Recommended Printer for Decals?

[BrickG]

I'm wondering what stats are the best for high quality prints. Though I work with computers I rarely print anything.

[JopieK]

I would recommend a Roland Versacamm VS series printer like we have ;) (uhm, yups, they cost you a fortune ;))

Most decal people use ALPS machines, they print using solid ink. We used to have a model that was based on the same dye sublimation principle, but it had issues, not good at mixing colors and problems like snapping cartridges, banding, etc. Our new printer is much, much better.

B.t.w. I can of course help you out, as I did with the TinTin decals for Ben.

[(Dutch)]

If you are going into the business of printing decals and making custom figures. I'd recommend purchasing a laser printer. The one I use is a HP Color LaserJet CP2025. Worth every penny! If you are only going to use it from time to time I'd buy myself an inkjet.

Hopes this helps you out!

-Dutch

[BrickG]

I'm not making this a business. It'll be a hobby. That said I'm a perfectionist and I'd just end up hating it if it didn't look that good.

What's ALPS and why is it so hard to google?

[(Dutch)]

I'm not making this a business. It'll be a hobby. That said I'm a perfectionist and I'd just end up hating it if it didn't look that good.

What's ALPS and why is it so hard to google?

We both have something in common, we're both perfectionists. The laser printer I bought cost me a pretty penny $500 to be exact. Perhaps if you are interested I could print you a sheet(s) of water slide decals. Much cheaper than spending $500 on a new laser printer. PM me if your interest and maybe we can make a deal?

-Dutch

[BrickG]

I think there's too much trial and error to do this long distance. I'll be experimenting a lot for the best results.

As for printers... so many printers... still not a great idea what to pick lol... trying to stick around $500...

[JopieK]

@(Dutch): that is still fairly cheap, a vinyl printer costs a lot more :) (we have a cheap one and it already costs your amount times 30 ;)). We just bought a HP LaserJet Pro M275nw (but not for stickers, only for printing invoices etc.).

[Praiter Yed]

For a hobby, I'm not so sure it's necessary to spend a lot on a printer. My home printer isn't so good so I use a HP Business Inkjet 2800 at work to print my decals. This printer must be about 4 years old and only has a maximum resolution of 600dpi! There must be better HP (or other brand) printers on the market that are far superior to this and no doubt at a reasonable price.

You'll get the best results by ignoring the instructions that come with your decal paper, experimenting with your printer settings and giving your prints a long time to dry (24hrs). I've found that setting the print resolution at 600dpi and choosing paper settings such as "premium HP paper' for Lazertran paper and 'Photo Paper Gloss' for normal transparent or white paper works for me.

I also think that I'm a perfectionist, but perhaps I'm not? Have a look at some of my customs in my flickr and see if you think they're up to the standard you need, and if they are, get yourself a cheaper printer - then you can afford more minifig parts

BTW if you decide that I'm not a perfectionist and that my customs aren't up to the quality you need - I'd prefer not to know, then I can continue in my blissful ignorance

[LibraryBoy]

I've just used the inkjet I have at home. Colors aren't as bright as I'd like (even with new cartridges) but good enough for at-home display. But if I had access to nice, crisp laser-printing for decals, I'd do that in a second.

[BrickG]

I'm still very unsure :P.

Soo....

what kind of stats does the printer need? 1200dpi? I still barely know waht ALPS is... I wish I knew stuff about printers...

I'm unfamiliar with printer statistics and am not sure what to look for. Sadly there's about 1000 choices so that doesn't help.

I just want quality. Nothing but quality prints for tiny little decals. Speed doesn't matter. Nothing else matters. But I'm not sure how to look for that specifically...

Edited August 2, 2013 by BrickG

[NiL_FisK_Urd]

Search for a printing company that prints custom decals for model kits. I get ~ 200 Torso decals on one page (A4), printed on transparent waterslide decals. With white priming and metallic colors.

500$ will get you a ton of decals.

Edited August 2, 2013 by NiL_FisK_Urd

[BrickG]

My issue is I can't do much trial and error if I use someone else, or at least it would be a lot slower.

I'm currently considering spending more than I'm comfortable with. Perhaps on an ALPS Microdry Printer if I can find one. I'm also liking how they can print in metallic colors (would be handy for Geordi's Visor and the badges). Now... the quest is can I find one that can print in a high enough Lego-like quality that's not just plain insanely expensive :P.

[CustomJoe_MD]

We need to start working as a well oiled machine and buying services in bulk, printing and graphic work by geography, if we can agree on x number of commonplace decals and bundle that, it could work.

As for printers Laser if you can afford it, good quality 800dpi and above, check for references regarding service first,

choose the machine second, consider maintenace ink/toner cost if they can be refilled, if they can use Ciss systems (inkjet and heatsub only) and specially the damned chip, check if it can be reset or if you can get a reconditioned good quality toner for your model (for this amazon reviews helps a bunch)

This should point you in the right direction for now. I'll be collecting our EB forum knowledge base regarding this kind of stuff very soon.

We will have this and more there, with printing systems reviews, opinions, tried and tested printing models and consumables with prices and sourcing. Let's see how it goes.

Edited August 5, 2013 by CustomJoe_MD

[BrickG]

You'd think they'd show all the stats... having to hunt them down. DPI is apparently rarely shown :P.

Just need a good... quality... printer... print quality is all that matters. They like to make it as hard as possible.

What's the second number in the DPI mean? Like 2880x1400 (or whatever).