HPGL/2
4
This chapter discusses setting printing parameters generally used with vector-
based files, including palette selection, printer control, rotation, reprints, nesting
and ink limit.
ENCAD's implementation of HPGL/2 supports vector/raster merge and conforms
to "The HPGL/2 and HP RTL Reference Guide, Third Edition" by Hewlett-
Packard Company (Addison-Wesley, 1997, ISBN 0-201-31014-7). Please refer
to this guide for details on HPGL/2 commands.
CAD printing modes
Your printer offers several print modes which let you make tradeoffs between
speed and quality. The procedure for selecting print modes is described in the
Printer Reference Guide on the system CD-ROM.
The print mode you use depends on various factors, such as your drawing
application, whether you’re printing in color or monochrome, and what type of
media you’re using. Each print mode directly affects the printing speed and
quality of the image you print, so you should understand the differences.
Draft or Super Draft modes are suited for line drawings and drawings with light
solid fills, the types of images created by most CAD users. These modes are not
recommended for continuous tone printing images, because bleeding may occur
in areas of heavy fills or dark shading when printed with these modes.
Printing vector data
When printing vector data, you can control certain options from your software
application, or you can assign control to the printer and set its options. Whether
you assign control to the software (the default) or the printer depends on your
personal preferences. You might choose to override software control because the
software is not providing the features you want.