Can anyone explain why my drawing is not plotting to scale?

[321jimk]

I have drawn a 2D 'ruler' 250 units by 50 units and drawn 10mm marks along the edge of the ruler with the last section divided into 1mm marks.

 

When I plot the drawing, setting the scale in the properties box to 1:1 or 1:2 (or whatever scale I choose) then selecting File, Plot etc, (leaving the scale in the 'Plot Scale' section of the dialog box as shown - normally 1:1) the resulting plot is slightly smaller than expected. What should be say 200mm is more like 199 mm.

 

I am using AutoCad 2007 and a local domestic type printer (HP type) connected via a USB line.

 

Grateful for any help with this matter.

[nestly]

Welcome to Cadtutor.

 

I can't say I've ever done it, but assuming all your AutoCAD settings are 1:1, you can click the printers properties in the AutoCAD plot window and you should find an option with a wizard to calibrate the printer.

[321jimk]

Think you're probably right. Went to File, Plotter Manager (in 2007 version), can't find my particular model in the configuration wizard and will try to locate my installation disk or search via their website for a compatible model. Will come back to the forum if theirs any problems - many thanks.

[ReMark]

When you drew this ruler what precision were your units set to? Maybe there was a rounding error during the drawing phase that is only noticed when the drawing is plotted.

[SLW210]

Try showing a screen shot of the plot settings.

 

What plot area did you choose? What is the plot offset? What is the Plot Scale? What scale is the drawing? Are you plotting paper space or model space?

[Organic]

When printing make sure you are not ticking the 'Fit to paper' option. That can throw the scale off by 0

[321jimk]

Hi,

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Regarding precision I am using 1 unit for 1 mm and what should read 200mm when it is printed is showing approx 199mm. Don't think its got anything to do with the precision settings but can't tell you what these are as I can't find them!

 

I've attached two screen shots which shows the correct scales in the viewport properties box and 1:1 on the plot dialog box. I haven't selected 'fit to page'! and I am plotting in Paper space.

 

I do think it's got something to do with the fact that I can't seem to be able to find a Heidi driver for this particular printer which seems essential from some of the other messages I have got.

[SLW210]

I have never had good results when using "LAYOUT" for "what to plot" I prefer "WINDOW" and select a rectangle that I place on a no-plot layer framing the portion I want to plot. Though for the small amount you are off it could be your plotter.

[SuperCAD]

Make sure that any "Scale to fit" options are disabled.