Whats the difference between a Gerber plotter and a mask writer?
Gerber plotters and mask writers are very similar in several respects, but very different in others. One of the main differences is that mask writers typically image directly onto glass, while Gerber plotters typically image onto polyester-based film. Most Gerber plotters use a rotating drum as a platform to support the film during exposure, whereas all mask writers must have a flat bed to support the glass or quartz substrate. Some flat bed plotters can be used to expose silver halide emulsion on glass, such as with the Gerber 9725 plotters or the Mivatec LS 3000 machines.Mask writers are typically set up to expose IC grade photoresist, but some can also expose silver halide emulsion.
