Plotter paper is used in a plotter machine. This type of machine is basically a printer used in conjunction with a computer which is then used by architects and draftsman to create and print out their blueprints. AutoCad and other drafting software programs use plotter paper for printing.

Plotter paper usually is available by the roll for those plotter machines which work with a drum plotter. For those that have a flatbed plotter machine, plotter paper is available flat. Plotter paper comes in various sizes and textures.

Plotter paper is available in many types of paper. For example, you can get bond, gloss, translucent and vellum. Translucent plotter paper is cheaper than vellum so a more viable option for cost cutting measures. Gloss plotter paper is often used for final presentations as it has a nice finish and clear printing results. It can be used with traditional pen plotter machines whereas vellum and translucent plotter paper can be used with inkjet machines. This is the method that should be used for large volume printing.

Here are some types and descriptions of the various types of plotter paper out on the market today:

Premium Color Coated Bond

This type of plotter paper is often sold in 24lb weight and in 4 rolls per carton. Premium Color Coated Bond inkjet plotter paper has a water resistant coating and has a strong and smooth printing surface. It is a suitable option for high volume CAD and graphics applications. It is very accepting of dye and pigment inks.

Bright Ink Jet Bond

Bright Ink Jet Bond plotter paper is 20lb weight and is good for black and white CAD plotting. Xerographic BondXerographic Bond is a good plotter paper for Engineering. It comes in a 20lb weight and is an economical sulfite bond all-purpose plotter paper suitable for checkplots and non-permanent applications. It does a great job with detailed printing and imaging.

Heavy Satin Finish Bond

Heavy Satin Finish Bond plotter paper is an 8 mil.thick paper with a water-resistant coating that does not require lamination. It is durable enough to be shown outdoors and is resistant against moisture. It accepts high ink loads of both dye and pigment inks from all printer types.

Recycled Inkjet Plotter Paper

Looking for a recylcled inkjet plotter paper for checkplots and non-permanent applications? You can get this in a 30% recycled content paper which is a great option for detailed printing and imaging.

Translucent Inkjet Plotter Paper

This type of plotter paper is available in both a 16lb and 18lb weight. It is suitable for non-archival type purposes. Translucent Inkjet plotter paper requires lower ink volume due to the increased translucency. It is a good option for printing test prints. It is a lower cost alternative than using vellum for production printing.

Rag Inkjet Vellum Plotter Paper

Rag Inkjet Vellum is a smooth and lightweight plotter paper that is suitable for presentation plots, overlays and high speed and high volume duplication. It is also good for archival purposes and blue line reproduction masters.

Purchasing plotter paper can be done online or it can even be found in some office supply stores. Manufacturers of plotter paper include such companies as HP, Epson, Canon,and 3M.