Photo Plotting Services

After being in business for 20 years, Great Lakes Engineering is now offering photo plotter services at competitive rates. Along with this service we can provide CAD editing and film punching.

What is a Photo Plotter?

Essentially, a photo plotter is primarily an electro-mechanical-optical machine that is meant to expose undeveloped images with a computer-controlled light source.

This is mainly utilized for PCBs, IC packaging, chemical milling, and specialized graphic arts. While much of the process involves lasers, the first photoplotter was originally developed in the 1960s. Back then, the photoplotter originally utilized xenon flash lamps and projected an image mounted in a rotating aperture wheel onto the photosensitive surface of the film or glass plate. To produce draws and flashes, the imaging head assembly would move through the surface of the photo.

Our photoplotters utilize raster-scan devices, using red helium-neon lasers to focus on more than one area.

We offer these multiple standard film sizes:

Film Sizes:
8 x 10
10 x 12
11 x 14
12 x 12
12 x 18
14 x 14
16 x 20
20 x 24
20 x 26
24 x 24
24 x 30
26 x 32
28 x 32

We are able to offer larger sizes as well but are not considered standard, please call us for details.

We also offer multiple levels of quality plotting with outstanding tolerances and turn times.

The average photo plot will be shipped in 1-3 days.

Dpi	Minimum Feature Sizes	Feature Tolerance
4000	60um	+/- 8um
8000	50um	+/- 7um
10000	40um	+/- 6um
16000	30um	+/- 5um
25000	15um	+/- 4um
40000	10um	+/- 3um

1/4 mil resolution = 4,000 dpi

1/8 mil resolution = 8,000 dpi

1/10 mil resolution = 10,000 dpi

1/16 mil resolution = 16,000 dpi

1/25 mil resolution = 25,000 dpi

1/40 mil resolution = 40,000 dpi

Registration Tolerance +/- 1 mil

Minimum features are for line / space only. Please inquire or Circles

We also offer Spartanic Punching

Punch Diameters: .118", .125", .1875", .250"

CAD Support and Film Preparation

To streamline production, Great Lakes Engineering provides CAD editing and film preparation services. Supported file formats include DXF, GDSII, 274X, and DWG, allowing customers to submit data in the format that best aligns with their design workflow.

Spartanic punching is available for alignment and tooling requirements, with punch diameters of 0.118", 0.125", 0.1875", and 0.250". These options support downstream manufacturing processes that rely on consistent registration and repeatable film handling.

Turnaround and Production Efficiency

Most photo plots ship within 1–3 days, supported by multiple photoplotter units and dedicated film processing equipment. This allows us to maintain predictable lead times while supporting urgent or high volume requirements.

The combination of raster scan imaging, controlled laser exposure, and stable film handling supports consistent output across repeated runs. This is especially valuable for PCB tooling, precision masks, and applications where dimensional stability must be maintained across multiple revisions.

FAQ

What Film Sizes Are Available for Photo Plotting?

Standard formats range from 8 × 10 to 28 × 32, with additional non standard sizes available upon request.

What File Formats Can Be Submitted for Plotting?

Supported formats include DXF, GDSII, 274X, and DWG for direct integration with common CAD workflows.

How Quickly Can Photo Plots Be Produced?

Most orders ship within 1–3 days, depending on resolution level, film size, and quantity.

What Resolution Levels Are Offered for Fine Features?

Resolutions from 4,000 dpi to 40,000 dpi are available, supporting minimum features from 60 µm down to 10 µm.

All photo plots are packaged to prevent damaged and sealed in MIL-PRF-131k water-vapor proof moisture barrier bags

If you are interested in our photo plotting services, please provide us with a file in the following formats DXF, GDSII, 274X or DWG.

If you have any questions please contact Jenna Slavik at (763) 233-5534 or jennas@greatlakeseng.com

Quality Services

                        At Great Lakes Engineering, we pride ourselves on the expertise of our staff and the advanced capabilities of the technology in our facility. We’re able to do everything for our clients, from chemical etching to photochemical etching to precision laser cutting and beyond!
                    
 For each service that we offer, customers can be confident that the final result will be a product with quality that exceeds their expectations.
A History of Excellence

                        For over 20 years, Great Lakes Engineering has made excellent customer service and industry-leading innovation a cornerstone of its business. We’ve kept up with developments in technology so that we can offer photochemical etching and similar services that are in high demand today. Today, electroforming, metal etching and laser cutting are just a few of the advanced options that you can find at Great Lakes Engineering. To serve you better, we even have a dedicated engineering team who can take your concept and bring it to life.
                    
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Need some help? Looking for a quote? We’re always happy to hear from new or existing customers!
Just give us a call at (763) 425-4755, or fill out our online contact form.