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Use of a pointer such as mouse, cursor or stylus is the easiest way to draw and edit. It allows the user to move around quickly and to select items from, dialogue boxes and from screens, pull down and, icon menus. Using the cursor or arrow keys is the alternatives to using a pointing device, which is extremely slow and tedious.
A mouse is often the most affordable pointing device. Generally it has two or three buttons which pick points on the screen, press enter and display the menu of the object snap mode. Super mouse that have 40 or more buttons are now available with many built in features and programmed by user to perform other functions.
The digitizer is an electronic input device that makes all CAD's features more accessible and greatly enhances productivity. An additional benefit is the ability to input existing patterns and illustrations. The printing device attached to the digitizer is called a cursor or puck; it can be purchased with 4, 8, 12 or 16 buttons. A stylus can also be used with the digitizer.
Digitizers are available in different sizes. The 12" x 12" and 12" x 17" tablets are considered working digitizers. They are also useful for inputting the patterns and illustrations. Larger items may however have to be digitized in sections. Digitizers are also available up to a maximum of 40" x 60" which are highly expensive, but provide utmost flexibility for working with. The stylus is a pen like pointing device. It is often available with or without a digitizer. Because of its shape and size and the number of buttons that it contains, its functions may be limited. Stylus offers freedom and familiarity for sketching and freehand drawing.
Selecting a Scanner:
The scanner is an optical device, illuminates the drawing with a fluorescent / incandescent light. The reflected light passes through a lens and undergoes a process that converts it into a raster image. The level of a scanner is an important aspect for getting perfect images. A 256 level indicates its ability to record 256 colours shades that provide accurate images. Resolution is another important factor in selecting a scanner. Most of the scanners have 150 dpi as default resolution but adjustable to lower and high resolution.
Selecting output devices
Printers and plotters are the major output devices required for pattern making and fashion illustration. Resolution, speed, size, memory, colour capacity and ease of use are the main criteria for selection.
Printers
Printers are useful for providing illustrations, test plots, half and quarter scale list patterns. Often limited to A and B sized paper, their chief limitation is size. They are cost effective. Varieties of printers are available in the market, which include dot matrix, laser and inkjet models. Printers output is based on the required resolution. Generally many printers have an option for resolution of low, medium and high. A printer of latest configuration that suits for computer should be acquired. Inkjet printers are available at very competitive price but further maintenance including the cost of the cartridges should be taken into consideration while selecting the printer.
Selecting a plotter:
Size is the most important factor in selection of plotters. A plotter that produces E-sized 48" or larger is ideal for full scale patterns. Narrower devices sometimes make it necessary to plot the patterns in two or more sections. Plotters that accept several paper sizes are the most useful. Plotters are available in two basic styles: drum and, flat bed.
Drum plotters have the advantage of standing upright and require little space. A roll feed attachment can be made to feed the paper of various sizes continuously for plotting larger patterns. An adapter blade that replaces the' pen enables several types of drum plotters to function as pattern cutters.
Flat bed plotters accept media of varied types and thickness, including poster board. Because paper remains flat, these plotters take lot of space than drum plotters. Speed is an important issue when selecting a pen plotter. Pen speed is measured in inches per second. A plotter speed of 20' per second is acceptable for most applications. Automatic paper sizing is another time saving factor.
Many electronic plotters are raster devices, which from images composed of dots their resolution is measured in dpi. Most have resolutions from 150 to 400 dpi. While selecting plotters especially for supporting apparel software, compatibility is essential. The apparel CAD systems sometimes supply their own digitizers and plotters in order to have better compatibility.
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