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.
