La risography It has become a highly valued printing technique in the world of graphic design due to its ability to produce vibrant prints with unique textures. This technique, which combines the best of screen printing with digital printing, It allows you to obtain surprising results at an affordable price, making it ideal for artists, designers, and independent creators. Today we bring you a guide to risography equipment and machines, the designer's tool.
If you are interested in exploring the world of risography, it is essential to know the right equipment, inks, printing techniques, and how to properly prepare your designs. In this detailed guide, you'll find all the information you need to master this tool and take full advantage of its potential.
What is risography?
Risograph It is a printing method based on the duplication of images similar to a photocopier, but with a template-based printing system. Its operation is similar to screen printing, since each color is printed separately, allowing unique combinations and special textures.
This technique has become popular in creative fields due to its eco-friendly performance and ability to create impossible visual effects in other printing methods.
Advantages of risography
- Efficiency and low cost: It allows printing large volumes of copies without excessively increasing costs.
- Sustainability: It uses rice or soy-based inks and consumes less energy than other printing techniques.
- Unique finishes: The prints present slight variations, giving them a handcrafted touch.
- Vibrant Colors: Risography allows the use of fluorescent colors and unique hues that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
Risograph printing equipment
To work with risography It is essential to have adequate equipment. There are various machines on the market that vary in size, capacity and functions.
The main brands of risograph printers are:
- RICE: Leading company in the manufacture of risograph duplicators. Its best-known models include the RZ series and the EZ series, ideal for both beginners and professionals.
- Ricoh: Although less common, This brand has also developed printers of similar duplication.
Depending on the model, some machines can work with specific paper sizes and different types of inks. Therefore, it is important to choose a suitable printer depending on the needs of the project. For more in-depth information on the topic, you can consult our guide on what risography is.
Inks and colors in risography
One of the most interesting aspects of Risograph is its range of special inks. Unlike traditional digital printing, risograph machines use oil-based inks that absorb into the paper, producing a uniquely textured, matte finish.
Among the main characteristics of the inks are:
- Special colors: Fluorescent, metallic and pastel inks can be found.
- Overlap capacity: By printing layer by layer, colors can be mixed to achieve unique effects.
- Variable opacity: Some inks are more opaque than others, allowing you to play with transparency and color layering.
File preparation and design for risography
For best risograph results, It is essential to prepare the files correctly before printing.
Here are some key recommendations:
- Text vectorization: Converts text to vectors to avoid printing problems and ensure it stays sharp.
- Use of appropriate colors: Adjust the color channels to ensure your printout accurately reflects your ink mix.
- Avoid too fine details: Very thin lines can be lost in print, so it is recommended that they be at least 0,25 pt.
- Appropriate contrasts: Risographs tend to lighten images, so it is advisable to increase contrast and avoid overly soft intermediate tones.
Tips for optimal risograph printing
To ensure your printouts are of the desired quality, keep the following tips in mind:
- Avoid ink on the top edges of the paper: This prevents jams and unwanted marks on the printout.
- Cover large areas of color with caution: 100% solid blocks may cause marks and errors in printing.
- Arrange the designs appropriately: Distributing the elements of the composition in a balanced manner improves the quality of the result.
Creative uses of risography
Risograph printing is popular in a variety of artistic and commercial applications. Some of its most common uses include:
- Fanzines and independent publications: Its low cost makes it an excellent option for limited editions.
- Posters and cards: Vibrant colors make prints eye-catching and attractive.
- Illustrations and graphic art: Ideal for artists looking for a distinctive and unique finish.
Mastering risography It is an excellent choice for any designer or artist who wants to differentiate themselves with prints of high qualityWith the right knowledge of equipment, inks, techniques, and file preparation, you can achieve stunning results and take full advantage of the unique features of this printing method.
And that's all for today! Let us know in the comments what you think This guide to risograph equipment and machines, the designer's tool. Do you dare to learn this technique?