Printing at
Bridging the gap between photocopier and offset printing, Risograph digital duplicators have traditionally been used in offices to do large print runs of one or two color documents - think church bulletin.

Like a mimeograph, the Risograph works by transferring an image (either from a digital file or from the glass top) to a thin stencil called a "master." The master is then wrapped around a single color drum filled with liquid ink. The ink is pushed through the master and on to the paper (which runs flat through machine) while the drum rotates at high speed. It looks a lot like this animated .gif (via danschmahl).

primarily uses a Risograph RP 3700 digital Duplicator

Color
Unlike most methods of printing, Risograph spot color inks do not conform to a pantone standard. Additionally, the inks are all slightly translucent so that colors can be overprinted to create additional colors. As a result of this translucence, colors vary according paper stock.

Currently, keeps the following colors:

Black
Burgundy
Purple
Blue
Teal
Hunter Green
Green
Yellow
Orange
Bright Red
Fluorescent Pink

Paper & Printable Area
The Risograph can print on a variety of uncoated paper sizes and stocks. There are, however, several limitations. Because these machines were traditionally meant for office use, tabloid (11 x 17") is the maximum paper size. Risographs cannot print full bleed - leave a 3/8" (.375") border on all sides.

Tabloid paper size: 11 x 17" | printable area: 10.25 x 16.25"
Letter paper size: 8.5 x 11" | printable area: 7.75in x 10.25"

Because of the liquid ink, Risographs cannot print on coated or glossy paper. We have found great success with recycled and vellum papers, anything with a decent tooth. We have printed on metallic paper, but had to use a fixative to keep the ink from smearing horribly. It was very awkward and we do not recommend it. We do, however, recommend paper weights between 20# bond paper and 100# cover stock. We have found the greatest success with paper milled at French Paper Co., an excellent family-run paper mill located about an hour and half south of Grand Rapids.

To make the most of the format, use tabloid size paper wherever possible. If you are looking to print letter size images, for example, double up to print more copies with less impressions.

Preparing Your Art
Each color layer should be setup as separate greyscale graphic files, similar to the way art is prepared for screen printing. Unlike screen printing, however, you do not have to include halftones in your artwork - the Risograph will automatically convert any value less than rich black to halftone.

Photoshop (or other raster-based images):
Export each color layer of your artwork as individual greyscale TIFFs at 600dpi (300dpi minimum).

Illustrator / Indesign (or other vector-based images):
Export each color layer as separate .PDFs. When using vector-based programs, you must make sure that all of your fonts are outline and that all pure black areas are set to rich black.

Additional notes
- Registration will not be perfect, nor will each impression. In fact, it is best to assume that misregistration WILL happen. Part of the appeal of this process is the slight variation present across an edition.
- It is not uncommon in multi layer prints to experience roller marks along the leading edge. The good news it that these can be erased easily with a soft white eraser.

Print Samples

Send a message to info@issue-press.com for more information or to request a quote.