Expert: Bob - 10/22/2007

Question
Hello. I have 2 years using autocad and I know the program really good. I'm working at an architectural firm and sometimes we need to print a full set for review. The set can be from 4 to 16 sheets and we usually print on 12*18 to fit. These creates a lot of waste of paper. I know that it has to do with a nesting option, either on the plotter or the software, but I still haven't find the way to print side by side as I would like to. I already try to go to the properties of the plotter, but still no luck. The plotter we use is a HP 500-42 and the CAD software we are currently using is AutoCAD 2007.

I appreciate your time and thanks before hand. If you don't have the answer, is there any one else who would know? Thanks again.

Answer
Hi -- sorry the question sat so long.

Of course, you dont want to waste paper, but plotting 2 layouts on a big sheet, then cutting, costs more than buying the proper printer, over  a few months.

Most firms I know have an 11x17" printer for checkplots, and for sets to use at client meetings, so everyone has his own.  My 5 yr old HP printer easily handles up to 13x19, but 11x17 paper is much more common, and cheaper.

In addition, you can print a sheet or two to check without waiting for the plotter, which may be busy, and is slower.

My solution for my clients was to add 11x17 layouts to the firm's templates, so the tabloid plots can be scaled.  If you dont need them scaled, just plot your larger layouts to fit, although you have a bit of white space next to the title block, due to the aspect ratio.

BOB