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How Big Is Big? Your Plotter Printer Paper Size

Different from your standard printer, plotter printers use a pen to create large images. These images can be used for a variety of projects, making them appealing to various industries for marketing, administrative, and technical work.

Best for large projects, like banners, architectural blueprints, charts, and more, plotter printers provide greater precision and clarity of image for large displays. If you are looking to print something large, plotter printers are your best bet. The challenge is finding the right size paper to fit your plotter printer, while maintaining the high quality of printing. After all, if you use a low-quality paper, then the prints will reflect that, even with the best plotter printers.

The question is, what plotter printer paper size should you use? Different paper sizes can allow for different graphics or images to be created. However, if you use the wrong paper, your image might not come through with the same level of detail as you planned. That lack of detail could end up having a negative impact on your business or customer relationships.

Here is your easy-to-understand guide to all available plotter printer sizes so you can get the perfect print for your next project. Let’s start by exploring how to determine the right plotter printer paper size based upon specific measurements, including the paper roll’s length and width.

Plotter Printer Paper Size

The size of your printer paper will vary depending on the model of your wide format inkjet printer or xerographic copier that you are using. Depending on the plotter printer you own, there may be limited paper options available. Others are more versatile in the various paper sizes you can use. Here are a few basic measurements to keep in mind.

Length of the Roll

Bond papers usually come in sizes: 150 ft, 300 ft, and 500 ft, which give you the option to print longer documents or multiple copies of the same documents. These sizes provide a variety of printing options and can also keep your printer going longer between reloads, depending on the size of the printing project.

If you are printing a special application and need a thicker paper, you can purchase and print on clear films in lengths of 100 ft or 150 ft, which allow you to get the additional thickness you need.

Having rolls this long allows you to print multiple copies without stopping and reloading the paper. That can positively impact your ability to get more orders completed and reduce the downtime of your printer. With that type of option, you can also maximize the efficiency of your printer with bigger bond paper lengths and sizes. For your business, that can mean getting the right paper to meet your printing needs based on what you typically have to print.

Width of the Roll

U.S. roll width sizes are listed in inches. The width is the first number listed in your specification.

Common widths for wide-format plotters are: 11, 17, 18, 22, 24, 30, 34, 36, or 42 inches.

These dimensions allow for less expense when printing large numbers of standard-sized architecture paper or engineering documents. Be sure that you know the size of the documents you are going to be regularly printing before choosing a paper width. That way you can be sure to maximize the number of documents and make it more cost-effective for your business needs.

Additionally, make sure that your printer can handle the roll width that you want to use. Various roll width sizes might not fit, thus making it difficult for you to complete projects where you need a specific width or length of paper.

Caliper

A paper’s thickness is measured in one-thousandth of an inch. This measurement is expressed in what is called millimeters. Depending on the age and model of your printer, the thickness can be anywhere between 9, 12, or 31 mm thick. Keep in mind, your plotter printer might not be able to handle specific thicknesses, even if that is the paper you need for your prints. Therefore, if your plotter printer cannot meet your printing needs because it cannot handle a thick paper, then you may need to opt for a different plotter printer. It is also worth noting that plotter printers can be used for a variety of projects, so it is important to know what types of jobs you will want to complete before making such a large investment.

Usually, older models of inkjet printers made to print on clear films and bond papers can only print on papers 9 mm in thickness or less. That means you need to be sure of the thickness of the paper your plotter printer can handle before you make a paper purchase.

Many new versions of plotter printers are now capable of handling paper with 9 mm in thickness or more. Therefore, it you are ready to print on a thicker paper and you have an older plotter printer, you might want to consider upgrading to a new printer.

The Core Diameter

The diameter of the cardboard tube that the paper comes on is called the “core size.” Rolls of plotter paper for inkjet printers come in 2-inch cores. This standard allows for rolls to fit a variety of different inkjet printers.

Rolls of plotter paper for xerographic copiers usually come in 3-inch cores. Before you purchase any type of paper roll, it is important to know the core size that your plotter printer can handle. If you buy a 3-inch core, for instance, but your printer cannot hold it, then you will not be able to use that paper for your different print jobs. Knowing the different capabilities of your printer is key to making sure that you choose the right core and paper roll to complete your projects.

Here is your breakdown of standard sizes in the United States and the types of graphics and drawings that can be completed on them:

Engineering Drawings:

  • ANSI A– 8.5 x 11 inches
  • ANSI B– 11 x 17 inches
  • ANSI C– 17 x 22 inches
  • ANSI D– 22 x 34 inches
  • ANSI E– 34 x 44 inches

Architectural Drawings:

  • ARCH A– 9 x 12 inches
  • ARCH B– 12 x 18 inches
  • ARCH C– 18 x 24 inches
  • ARCH D– 24 x 36 inches
  • ARCH E– 36 x 48 inches

ISO Drawing Sheet Sizes:

  • A0– 33.11 x 46.81 inches/841 x 1189 millimeters
  • A1– 23.39 x 33.11 inches/594 x 841 millimeters
  • A3– 11.69 x 16.54 inches/297 x 420 millimeters
  • A4– 8.27 x 11.69 inches/210 x 297 millimeters

Note that each of these sizes reflects standards from different industries. Determine what you are most likely to print and then compare it to what capacities your plotter printer. That will allow you to find the right materials, including the right thickness of paper, as well as the correct roll diameter.

Materials Needed for Plotter Printers

Now that you have got a basic understanding of the standard plotter printer paper size dimensions, you can get started on your next big printing or drawing project by choosing the right paper to fit your needs. That being said, there are many other products necessary to keep your plotter printer functioning effectively. Our team can assist you in finding the right products to maintain your plotter printer and keep it working well to increase the efficiency of your business. While you might be tempted to just buy any type of plotter printer paper, the truth is that by using the right products and maintaining your plotter printer correctly, you are increasing its life and maximizing your investment. The goal is to make sure that you are getting the best quality products to maximize the life of your printer and be budget friendly for your business.

There are a variety of essential products and pieces plotter printers require for the best end result. Check out our list of plotter brands to sort through and see what your machine’s needs are.

Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign making such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign making tools and accessories.