An electrostatic plotter is a type of plotter, or a printer for producing vector graphics. It draws images on paper with an electrostatic process. They are most frequently used for Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), producing raster images via either a Liquid Toner or a Dry Toner model.
Liquid Toner models use toner that is positively charged and thus becomes attracted to paper's negative charge. This occurs after the toner particles pass through a line of electrodes in the form of tiny wires, or nibs.
Dry Toner models use a process similar to xerography in photocopiers.
Electrostatic plotters can print in black and white or in color. Some models handle paper sizes up to six feet wide. Newer versions are large-format laser printers and focus light onto a charged drum using lasers or LEDs. The image quality produced by electrostatic plotters is generally lower than that of pen plotters.