3D Printer Pen Plotter vs Dedicated Plotters
Should you convert your 3D printer or buy a dedicated plotter like AxiDraw or iDraw? Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
Cost
| Feature | 3DPlotter | AxiDraw | iDraw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | €29.90 | $475-$875 | $299 |
| Requires 3D Printer | Yes (use existing) | No | No |
| Total Cost (if you own printer) | €29.90 | $475+ | $299 |
| Total Cost (new to plotting) | €229+ (printer + software) | $475+ | $299 |
Output Quality
| Feature | 3DPlotter | AxiDraw | iDraw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Precision | High (~0.1mm or better) | ~0.1mm | ~0.15mm |
| Professional Output | Yes | Yes | Consumer-grade |
| Line Consistency | Excellent (spring-loaded holder) | Excellent | Good |
Plot Area
| Feature | 3DPlotter | AxiDraw | iDraw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Size | Your printer bed (up to 300×300mm+) | 297×218mm (A3) or larger | 297×210mm (A4) |
| Flexibility | Any size (Custom Board) | Fixed per model | Fixed |
Software & Ease of Use
| Feature | 3DPlotter | AxiDraw | iDraw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Complexity | Ultra-simple web app | Inkscape + plugin (complex) | Dedicated app (moderate) |
| Learning Curve | Minutes | Hours (Inkscape) | Moderate |
| Setup Time | <30 minutes | ~15 minutes | ~15 minutes |
| Calibration | Visual wizard (easy) | Manual | Semi-automatic |
| All-in-One Solution | Yes (design + generate + plot) | No (requires Inkscape) | Partial |
Features
| Feature | 3DPlotter | AxiDraw | iDraw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stroke Fonts | 50+ Hershey fonts | Via Inkscape | Limited |
| Image Vectorization | Built-in (one-click) | Via Inkscape | Built-in |
| Design Gallery | Yes (community) | No | No |
| Printer Profiles | Pre-configured | N/A | N/A |
Hardware
| Feature | 3DPlotter | AxiDraw | iDraw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | Your printer quality (often excellent) | Excellent | Good |
| Pen Holder | Print yourself (STL included) | Included | Included |
| Multi-purpose | Yes (3D print + plot) | No (plot only) | No (plot only) |
Which Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on your situation.
Choose 3DPlotter if...
- You already own a 3D printer
- You want professional-grade output at a fraction of the cost
- You prefer an ultra-simple, all-in-one web app
- You want a multi-purpose machine (print + plot)
- You want excellent precision without the AxiDraw price
- You want to plot on your printer's full bed size
Choose AxiDraw if...
- You want a dedicated, always-ready plotter
- Budget is not a constraint ($475+)
- You're comfortable learning Inkscape
- You don't own a 3D printer and don't want one
Choose iDraw if...
- You want a dedicated plotter on a budget
- A4 size is sufficient for your needs
- You don't need professional-grade precision
- You don't own a 3D printer
The Bottom Line
3DPlotter delivers professional-grade output with excellent draw quality and high precision—matching or exceeding dedicated plotters. The difference? Our ultra-simple web app means you start creating in minutes, not hours learning Inkscape.
If you already own a 3D printer, 3DPlotter is the obvious choice. For €29.90, you get professional plotting capabilities on hardware you already have. There's no reason to spend $300-$500 on a dedicated machine when the quality is the same.
If you don't own a 3D printer, consider this: buying a Bambu Lab A1 Mini (~€200) plus 3DPlotter (€29.90) gives you a professional pen plotter AND a 3D printer for roughly the same price as an AxiDraw alone. Two machines, same budget.
Ready to Start Plotting?
Turn your 3D printer into a pen plotter for €29.90.