AEC Tech Articles

How to Pick the Best Plotter and Printer

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 02:15:00 GMT

[ Free Consultation ] Are you interested in getting a new plotter printer but don't know where to start? Get help from our top tech experts in a free consultation call.
Click Here to Schedule Your Free Consultation Call

Discover the New HP XL-3800

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:30:00 GMT

For decades, mid-sized architectural and engineering offices relied on toner plotters to bring blueprints and large-format documents to life. These trusty workhorses delivered the precision and scale needed for professional drawings.

HP DesignJet XT950 Secret Power: Half size Prints

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 03:22:47 GMT

If you've been around the AEC industry for a while, you probably know that large-format printing has declined. This shift is due to technological changes, remote workers, and more digital workflows. However, not all printing is dead. In fact, according to HP, there has been a significant increase in companies printing half-size sheets.

What Does It Cost to Lease a Plotter?

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Initially published in 2011 and updated in 2023.

In a Post-COVID world, digital workflows have become more commonplace amongst AEC firms and their project partners. A primary driver of this is the dynamic function of employees working in a hybrid office/remote format. Unfortunately, this shift has led many to believe that almost all work happens on a screen. However, there is still a need to produce and use large paper construction plans.

This continuing need means that many small to medium size AEC companies still entertain upgrading their wide-format tech for various reasons – upgrades, end-of-lease trade-ups, and expansion. Therefore, equipment leasing remains a very viable option for many businesses.

But, when it comes to leasing, options can be a bit dynamic and confusing, so make sure you understand all the factors before deciding which option suits you best.

>> Get a quote for a plotter lease

Use Your Office Plotter for More than CAD Construction Plans

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 21:53:00 GMT

Initially written in 2014 and updated in 2023

Optimizing AEC Workflows with Digital Twins

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 00:32:46 GMT

As the demand for efficient, accurate, and cost-effective methods of capturing as-built site conditions continues to rise, have you considered how cutting-edge technology could elevate your operations?

Explore the Benefits of Postscript Plotters

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:30:00 GMT

The source content for this article is from Reasons to Buy a PostScript Printer on tavcotech.com.

Meet Jennifer, an experienced oil and gas manager who takes pride in making informed decisions to optimize his team's performance. Jennifer oversees her company's GIS operations and requires high-quality, precise printed maps that showcase oil lease locations overlaid on satellite images. Her keen eye for detail and commitment to accuracy is crucial in this competitive industry.

When faced with the decision to choose between a Postscript or non-Postscript plotter/printer, Jennifer knows that while non-Postscript printers are generally more affordable, investing in a Postscript printer offers numerous benefits that could make a significant difference in the quality and precision of the printed maps, ensuring that the colors accurately represent the information.

Map Plotters for High-Quality Map Printing

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:45:00 GMT

Are you looking to create high-quality, accurate, vibrant maps for your presentation or project? When considering map printing, several factors come into play, and sometimes, you need a printed map to deliver the "wow factor."

Toner vs Inkjet Plotter Comparison [ 2023 ]

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:15:00 GMT

[ Free Consultation ] Are you interested in exploring new CAD plotter options but do no know where to start? Get help from our top tech experts in a free consultation call.
Click Here to Schedule Your Free Consultation Call

Article updated in 2023

Blueprints are a classic historical icon of the construction industry. For some more seasoned AEC professionals, blueprints bring back nostalgic memories. For other, younger people, a blueprint (or blueline) drawing may be best viewed in a museum, not at a job site.

But, the fact remains, printed construction plans are still used regularly (I know this because companies still buy a lot of plotters from us). And, while digital files and applications are wonderful to work with, having a set of paper plans onsite is still valid.

This still leads companies to purchase new plotters or MFPs. And when exploring options, you have probably wondered, “Should I get an inkjet or a toner plotter?”

Create a Punch List for Construction Using Bluebeam Revu

kevin@tavco.net (Kevin Vaughan) — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:35:00 GMT

This article was initially published in 2019 and updated in 2023.

When construction projects approach completion, a Punch List is one of the final activities that must be conducted.

Essentially, this is a list of repairs and incomplete work items remaining at the end of a project that specialty contractors must finish to address and fix before the project is completed, plan submittals are completed, and the project is handed over to the building owner.

According to Autodesk, this is the definition of a Punch List:

A listing of items requiring immediate attention before finalizing a construction project. It is a document listing work that does not conform to contract specifications, usually attached to the certificate of substantial completion. The contractor must correct the punch list work before receiving payment.

The topics of a punch list can be wide-ranging. For example, door adjustments, flooring issues, electrical problems, and damaged wood trim are all potential items in a punch list.

For decades, this has happened via a manual paper/pen process that is slow, tedious, and marred with potential communication problems.

Luckily, software applications like Bluebeam Revu provide a way to quickly and easily complete a punch list and keep every stakeholder up to speed in real-time.