How to choose paper for plotters (large format printers)? Buyer's guide
To choose the right roll of plotter paper, it is important to study the available and compatible formats as well as the desired printing quality. We'll explain it to you!
Plotter printer: definition
A plotter is a large format, high definition printer.
The plotter usually supports different paper weights and most often uses inkjet and laser technology.
What sizes of plotter paper are available?
There are three main plotter coil widths:
- 610 mm wide paper reels (i.e. 0.61 m);
- 914 mm wide paper reels (i.e. 0.914 m);
- 1067 mm wide paper reels (i.e. 1.067 m).
For your information, these dimensions are derived from a conversion of American units into inches. One inch equals 25.4 mm (or 2.54 cm). The dimensions are therefore 24, 36 or 40 inches.
- The 610 mm paper reels correspond to the 24 inch reels.
- The 914 mm paper reels correspond to the 36 inch reels.
- The 1067 mm paper reels correspond to the 40 inch reels.
What grammage of plotter paper should I choose?
| Plotter paper weights | Use |
|---|---|
| Plotter paper 60 gsm | Low-ink printing: lines, light colours, texts... |
| Plotter paper 80 gsm | Printing with more ink: fuller colours, images, gradations, etc. |
| Plotter paper 90 gsm | Photo printing: posters, pictures... |
What type of plotter paper should I use?
Universal plotter paper rolls
For low-ink printing, mainly line and flat colours, all paper weights are suitable: 60 gsm plotter paper, 80 gsm plotter paper or 90 gsm plotter paper.
- The 60 gsm plotter paper roll is an economical and environmentally friendly solution to reduce paper consumption.
- The 80 gsm plotter paper roll will be more suitable for printing proofs and working prints.
- The 90 gsm plotter paper roll is preferable if you want to make a vertical display without support for example, because it offers a better hold.
Lightweight printing → Universal plotter paper
Rolls of coated plotter paper
For printing with a higher colour intensity, for printing images or colour gradations, the 90 gsm high white surfaced plotter paper roll offers the ideal compromise between quality and cost of printing. Its surface treatment allows for quick drying and very good colour density.
Heavy duty printing → Coated plotter paper
Rolls of plotter paper for all-purpose use
Matt coated plotter paper is particularly suitable for printing photos and posters of photographic quality. This paper quality guarantees a very high colour density.
Photo printing → Matt coated plotter paper
Length of plotter paper rolls
Plotter paper rolls are supplied in different lengths: 45, 60 or 90 m. Before making your choice, check that the 90 m reel (largest diameter) can be loaded in your plotter. And of course, choose the packaging that corresponds to your consumption needs.