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Big Tools for Big Jobs: Wide-Format Scanners and Printers Make Small Work of Large Projects (Cadalyst Labs Review)
1 Sep, 2008 By: Ron LaFonEven in today's digital world, not all files are fully useful in digital format, and at times must be output to paper for information sharing, markup, or portability to the field.
A significant number of original drawings, blueprints, and maps are at risk because they've never been transferred to a digital format. These paper documents represent a substantial amount of time, money, and resources — and protecting them could be vital to your organization. Scanning these wide-format originals into digital masters for long-term security is a top priority. At the same time, we face the reality that even in today's digital world, not all files are fully useful in digital format, and at times must be output to paper for information sharing, markup, or portability to the field. That's when you must call on a wide-format printer to produce paper documents at sizes far larger than a typical desktop printer can produce.
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This Cadalyst Labs roundup surveys a variety of wide-format scanners and printers currently available and the factors to consider when purchasing these devices. We present here a broad array of high-quality, wide-format devices offering options that are greater than ever.
What We Requested
When we invited companies to participate in this roundup of wide-format scanners and printers, Cadalyst requested that the selected devices support at least D-size paper (24" x 36") and were released after January 2007. In the case of printer/plotters, we allowed any printing technology appropriate for CAD and GIS applications, such as ink jet, thermal, or LED. Each vendor could submit a maximum of three scanners and/or three printer/plotters. The vendors also supplied (and verified) the detailed data included in the feature tables you can find at www.cadalyst.com/0908scanner-table and www.cadalyst.com/0908printer-table.
 What to Look For |
Keep in mind that this article is a survey of products. I've had direct experience with various models from nearly all vendors included here and can attest to their quality and engineering in general, but I did not conduct a hands-on review of products this time around. And although this roundup certainly doesn't cover every wide-format device on the market today, we hope it offers a good overview of the features and capabilities available in the latest hardware. High-quality choices are available to meet your immediate needs and provide room for growth.
SCANNERS
SmartLF Cx 40c, Cx 40e, and Cx 40m
Colortrac
303.973.6722
www.colortrac.com
Prices: $7,995, Cx 40c; $8,995,
Cx 40e; and $6,495, Cx 40m
SmartLF Cx 40 scanners are designed to provide fast, high-quality scans, copies, or file distribution of large-format maps, engineering drawings, blueprints, site plans, architectural renderings, and other technical documents, making them a good choice for AEC, MCAD, and GIS professionals.
 Colortrac s SmartLF Cx 40 scanners feature 2 + 4 all-wheel-drive Active Paper Transport for handling delicate originals with care. |
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AutoCAD Tips!
Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's Tips & Tricks Tuesdays free e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is available. All exclusively from Cadalyst! |
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