester, foam panels, styrene, wood, stone.
Plotter prints with resolution up to 1200x1200 DPI. Three variants of cartridge sets are allowed - 5, 6 and 8 colors. The basis is always the 4 colors of the CMYK model with the addition of white, light cyan, light magenta. Maximum allowable thickness of the carrier is 50 mm, maximum weight is 50 kg per square meter.
The ionizer is located at the rear of the unit and has the shape of an elongated beam in the form of a letter "Y" to reduce the effect of static electricity. Adjustable vacuum type clamp has 4 clamping zones, which are regulated separately by special valves.
The device connects to the control workstation via USB 2.0. Network connection is not provided.
Virtues
- high-quality and reliable vacuum clamp;
- patented wavelength control technology;
- use of variable drop technology;
disadvantages
- no network connection.
Mimaki UJF-3042 MkII
Rating: 4.8
And the final device in the rating is a UV plotter from the same company - Mimaki. Our experts recommend this option to those who do not need a huge format. This plotter prints on A3 format.
Despite the much smaller format, this plotter is also designed for installation on the floor. But its special form allows efficient use of space in the workshop / office. Its overall dimensions are 1355x856x1290 mm, unpacked weight - 145 kg. In terms of power consumption, it needs 800 W and works quite quietly, as for this class of devices - 70 dB in operation and 55 dB in idle.
As regards the carriers, there are such restrictions here: the size of the working field is 300 × 420 mm; the thickness of the carrier is not more than 153 mm, the weight of the “pack” of material is not more than 5 kg; maximum print speed - 2.48 sq. meters
Printing in this machine is carried out on the basis of a five-color model with a primer. Resolution up to 1200x1200 dpi. Capacity of tanks - 500 ml or 1000 ml.
In this model, there is no support for PostScript and drivers only for Windows. Connection - via USB and Ethernet.
Virtues
- convenient shape for tight spaces;
- relatively inexpensive;
- quality of the received image, sufficient for such price.
disadvantages
- no support for PostScript.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.