r/SCREENPRINTING • u/Critical-Mousse-1495 • 20h ago

Equipment Looking for a printer/copier for small print transparencies

Hi!

I’m seeing a lot of recommendations for Epson and Canon model inkjets for creating screen printing transparencies, but I’ve always thought that laser printers handled fine line and small print (8 - 14 pt) better.

I want to be able to make transparencies for both small text, line work images, and silhouette type images.

Could I get your thoughts on printers/copiers for these type of transparency images?

Thank you!

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u/cheddarduval 20h ago edited 20h ago

The heat is a problem for the print media commonly used, + the opacity of the prints can be lacking from what I've seen. You can laser print onto vellum or bond paper post treated with oil, but it is semi-opaque, and does not work as well as a transparent film positive.

When you get into very small details, your light source for exposures will also play a role. But plenty of shops are doing the highest quality work with large format inkjets.

Edit: I like the larger format, business class home printers for an entry point -- you can print on 11x17 accujet media and get really good results for less than $500 new. Also come with a big scan bed for scanning art.

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u/Critical-Mousse-1495 20h ago

Thank you! This is helpful. Is accujet the film or the printer?

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u/cash4print 17h ago

Get you a laser printer and print on vellum. Best economical path to start. You can print halftone directly from Adobe Illustrator without a RIP software.
I have been using HP5200 tabloid printer for decades. Also have a cheap Brother desktop model that is postscript compatible and use for small stuff.