- Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language (HPGL) is the programming language recognized by the drivers programmed on the processor inside of a flatbed plotter. HPGL is the globally used language for plotters, although programmers do use the BASIC language or FORTRAN language to operate older plotters. Instructions for controlling the pen and plotter arm are programmed directly into the ROM (Read Only Memory) inside the flatbed plotter. The manufacturer inputs the instructions inside the flatbed plotter so that the user's software will not have to be configured to run a particular kind of plotter. The trouble that may sometimes arise is that the software driver in your computer application may not be compatible with the HPGL programming language. To resolve this, go to the Hewlett-Packard website and look for the appropriate driver for the plotter application you are running on your computer. Also check the software publisher's website for a driver that is compatible with HPGL.
- A plotter is distinguishable from a printer because the plotter uses pens to draw a picture or graphic. The parts of a typical flatbed plotter include a flat vacuum bed or table, pen arm or moving arm, primary pen, spare pens, and a pen cartridge. The flatbed plotter is primarily used for architectural and engineering drawings. Plotters only draw line art, and are incapable of filling in large spaces with color. Flatbed plotters draw lines on paper on a flat surface (rather than on a rolling drum-type plotter). Flatbed plotters draw from vector graphics instead of a dot matrix. Several pens move around the bed of the plotter via robotic arms and clamps to draw an image onto paper (or other medium, such as glass or plastic). The paper is held firmly to the plotter via a vacuum bed. Commercial plotters are typically as big as 50 feet across. Adhesive signs are created with plotters by replacing the pen with a cutting blade. Paper sizes vary between plotters. Some hold only A2 (four times the size of A4 paper) and A0 (16 times the size of A4 paper). Lowering the speed of a plotter will produce higher quality prints.
- The good news about flatbed plotters is that you do not clamp down the edges or ruin the paper by taping the corners to the plotter bed. For a flatbed plotter, lay the paper down on the plotter bed. Paper is held firmly in place by an electrostatic charge. Simply turn on the power button to activate the electrostatic charge. When documents require very large printing surfaces, such as 36 by 48 inches (the largest), larger plotters use a vacuum fixture to hold down the paper on the plotter bed. Turn on the vacuum switch after you lay down the paper on the plotter bed (turning the vacuum on before laying down the paper could crinkle the paper).
