Difference Between a Flatbed Plotter and a Drum Plotter

26, May. 2025

 

Difference Between a Flatbed Plotter and a Drum Plotter

The sign-making industry is one of the most competitive markets in the world. With so many companies vying for the attention of a consumer base that is increasingly drawn to online shopping, it's important for businesses to stand out from the crowd. One way to do that is by choosing a plotter that can help them create stunning visuals for their products and services.

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Plotters are a staple of the sign-making industry. They're used in everything from graphic design to product packaging, and there are two main types: drum plotters and flatbed plotters.


In this article, we'll discuss the difference between these two types of plotters to help you choose the right one for your needs.

What Are Flatbed Plotters?

Flatbed plotters–like the large Summa flatbed cutters–are large-format computerized printers that use a flatbed surface to cut and print materials. They use a variety of print heads to create graphics, logos, and text on a range of materials such as paper, metal, plastic, and cardstock.


The print heads are mounted on a moving carriage, which travels across the flatbed surface. As it moves, it deposits ink or toner onto the material.

What Are the Advantages of Flatbed Plotters?

There are many advantages to using a flatbed plotter over other types of printers. These include:


    • Large size and capacity: You can print on any sheet size with a flatbed plotter, so you don’t have to cut your artwork down to fit the standard size sheets used by other printers. This makes it easier to produce large-scale work without having to deal with multiple sheets of paper or projectors.
    • High resolution: Flatbed plotters offer resolutions as high as 72 X 2,400 DPI (dots per inch), which is higher than possible with laser printers or inkjet models.
    • Different materials: Flatbed plotters can be used to print on many materials, including paper, canvas, cardboard, plastics, and fabrics. This makes them very versatile and helpful in many industries.

What Are Drum Plotters?

Drum plotters are similar to flatbed plotters, but they use a cylindrical drum instead of a flatbed surface. The material is wrapped around the drum and held in place by tensioners, while the print heads move up and down the drum's surface.

What Are the Advantages of Drum Plotters?

The main pros of drum plotters over flatbed plotters are:


  • Speed: Drum plotters typically print faster than flatbed plotters because they use a cylindrical drum rather than a flatbed.
  • Portability: You can move a drum plotter from one place to another more easily than flatbed plotters due to their smaller size. 

What Is the Cost of Flatbed Plotters Versus Drum Plotters?

Flatbed plotters are generally more expensive than drum plotters because they are larger, more versatile, and can handle a wider range of media types.


Both plotters can cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $8,000, depending on the size and features they offer. The exact cost can vary widely, so it's best to research different options and compare prices to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts

Both flatbed and drum plotters have their own unique features and advantages. Flatbed plotters are the best for large-scale, high-quality printing, while drum plotters are best for high-volume, fast printing. 


Understanding these differences is crucial in determining the best fit for your sign-making business. As a reminder, it is essential to carefully consider the specific needs and demands of your business before choosing a plotter.

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Wondering whether you can cut magnet material with a plotter

What Is a Flatbed Cutter Plotter? - AirMark Corporation

If you are reading this, chances are that you are in search of the right plotter cutter for work. When it comes to picking the right plotter cutter, there are plenty of options to choose from. Cutter plotters are versatile in their function, but the use of a plotter and the specific model you use depends largely on the type of material you are working with and the type of projects you need it for. 


With AirMark’s extensive array of cutters, from our large Summa flatbed cutters, to our selection of Summa Vinyl Cutters, like the S1 Series, S2 Series, and SummaCut Series, finding the right one can quickly become overwhelming. 


Luckily, that is what we are here for. AirMark strives to not only provide an extensive range of high-quality equipment and supplies, but to also be a support system you can turn to for any and every question you may have. With experts pointing you in the right direction, you can focus more on the project at hand and less on the logistics. 


So, as you embark on your search for the right cutter plotter, there is an important question you need to ask yourself. What type of cutter plotter works best for your needs? 

Two Types of Cutter Plotters 

You might be familiar enough with cutter plotters to know that there are two types: flatbed cutters and roll-fed cutters. 

Roll-Fed Cutter Plotters

Unlike a flatbed cutter, a roll-fed cutter requires you to connect the roll of material you are working with, hence the name ‘roll-fed.’ The roll-fed cutter is a great choice for more flexible materials, such as fabric and vinyl. 

Flatbed Cutter Plotters

While a flatbed cutter plotter can cut through fabric and vinyl, it also has the ability to cut through various other types of materials, including paper, cardboard, metal, foam, and corrugated boards. Unlike a roll-fed cutter, however, a flatbed cutter holds the material stationery as the cutting blade moves over it. Depending on the model you can get, the flatbed surface can be several square feet in size, or as large as several square meters. 


What really makes a flatbed cutter plotter stand out is its incredible accuracy when it comes to cutting, especially when handling complex and intricate designs. It comes equipped with a powerful blade that is mounted to a motor, and the motor is able to move on both an x-axis and a y-axis, giving it the ability to cut in several directions. This motorized range allows a flatbed cutter plotter to cut out curves, straight lines, and angles in a meticulous and highly-detailed manner. 

Pros of Using a Flatbed Cutter Plotter

The ability to use a flatbed cutter plotter on a variety of materials ranging in type and thickness makes flatbed cutter plotters versatile. If your business and design needs require a product that can be used on a variety of different materials, projects, and industries in an efficient manner, a flatbed cutter plotter is the ideal go-to. 


In addition to its versatility and efficiency, flatbed cutter plotters are known for being very user-friendly–noth the machine and the accompanying software are easy to use and operate. With various customizable options, you can be sure that a flatbed cutter plotter can meet your specific needs. 

Find Your Flatbed Cutter Plotter at AirMark 

The award-winning Summa F Series Pro Flatbed Cutter is easy to operate, great for use on a variety of different materials, and the go-to for designing packaging, textiles, displays, and signs. However, it is just one of many options. Let AirMark help find your perfect match today!