Plotting Systems

Low Cost Raster Photoplotter

ViewMate can be downloaded from Pentalogix's web site at www.pentalogix.com

The FP8000 (8000dpi) Raster photoplotter is a highly accurate machine for creating dense phototools. The machine draws the image on a piece of light sensitive film with a laser. The film is attached to the outer surface of a rotating drum and the laser moves step by step along the rotating drum. A supplied external universal power unit is used to supply required power (110-240V / 24V).

The photoplotter software allows you to read input files and to set output resolution and type of image (reverse, mirror, etc.) drawn on the film. When working with Gerber files, it is possible to check and modify used apertures (D-codes) and make simple film panelization for Gerber data and corresponding drill data. Viewing of Gerber files and conversion of various types of aperture files is possible in freeware program ViewMate (made by Pentalogix).

Photoplotter software is supplied on CD or one diskette with installation program. Requires Pentium computer with USB port and Windows 95-98 or higher, 100 MB HD space minimum for software and output files. The computer speed has influence on plotting time.

Various types of films may be used for this photoplotter, but all of them must be sensitive to light wave length of 670 nm (red light). A suitable film and chemistry is offered below. Full darkroom conditions are needed to load and process the film. A green safe light fluorescent bulb is available for use in a darkroom in three different lengths.

Technical Specifications
Maximum film size 370 mm x 340 mm – width x height
Maximum photoplotting area 370 x 320 mm
Plot resolution 508 x 8000 dpi, 1016 x 8000 dpi, 1355 x 8000 dpi, 1625 x 8000 dpi,
2032 x 8000 dpi, 2710 x 8000 dpi, 4064 x 8000 dpi, 8192 x 8000 dpi
Plotting speed 13 mm of film width / minute for 1016 dpi
Source of light Laser diode 670 nm (red)
Reads in Gerber (RS 274D, RS 274 X), BMP, Postscript (option)
Photoplotter overall size 
700 (length) x 370 (width) x 230 (height) mm
Photoplotter weight approx. 28 kg (56lbs)
Power An external power supply unit (110V-240V / 24V)


Standard film definition possible.

FP-8000/film Positive Negative
1. What is the finest spot dia? 5 um 50 um
2. What is the finest line width? 5 um 50 um
3. What is the finest space between 2 lines? 30 um 50 um

These are standard values which can be reached without experiments with settings.

Order Code Description   1+ Qty:
57-61605 Raster Photoplotter FP8000 (USB) £5560.00
57-61615-1 Postscript option for 57-61605 £585.00
57-61716 Photoplot Film 310mm x 380mm 50 sheet pack £99.75
57-61711 Photoplot Film 310mm x 60M £299.00
57-61706 Developer for Photoplot (5 ltr) £22.35
57-61707 Fixer for Photoplot (5 lltr) £24.75
45-3807 305mm x 410mm Processing dish £11.00
57-61625 Green Safe Light 600mm 18W £46.00 Sorry, This item is not available online. Please contact our sales department.
57-61626 Green Safe Light 900mm 30W £58.50 Sorry, This item is not available online. Please contact our sales department.
57-61627 Green Safe Light 1200mm 36W £61.75 Sorry, This item is not available online. Please contact our sales department.