Even in the digital age of graphic design, having an exceptional printer is a valuable asset. Whether you’re printing sample business cards, brochures, or presentations, a high-quality printer ensures high definition and accurate color reproduction. This article presents the top three printers for graphic designers, offering options based on individual needs and budget.
The Top 3 Printers for Graphic Designers
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
- Epson SureColor P900
- Canon PIXMA TS9120
But before delving into the printers, let’s explore why having a dedicated printer is essential.
The Importance of a Dedicated Printer
While industrial-scale printing can be expensive, having a printer for creating samples is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. Home printers, though suitable for basic needs, lack the precision and color accuracy required for detailed graphic design work. Now, let’s delve into the factors to consider when choosing a printer for graphic design.
Key Considerations When Buying a Graphic Design Printer
Unlike rapidly evolving computer technology, printers have a more stable market. Investing in a high-caliber printer ensures years of pixel-perfect image production. Key factors to consider include:
Color Reproduction
The number of cartridges a printer uses influences color reproduction. Dye-based and pigment-based inks offer different trade-offs in terms of cost and light resistance.
Printing Accuracy
The ability to print fine details depends on droplet size, with smaller droplets yielding more detailed images.
Paper Size
Consider the maximum paper format the printer can handle, keeping in mind the trade-off between large format capabilities and space constraints.
Speed
Printer speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), varies based on paper size and image quality settings.
Wireless Connectivity
Modern printers offer the convenience of wireless connectivity, allowing printing from various devices using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Running Costs
Factor in the ongoing costs of cartridge replacement, as cheaper printers may incur higher costs over time.
Additional Features
Built-in scanners and roll adapters for printing long images on a paper roll enhance the versatility of a graphics design printer.
Budget
Balancing your budget with your specific needs is crucial. Cheaper options may lead to higher long-term costs and potential compromises in color gamut.
Now, let’s focus on the two major players in the market, Canon and Epson, and explore their top graphic design printers. Let’s start with the first option.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 – High-Performance Wide-Format Design Printer
A powerhouse in the printer realm, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 boasts a pigment ink system capable of delivering top-notch A2 prints. With 11 cartridges and the addition of a chroma optimizer, this printer stands out in the world of graphic design.
Understanding Chroma Optimizer
The Chroma optimizer plays a crucial role in preventing bronzing and gloss differential in printed images. Let’s delve into these concepts:
Bronzing
Visible when tilting a paper at different angles, bronzing causes colors in certain areas of the image to disappear or blend with others.
Gloss Differential
Most prominent on gloss or semi-gloss paper, gloss differential occurs when the surface becomes more reflective due to ink coverage.
With Chroma optimizer, these undesirable effects are mitigated. Returning to the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 review:
Featuring a large 1.28” print head, this printer enhances printing speeds. Its intelligent system recognizes any missed lines and fills them in subsequent passes, eliminating white, unfilled lines. The 1,536 nozzles per head, each capable of producing 4 picoliters-sized droplets, ensure the printing of delicate artwork details.
Additional features include thermal print technology to prevent nozzle clogging, a vacuum system to keep paper flat, and a built-in LCD for easy adjustments. The print speed is efficient, taking approximately 10 minutes for an A2-sized print. The only drawback is the inability to print on paper rolls.
Epson SureColor P900 – 17-Inch Photo Printer
Similar to the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, the Epson SureColor P900 is a formidable 17-inch A2 photo printer with a pigment-based system. Its ten UltraChrome PRO10 ink set ensures a broad color gamut.
The Carbon Black mode addresses the issue of black colors appearing less black on glossy papers, utilizing 1.5 picoliters ink droplets to create deep black color. The Black Enhance Overcoat feature enhances black tones with light grey inks, ensuring rich blacks even on glossy paper.
The print speed for the highest quality image and borderless setting on A2 paper is around 20 minutes. The 4.3-inch LCD allows you to monitor the printing process. An excellent feature is the roll feed adapter, enabling the creation of images on a long paper roll.
Canon PIXMA TS9120 – All-In-One Graphic Design Printer
The Canon PIXMA TS9120 stands out as an all-in-one printer, allowing not just printing but also scanning artworks and sketches. The compact design makes it space-efficient, and it scans in around 17 seconds. However, it’s limited to A4 paper size.
With a six-ink set, including pigment black and photo blue, this model ensures defined color tones and reduced graininess. The print speed for borderless A4 prints is approximately 2 minutes.
In conclusion
while laser or LED printers are faster, their technology falls short in meeting color gamut reproduction standards for professional graphic design prints. The omission of these technologies prioritizes superior color reproduction, a crucial factor for graphic designers.