flatbed plotter


flatbed plotter

[′flat‚bed ′pläd·ər] (engineering) A graphics output device that draws by moving a pen in both horizontal and vertical directions over a sheet of paper; the overall size of the drawing is limited by the height and width of this bed.

flatbed plotter

A graphics plotter that contains a flat surface that the paper is placed on. The size of this surface (bed) determines the maximum size of the drawing. Contrast with drum plotter.


An Early Flatbed Plotter
In the 1970s, this CalComp Model 738 large-format, flatbed plotter was an offline device. Data was delivered to it via magnetic tape. (Image courtesy of CalComp, Inc.)