Term of the Moment
bricks and mortar
Definition: 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.)