Difference between printer and Plotter

What is the difference between printer and plotter ? Explain the working of any one. ( B.com-l December 2023 )

1. Difference between Printer and Plotter

Definitions:

• Printer: A printer is an output device that produces text and images on paper in the form of dots. It is mainly used for normal documents and pictures.
• Plotter: A plotter is a special output device which draws high-quality graphics and large-size drawings by using one or more pens. It is mainly used for engineering and architectural drawings. Difference between printer and Plotter

Now, Let’s the differences in points:

1. Nature of Output
   
   • A printer produces output in the form of tiny dots. The image is made by a large number of pixels (bitmap/raster image).
   • A plotter produces output in the form of continuous lines. It follows mathematical commands and draws vector graphics (lines, curves). Difference between printer and Plotter
2. Type of Work / Use
   
   • A printer is used for printing letters, reports, bills, photos, question papers, notes, etc.
   • A plotter is used for making maps, engineering drawings, circuit diagrams, building plans, blueprints, graphs and charts, etc.
3. Users / Who Uses It
   
   • Printers are used in homes, schools, offices, shops, etc.
   • Plotters are used by engineers, architects, designers, survey departments, CAD/CAM labs, etc.
4. Method of Working
   
   • A printer prints the whole page at once or in lines using ink or toner, without moving a pen on the paper.
   • A plotter actually moves a pen or stylus over the paper. Either the pen moves on a fixed sheet or the paper moves while the pen draws. Difference between printer and Plotter
5. Speed
   
   • Printers are generally faster. They can print many pages per minute (e.g., 20–30 pages per minute or more).
   • Plotters are slower because they draw each line physically with a pen. Complex drawings take more time.
6. Accuracy and Detail
   
   • Printers have good quality for normal use but they are not as accurate for technical line drawings.
   • Plotters give very high accuracy and precision. They are suitable where exact measurements and neat lines are required (like engineering drawings).
7. Paper Size
   
   • Printers usually work on small to medium paper sizes like A4, A3, legal size, etc.
   • Plotters can use very large sheets of paper or rolls (e.g., A0 size, banners, posters, long maps). Difference between printer and Plotter
8. Cost
   
   • Printers are cheaper and easily available. Their running cost is also comparatively low.
   • Plotters are expensive devices and their maintenance is also costlier.
9. Types
   
   • Common types of printers are: dot matrix printers, inkjet printers, laser printers.
   • Common types of plotters are: drum plotters, flatbed plotters, inkjet plotters, cutting plotters, etc. Difference between printer and Plotter
10. Use of Pens
    
    • Printers normally do not use pens. They use ink cartridges, toner cartridges, or ribbons.
    • Plotters use one or more pens of different colors to draw lines and shapes on paper.

2. Working of a Laser Printer (Any One Output Device)

Heading: Working of a Laser Printer

A laser printer is a high-speed, high-quality printer that uses a laser beam and toner to print on paper.
Its working can be explained in the following steps:

1. Receiving the Data from Computer
   
   • When the user gives the Print command, the document is sent from the computer to the printer.
   • The printer’s internal processor converts the document into a format it understands (page description language). Difference between printer and Plotter
2. Page Preparation (Rasterization)
   
   • Inside the printer, the data is converted into a dot pattern (bitmap) of the entire page.
   • The printer decides which areas of the page should be black and which should be white.
3. Charging the Drum
   
   • Inside the laser printer, there is a photosensitive drum (also called OPC drum).
   • This drum is given a uniform electric charge by a charging roller or corona wire. Difference between printer and Plotter
4. Exposing the Drum with Laser Beam
   
   • A laser beam is passed over the surface of the rotating drum.
   • The laser is turned ON and OFF very quickly according to the image data.
   • Wherever the laser strikes the drum, it removes the charge on those parts, thus creating an invisible electrostatic image (called latent image) on the drum.
5. Developing the Image with Toner
   
   • A toner cartridge contains fine, dry black (or colored) powder.
   • The toner particles are given an opposite charge so that they are attracted to the charged areas of the drum.
   • As the drum rotates, the toner sticks only to the parts of the drum where the image is present. Difference between printer and Plotter
6. Transferring the Toner to Paper
   
   • A sheet of paper is picked from the paper tray and is passed under the drum.
   • The paper is given a charge so that the toner on the drum is attracted from the drum to the paper.
   • Thus, the image made of toner is transferred onto the paper.
7. Fusing the Toner (Fixing the Image)
   
   • After the toner is transferred, the paper passes through a fuser unit.
   • The fuser unit consists of heated rollers.
   • Due to heat and pressure, the toner powder melts slightly and gets permanently fixed onto the paper. Difference between printer and Plotter
8. Cleaning the Drum
   
   • After one page is printed, any leftover toner on the drum is removed by a cleaning blade or brush.
   • The drum is then discharged and recharged for printing the next page.
9. Output
   
   • Finally, the printed page comes out in the output tray as a neat, permanent printout.

Conclusion

Thus, a laser printer uses a combination of laser light, electrostatic charge, toner powder, and heat to produce fast and high-quality printouts on paper.

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👉 Note:- Important questions of computer Fundamental of Bcom-l

1. Difference between hardware and software
2. Two application for the procedure the process the data