Number of rolls
The number of rolls that can be installed in a plotter that can print from such media at one time (see above).
Most often, such models are made for one carrier, however, there are also more advanced units — for
2 or more rolls(in some cases this number reaches 4). The meaning of this functionality is that you can simultaneously use media of different sizes (for example, A1 and A2) or/and types (for example, glossy and matte paper) while printing. Of course, you can only print on one material at a time; however, the presence of multiple rolls allows you to switch between them simply through the settings of the plotter, without fiddling with changing media.
Paper grammage (min)
The lowest grammage of paper that the plotter can print normally on. Grammage is expressed in grams per square metre; accordingly, the more dense the paper, the thicker it is, and the greater the difference between the minimum and maximum paper grammage, the greater the range of materials the plotter can operate with.
The use of materials that are too thin can lead to a number of troubles: multi-sheet picking, creasing, jamming, etc. Therefore, if you plan to use low-grammage paper, you should pay special attention to this characteristic.
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.
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".
Storage capacity
The capacity of
the built-in storage installed in the plotter.
First of all, we note that this drive should not be confused with the built-in memory (see above): in this case, we are talking about a storage designed for long-term storage of large amounts of data. Accordingly, such a storage differs from the mentioned memory in a larger capacity — its volume is already calculated in gigabytes. In addition, the built-in drive is usually a hard drive — this type of storage is better suited for the application described. Such a disk is intended mainly for storing various graphic files — footage, layouts for printing, data from a scanner (if available — see above), etc. The larger its volume, the more files can be simultaneously stored in the plotter's memory.
It is often more convenient to upload files into the device's memory in advance and send them to print directly from the control panel than to turn on the master PC every time — especially if you have to print often and a lot, and PCs are sometimes unavailable (for example, due to mismatched work schedules from printers and designers). On the other hand, such functionality is relevant mainly for powerful performant plotters, and the availability of a built-in drive significantly affects the cost. Therefore, this feature is found mainly in fairly advanced models.
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.
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.
