Transparencies nowadays are widely used for office work, institutions, making presentations, and more. They are a thin glossy sheet of plastic that can be printed on using printers.
However, the problem that lies here is that not all printers are capable of screen-printing transparencies. You should consider some factors such as speed, versatility, resolution, connectivity if choosing the best printers for screen printing transparencies.
I have reviewed the top 5 printers according to various uses. Since transparencies require specific features; it can be a daunting task to search for the right one.
Best Printers for Screen Printing Transparencies
1. Canon PIXMA MG3620
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is an inkjet printer, most commonly used by people for their routine tasks. It is known for its simplicity and the special ‘Auto Duplex’ feature it possesses that allows automatic printing on both sides of the paper.
This wireless printer allows you to easily print via your phone or tablet. You can set up this printer with Windows or Mac operating systems; it works with both.
With this Canon PIXMA MG3620, you have several printing options such as Airprint, Google Cloud Print, Canon Print, NFC, and Mopria.
Heavy and large printers can be a problem, but this super easy-to-use printer saves up space and has a compact design. The speed varies from 9.9 images per minute for black and 5.7 images per minute for colored.
It is a great home printer for casual printing, making it perfect for students. You can use your Wi-Fi and get the printing done. The maximum size you can print is eight and a half by fourteen inches.
PROS:
- Saves space
- Inexpensive
- Auto Duplex feature
- Wireless Mobile and Tablet printing
- Several printing options
- User friendly
CONS:
- Not suitable for office use
- Prints on plain paper only
2. HP ENVY 5055
Another great home printer is the HP Envy 5055. With its high-quality fast printing option, all the family members can print their creativity on transparencies. It prints sharp and crip text, images, and documents overall.
The HP Envy 5055 is a great all-in-one printer that allows double-sided printing and borderless printing. You can print a maximum of 8.5 x 14 inches media size with an average speed of 7 pages per minute.
You can make the most use of it by exploring its special features which include Auto-Duplex, touchscreen, optional HP high-yield cartridges, and Cloud printing. The overall resolution of the printing is about 1200 x 1200 dpi, being great in quality.
The HP Smart app allows you to set up the printer without any troubles. Scanning documents with your camera has never been any easier! You can print from social media or iCloud, Dropbox, etc.
It supports several paper sizes such as 4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, 8 x 10 inches, and No 10 envelopes.
PROS:
- Connect with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Smart
- Easy installation
- High-quality prints
- Affordable
- Prints plain papers, envelopes, and glossy photo papers.
- Network-ready
- Works with Alexa
CONS:
- Won’t work without HP ink Cartridges
3. Brother MFCL2710DW
This product is best for office use, multiple pages required at a less time, and Monochromatic printing. The Brother MFCL2710DW monochrome laser printer is a fast-speed printer that prints up to 32 pages per minute.
At such a high rate, it can print high-quality documents in less time. Due to this ability, it is widely used in offices.
The dynamic feature of 250-sheets paper holding capacity helps save time for the refills. You can print envelopes, plain papers, card stock, and more.
You can most commonly find it in offices for professional work such as printing documents as the printing gives a professional finish.
You can scan, copy, print, and fax with the help of this multipurpose printer. With its wireless feature, you can print on the go with your phone or tablet. You can connect it with your Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB cable.
The automatic double-sided printing helps save time, money, and paper. It allows you to do high-quality black and grey screen printing.
The maximum media size counts 8.5 x 12 inches.
PROS:
- Works great for small business or home office
- Easy to install
- Excellent features
CONS:
- Wireless needs some work
- Does not color print
4. Epson EcoTank ET-4760
If you’re looking for a premium quality printer for your professional office work or business tasks, then the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 inkjet printer is the right choice. It is compatible with personal computers and laptops.
This product is best for:
• Offices
• Institutions
• Businesses
Being one of the faster and user-friendly printers, the EcoTank ET-4760 has an innovative cartridge-free solution. It uses a high capacity and makes refilling ink tanks convenient.
You can use it as a fax machine, paper handler, touchscreen printer, or a flatbed scanner.
It helps you save your time and money by introducing high-capacity ink tanks so you do not need to keep refilling with expensive ink. The high-quality printing is due to the unique PrecisionCore heat-free technology which helps produce sharp images and text.
This office printer can print about 15 pages per minute and can be connected to your Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. It is compatible with Windows and Mac and can print on plain pages.
PROS:
- Great quality
- Works well in the long run
- Saves time and cost for refilling ink tanks
- Fast speed
CONS:
- The screen may be a bit small
- Can be a bit noisy
- A bit costly
5. HP OfficeJet Pro 7740
This HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is an inkjet printer. It performs several functions such as printing, scanning, copying, etc. T
his office printer allows AirPrint, duplex printing, and features a color touchscreen with an automatic document feeder. You can use the HP Smart app to set up the printer nicely and easily.
Its impressive printing speed stands at 22 pages per minute in black without compromising on the quality. Several people use this printer in business such as architects, or businesses often use it for screen printing transparencies.
It stands out as a very useful printer that supports paper sizes 3 x 5 inches, 11.7 x 17 inches while being compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can experience a lot of functionality for a small price.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is a great all-purpose printer with high-speed printing, great quality, and it shoes no banding artifacts. It can handle more office functions such as it has its email address that you can change. It is definitely worth the money.
Printers for Screen Printing Transparencies – Buying Guide
Speed
If you want to print large amounts of documents, speed is crucial. Some models can handle 23 monochrome prints in under a minute and up to 14 different colors.
Color Quality
The colors that you see on your computer screen are not always the most accurate. A printer with good color output offers better quality and accuracy when printing. The best way to enjoy good print quality is by sticking with original cartridges and avoiding third-party alternatives. Third-party options often damage the print heads, resulting in smudged or blurred prints.
Type of Ink
In order to produce high-quality prints, it is important that you take the printer’s ink technology features into consideration. Printers with Optimum Image Generating systems will automatically select a proper combination for your needs and preferences in color printing.
Ink Cartridges
The more cartridges a printer has, the better. More cartridges make for high and precise quality and coloration in prints. If you’re printing professionally, get a printer with as many cartridges as possible.
Connectivity
Some people prefer wired connections and others wireless. It’s all about your personal preference. Wireless features are handy if you plan on using the printer through phone apps. This makes it very easy to connect your device with a few clicks and start printing in half of the time. Top-shelf wireless printers offer a range of useful apps to enhance your creative potential. Some options allow you to print images and docs directly from the camera, phone or laptop.
Wide Format Capability
The perfect transparency size for you depends on what your objectives or business goals are. If it’s clear that a certain range of sizes will work well with printing, then make sure to choose the right printer and features.
Don’t have a size in mind? Consider using a wide-format printer. This will provide you with the convenience of printing on various media types and allows for an overall more versatile range in sizing.
Image Quality
It’s not easy to print on transparencies, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get subpar results. You can use a perfect combination of machines and supplies for high-quality prints. The transparency quality of your printouts is determined by the resolution of your printing machine. For fantastic quality, get as high a resolution as possible. The clearer your print, the better. But don’t worry, you can get a great result with an affordable resolution if you know what to look for.
Paper Handling
If you’re looking for a printer for printing on transparencies, it’s crucial that the paper handling capabilities match your specific needs. Some printers can’t print on transparencies if they don’t have an appropriate tray or slot where these types of media will fit in and be printed from.
Connectivity Options
How your printer connects to a media device is an essential feature when researching the perfect printing system. As you know, technology now demands versatility and adaptability in order to meet these needs with ease of use at its core.
The number of media devices is expanding, so we are not restricted to just desktops and laptops. Media can now come in many formats including portable options like tablets or smartphones. It is essential to consider a printer with a variety of connectivity types, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Some other vital options include Ethernet as well as cloud printing.
Automatic or Manual
You may be wondering if you need an automatic or manual printer. An automatic printer allows the user to focus on other tasks at the same time, while a manual printer is good enough for hobbyists who don’t mind feeding it one sheet of paper at a time. If you’re looking for an affordable way to print, manual printers might be the better option.
Space
Workplace space is a factor to think about when you decide on your printer. If you have limited space, choose a smaller desktop printer. But if you have the space, get a full-sized screen printer. If your business grows, the chances are that your printer will also need to be upgraded.
Use of Transparencies
A transparency paper is a thin sheet of clear material that you can print designs on and transfer them to a screen coated in photo emulsion by exposing it to a source of bright light.
When the light shines, the emulsion hardens and the parts of the screen that have ink on them stay soft. This means you can wash them out easily with water. A detailed design is left on your screen, and then you can transfer it to your fabric.
Inkjet vs Laser
Laser printers are good for most things. But when you want to print on transparency, it is better to use an inkjet printer. When printing on transparencies, then you will need an opaque print. Inkjet printers can show more precise detail in your prints.
Costs
Printer ink can be expensive. Some printers have smart technology that will order the ink you need for you. Remember to check if your printer has this option before buying new cartridges. If you are on a budget, it can be better to buy third-party ink cartridges instead of branded ones. However, third-party ink cartridges may not provide high-quality prints.
FAQ
Can I print on transparencies?
Transparencies can be used to make screens for printing shirts. You can print them at home if you find the right film for your printer.
Do you need a special printer for transfer paper?
Heat transfer papers work with either inkjet or laser printers, but not both. So if you have an inkjet printer, you need to buy inkjet transfer paper.
Is plastisol the same as screen printing?
The plastisol process is the same as screen printing, but instead of printing directly onto the shirt, the design is printed onto release paper and then heat pressed on the shirt.
What type of ink is best for heat transfer?
Inkjet is the cheapest and most common ink type, which makes it a good choice for most people. Pigment ink resists fading, so it’s usually used when you want your print to last longer and sublimation ink is used for dye sublimation printing.
Summary: Best Printers For Screen Printing Transparencies
Hopefully, this blog will help you select the best printer for screen printing transparencies. All the products mentioned above have a high number of positive customer reviews and feedback, and each product serves specific requirements.
When it comes to screen printing transparencies, you can perform it at your home or office if you have the right machine. All the products mentioned above are dedicated to this purpose.
The first two are meant for home usage and the last three are better off using at offices. Before buying, you should consider investing in a premium-quality printer that runs a long way.