Best Printer for Screen Printing Transparencies

10 Best Printer for Screen Printing Transparencies in 2023

The majority of the population isn’t familiar with transparencies. So, to give you a hint, these are sheets of glossy plastic screen printing film that are made through the reaction of acetic acid with sulfuric acid and cellulose. They are used on different applications, but the most common is utilizing it on overhead projectors.

Well, there is no doubt why printing on transparencies has been becoming popular by the day. But this is quite a challenging process given the fact that not all printers are designed for transparencies.

So, how would you know which one is the best printer for screen printing transparencies? This article will provide you with answers.

You will be flooded with numerous options on the market, and it just becomes so overwhelming to choose one. We’ll provide you with the list of the units that highly recommend and a buying guide to aid you in picking the appropriate one that suits your needs and preferences.

Best Printer for Screen Printing Transparencies

In this screen printing transparencies review, you will find the 10 products that we think could provide you with the functionality and quality that you’re looking for along with their in-depth evaluations. It is not likely that you will find better printers for screen printing.

1. Epson Stylus C88+

Epson is one of the leading manufacturers of some of the best printers available on the market for screen printing transparencies. They have an eye on both performance and print quality offering the best ones. Unlike a high end printer, this Stylus C88+ inkjet printer not that expensive. It is packed with a lot of amazing features.

You may confuse it with the Epson stylus c88. Although there is a notion that the C88+ is a high capacity version when compared to Epson stylus c88 inkjet, both are mostly the same. However, Epson stylus c88 is less preferable for quality prints on plastic film.

First off, this machine produces outputs of about 23 pages per minute for monochrome and 14 pages per minute for colored ones, an above-average speed making it ideal for workplaces that require a lot of printing to do. You don’t have to wait for long for a large volume of work.

You will also be allowed to print photos with different sizes and even borderless ones. Some of these sizes that it can work with are 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, and 8.5×11.

Much more, you’ll be guaranteed with photos having the finest details and greatest quality since it offers a resolution of about 5760 x 1440 dpi. It gets even better with the durabrite ultra pigment ink, no matter if it is plain paper or screen printing positive. Durabrite ultra pigment ink also helps to print on glossy photo paper.

So, it doesn’t only do a lot of photo printing but also ensures an amazing quality. Thus, it’s also the right printer choice for photo booth printing. You can also get regular printing for thicker media.

Also, it utilizes individual ink cartridges for all ink levels. But make sure you have enough ink. With this, you’ll be able to replace a single color when it runs out. Each color is used in the same quantity, so this feature will help you save money for sure.

This screen printer comes with an input tray with a capacity of 120 sheets; this is already considered a high capacity. So, you’ll be able to print large workloads without the need of staying with it all throughout. You can do other errands as you please.

As for its build, it was made and designed to be compact. So, you won’t have a hard time moving it from one place to another or storing it. It is also a quiet machine that does the job without being a disturbance to others.

Taking into account everything it has to offer, it is indeed the best printer for screen printing transparencies. It is a great deal for its cost value, and you’ll never be disappointed for sure.

Pros

  • Equipped with individual ink cartridges
  • Offers borderless photo printing
  • Great printing speed
  • Smudge, fade, and water-resistant print outputs
  • Good paper handling capacity

Cons

  • Heavy utilization of ink
  • No Wi-Fi option

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2. Epson Artisan 1430

The next one is still from the well-known brand, Epson. This Artisan 1430 is yet another impressive product from them. It is jam-packed with exceptional attributes and specifications that can meet all the standards for your printing needs under 5760 x 1440 inch maximum print resolution.

This printing machine is a 13-inch wide inkjet printer that is equipped with six individual ink cartridges. With this, you will be able to achieve that amazing quality and very precise transparency of color that you always wanted no matter the quality of your transparency paper. Third party ink cartridges shouldn’t be a problem for this tabletop screen printing machine.

Moreover, Epson artisan utilizes the exclusive Claria High-Definition inks from Epson itself. This will provide you with a scratch-proof, smudge-free, and water-resistant transparency. It is simply advantageous on your part even it costs more.

One amazing feature of this equipment is its capability of printing on large transparencies, making it perfect, especially for printing custom T-shirt designs. What’s more amazing is that it is not only limited to transparencies and papers, it can also be used for printing on canvas.

Much more, it is equipped with a paper feed tray that will allow you to load up to 100 sheets of paper. As for the transparencies, you can fill it about 30 sheets at a time since it is more of a specialty media.

When it comes to its connectivity, you can choose from wireless connectivity or the USB. However, this printing machine doesn’t come with media card slots or allow flash drives.

But it works well with mobiles by downloading the app called the EpsonConnect making it a great wireless business printer with wi fi connectivity. It is available on all android and apple devices.

It is more popular for its ability of printing vibrant and striking colors even on vinyl paper. This transparency printer is a suitable printer for transparency sheets. You just need to make sure to feed the printer quality transparency film. A good transparency film can make a lot of difference.

Overall, this Artisan 1430 is an amazing product as like most Epson printers. Although it is not good at printing at the normal paper, it is considered to be one of the best printers for screen printing transparencies. And for many it is certainly the best printer for screen print transparencies.

Pros

  • Six individual cartridge printing machine
  • Superb resolution with incredible print quality and detail
  • Wireless network ready
  • Can accommodate wide-format prints
  • Able to produce borderless photos up to 13” x 19”

Cons

  • Slow printing speed

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3. Canon PIXMA IX6820

Canon is one of the most popular brand names for screen printing on the market today. They’ve been fabrication numerous printing machines that are packed with a lot of exceptional features making them one of the best for screen printing needs. This Canon PIXMA IX6820 will never disappoint for sure!

If you are aiming to achieve that superb detail when working on print transparencies, then this printing machine can be your great pick. The canon pixma ix6820 and canon pixma pro are known to be one of the best non-industrial printers to do the job.

Furthermore, it is equipped with an ink system that comes with 5 colors. Each of the individual cartridges can be replaced by the time it’s empty. It uses dye based inks that are great for printing photos and white prints. It gets even better with genuine canon photo papers.

You can change the colors you’re using most often which is very easy with dye based inks. So, The Canon PIXMA ix6820 promotes more value for your money since you’ll have less wastage.

The machine comes with a color resolution of about 9600 x 2400. At this rate, it’s pretty much capable of producing transparencies with excellent color accuracy. It’s pretty amazing, indeed!

Moreover, it utilizes the wireless technology allowing you to operate it anywhere making it a great wireless business printer. It uses Air Print ensuring that you can print from any other devices, not only by using the computer. Google Cloud Prints also provides you with means so that you can print directly from a browser in addition to air print. It is great for screen printing business.

In addition to that, Canon Pixma printing solutions has the capability of producing large quantities of high quality printouts, especially the borderless transparencies that will not run or smudge for sure. Utilize products from Canon itself to achieve the best results you want from this printer model.

Starting with canon’s app might be a very good idea for Canon PIXMA ix6820. This canon print app makes the Canon PIXMA pro such a great use of desk space for any document printing. You can easily use it with android devices to get access to creative park premium.

With everything the Canon PIXMA has to offer, it is no wonder that it has earned a spot on our list of the best ones. It will deliver the performance and quality that you sought after.

Pros

  • Equipped with high-speed USB offering a fast data transfer
  • Has an auto-feeding paper tray that can hold up to 150 sheets
  • Comes with Fine print head technology
  • Quiet-mode option
  • Ideal printer for screen printing larger outputs

Cons

  • Set-up can be difficult and take a lot of time

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4. Epson Workforce WF-7210

Another product from Epson is here to impress us once again with what it has to offer. This Workforce WF-7210 is jam-packed with exceptional features that make you want to get it right away. So, let’s get down into it.

First off, this screen printing machine is powered by PrecisionCore. With this, you’ll be able to achieve performance like no other. It will be able to deliver laser-sharp black texts and print-shop quality color graphics. Also, this printer supports borderless prints and great marketing materials up to 13” x 19”.

The machine is known to offer the speed and versatility you’re looking for. Like any high capacity version, this all in one printer is capable of handling wide-format printouts that come with dual trays with a capacity of about 500 sheets while its output tray can hold about 125 sheets. Also, it has a rear feed for specialty paper and envelopes.

Much more, it is a high-performance unit that comes with an automatic two-sided printing accommodating up to 11” x 17”. This perfect printer including a separate tray will make your job more efficient by saving more of your time.

Also, this model is equipped with an integrated 2.2-inch LCD screen. You will be able to utilize this for easy set-up and convenient navigation of the machine.

On top of it all, it offers the ultimate wireless printing and networking. This will make it much easier for you to print from your smartphones and tablets. This wireless connectivity comes with a Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, and Ethernet.

All in all, this printing machine is perfectly suited for your home or small office improving your overall productivity. It is also ideal for printing transparencies and a wide variety of special materials.

Pros

  • Economical unit utilizing about 80% less power
  • Versatile paper handling
  • Incredible connectivity options
  • Fast printing speed
  • Equipped with auto two-sided printing

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the best resolution

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5. Epson Expression ET-2750 EcoTank

Here’s another printing machine from Epson, the Epson Expression. They never failed to fabricate the best products. Among their best ones on the market, this is pretty much the best one in working with silkscreen transparencies.

This screen printer belongs to the EcoTank range of Epson. So like any other machine on this line, one of their major advantages has something to do with the ongoing costs for purchasing ink.

It is possible since this screen printing unit utilizes a bottled ink rather than the common cartridges. What’s even more amazing is that one set of this EcoTank ink can usually last similarly to three cartridges with the same ink tank and ink levels. With these ink tanks, you will be able to save money in spending for replacement or even time because of hard setting-up. It also has a good print quality even with regular quality transparency paper.

Furthermore, the machine comes with a maximum resolution of about 5760 x 1440 dpi. It will, indeed, do an incredible job, especially for printing on transparencies for presentations. They are also great for Epson expression photo.

However, you might want to consider utilizing a quality printer that has a higher resolution for art-based projects. An Epson expression photo might not be great for stunning prints that you would expect from printed documents of other more professional printers.

When it comes to its wireless connectivity, it will be capable of connecting to your other media devices. As for the mobile and tablet, you can directly print using the apps you’ve downloaded.

If you’re searching for an all-rounder printing equipment, then this is an excellent choice for you. It may not have the highest resolution, but it can do a better job for sure.

Pros

  • All-in-one printing machine with printing, scanning, and copying functions
  • Cost-effective since it utilizes ink tanks
  • Comes with touchscreen
  • Has slot for memory card
  • Easy installation and set-up

Cons

  • Hefty price tag
  • Demands the Epson cartridges only

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7. Epson Workforce WF-7710

This Workforce WF-7710 from Epson is an amazing product that is considered to be the only sibling of WF-7210 in this lineup of all-in-one inkjet printers. Let’s see what this inkjet printer can offer then.

The machine can support standard screen printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. When it comes to paper handling, it has a single input tray that can hold up to 250 sheets. Also, it is equipped with a rear-feed specialty tray and an output tray that has the capacity of 125 sheets.

In addition to that, it has an automatic document feeder with a 35-sheet capacity. Note that auto document feeder and auto sheet feeder are the same thing for a automatic printer. And since it is a wide format printer, it will be able to support paper sizes of up to 13” x 19”. Wide format printing is rare for a printer of this class.

Furthermore, it is equipped with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen control panel. With this, it will be much more convenient and easier for you to navigate and operate the printing machine.

It offers a decent print speed that can satisfy your daily production needs. Speed can reach up to 180 ppm for black files and 110 ppm for color. Also, the speed of the copy function is about 16 CPM for the black ones and 8.8 CPM for color.

Much more, this printing machine utilizes the Epson’s inkjet printer technology called the PrecisionCore. This inkjet printer technology uses a high-density print chip which allows it to perform like the best inkjet printer. With this, it will be able to generate as much as 40 million dots per second precisely. This is the kind of optimum image generating system you want to see in the best screen printer.

As for the connectivity options, it offers the USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Also, it has an Epson Connect solution app that can support mobile printing, including Email Print, Remote Print, and iPrint Mobile App. You may also print using the Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Kindle Fire.

All in all, this is a great deal for those who are looking for a unit for small offices that can offer wide-format functionality while maintaining a lower operating cost.

Pros

  • Wireless technology and mobile connectivity
  • Good paper handling for screen printing business
  • Wide-format capabilities
  • All-in-one printing equipment
  • Comes with high-density print chip

Cons

  • Big and bulky
  • Print heads are more prone to clogging

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7. Canon TS5120

Canon never disappoints in manufacturing high-quality printing machines, and this TS5120 is just one of their best. It is a simple and basic all-in-one inkjet printer made and designed to handle with ease all your printing needs every day, and it comes with a scan and copy functions. If you were looking for the best inkjet printer, this one should be on your watch list.

Connectivity is never a problem with this unit. You’ll be able to easily produce your high definition photos and documents from all of your media devices such as AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and even straight from the Cloud. Given these amazing options, printing has never been this convenient.

On top of it all, this screen printer features the FINE Hybrid Ink System that is great for photo printing. This will be able to offer the perfect combination of performance, quality, and cost, especially if you are dealing with detailed files and photos. It can even produce borderless photos with no trouble at all. With the borderless printing these printers for screen printing give you the most optimum image generating system for above average quality prints.

In addition to that, it is also compatible with XL cartridges, which are only optional. This can save you from spending too much since it will be able to extend the time between replacements of ink cartridges while letting you produce more when needed.

It is also equipped with an integrated small 2.5-inch LCD screen. However, it is not the touchscreen type, but it includes all the physical buttons with a stand-alone operation needed to navigate and operate the machine easily.

Much more, it also comes with the auto two-sided printing feature. With this, you will be able to lessen the utilization and cost of your transparency paper for as much as 50%. Also, you can load it up as much as 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 4×6-inch sheets. These automatic screen printers are also great for transparencies screen printing.

In conclusion, this printing machine incredibly offers basic features, decent attributes and performance, and high-quality photo printing. It’s amazing how you can get these all for a reasonable price. Make sure to consider this top printer for quality prints.

Pros

  • Superb speed when it comes to photo-printing
  • Can be easily operated through its integrated physical buttons
  • Equipped with two paper trays
  • Great connectivity options for screen printing needs

Cons

  • Paper trays are flimsy
  • Much slower if you’re utilizing the duplex printing feature

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8. HP OfficeJet 7740

You have probably utilized or heard any products from the very well-known brand names on the market – HP. This OfficeJet 7740 is known to be more than your average printing machine. Let’s know why!

First off, this is all-in-one equipment that comes with a built-in copier and scanner. All these in a single machine! So this is pretty much ideal for screen printing in small workplaces allowing you to save space and even with the cost. If you have a small space, this is the right printer for you.

There is also a wide range of connectivity options it offers. You will be able to enable the AirPrint, allowing you to print the pictures and documents directly from your Apple devices. Also, you’ll love the HP ePrint app that will be able to provide mobile printing. This HP smart app saves you from making multiple round trips to the local store. The HP smart app is one of the best features of this automatic printer.

In addition to that, you can also utilize your Google Cloud Print. This feature will allow you to manage the screen printing machine without the need of being around it all the time.

To make operating and navigating this equipment a breeze, it comes with a color touchscreen on top. This is also considered as a lifesaver for anyone who’s not tech-savvy.

Also, it features two-sided duplex printing. With auto duplex printing, you don’t need to flip the side of the papers since it will do the job in just one run. You can save paper with this as well!

Overall, it delivers the functionality and quality that you’re looking for in a printing machine. There are many quality printers but you need to look no further than this!

Pros

  • Comes with two-sided print, scan, and copy functions
  • Equipped with an automatic document feeder
  • Supports wide-format printing
  • Great printing speed (22 ppm for black and 18 ppm for color)

Cons

  • Output quality isn’t that great

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9. HP ENVY Photo 6222

The next one is this ENVY Photo 6222 still from HP. This printing machine is one of the most versatile units perfect for stunning prints. You‘ll be able to keep tasks going since it offers a superb print, scan, and copy speeds.

Much more, it is equipped with dedicated paper trays that match the print settings to the paper type automatically. You can, for sure, save a lot of time because of the shortcuts found directly on the printer.

This wide format printer also offers a wide range of reliable connectivity options. You will be able to set-up and connect your printer to your mobile device using dual-band Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. With this, you’ll be guaranteed a stable connection to give you excellent performance.

In addition to that, you can produce your files and photos directly from the Cloud or even the social media platform through the use of HP’s very own highly-rated smart app. If you are always on the go, this is the right printer for you.

With all of these features that it can offer you, it can be considered to be one of the best indeed. It can meet all your requirements and preferences to provide you with your daily printing necessities.

Pros

  • Features the automatic two-sided printing
  • Great high-quality print outputs
  • Reliable connectivity options
  • Versatile printing machine

Cons

  • Not the quietest machine even it comes with a quiet mode already
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10. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015

To wrap up our list in this screen printer for screen printing transparencies review is another product from HP. This OfficeJet Pro 9015 automatic duplex printer is easy-to-use and very convenient wireless printer that allows you to print, scan, copy, and fax.

One noteworthy feature about this wireless printer is its Smart Task. With this wireless connectivity, you will be able to create shortcuts making your sessions much easier and print wirelessly faster. You can schedule your tasks by choosing any of the three actions, such as email, print, or save.

Much more, it is equipped with a dual-pass, two-sided auto document feeder. You will be ensured to get a two-sided printing in no time without even compromising the quality of the output with this auto duplex.

Also, it comes with a printing speed up to 22 ppm for black files and 18 ppm for color ones. This machine has the 2.65-inch color touchscreen along with an input/output capacity of about 250 sheets and 60 sheets, respectively.

Therefore, this printing machine can, indeed, provide you with all the features and specifications that it possesses. It will never disappoint in any aspect.

Pros

  • Comes with Smart Task technology
  • Has automatic feeder
  • Best in class security
  • Self-healing Wi-Fi in case of interruptions

Cons

  • Instruction manual can be difficult to understand

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Things to Consider Before Buying

To end up with the right unit that meets all your requirements and preferences for screen printing, it’s just vital that you should consider some factors before deciding to purchase one. Because not getting the rigth one can cause  paper jams, ink smudges, and opacity

You should also take the time to read feedback from the consumers and printers for screen printing transparencies review to know the efficiency of the unit, just like you would do while buying a printer for checks.

So, scrutinize some of these aspects to make sure that you’ll pick the appropriate screen printer for transparencies.

Manual/Automatic

One of the first things that you should decide beforehand is if you’re going to opt for an automatic printer or a manual printer for screen printing. Automatic screen printers are advantageous when it comes to allowing you to your other errands while it is doing its job also. This is great when you have a lot of files to produce.

Printer for Screen Printing Transparencies

On the other hand, manual printers require a lot of attention. But if you’re not printing that much, then you can go for a manual slot since it’s also cheaper than the automatic one. Moreover, manual screen printers also have many advantages. Mostly, manual printers can give you the control you need for delicate work. A manual printer can have many features

Wide-Format Capability

For sure, you are aware of the fact that screen transparencies come in various sizes for different applications. So, you must know the ideal size of the transparencies according to what you’re going to use it for. With this, you’ll be able to pick the appropriate equipment that can accommodate that range.

However, if you’re not sure about the different sizes you’re working on, then choose the machine that’s versatile enough that capable of adapt to wide formats.

This will give you the convenience of printing to a vast range of media.

Color Range

It is also necessary that you should check the ink combination that the screen printing machine can offer. You don’t want to regret getting one with a limited color availability; this is a usual case why consumers end up getting disappointed with the unit they have.

The number of colors you’ll be able to use to print an image will correspond to the number of print heads in the press. You need to check this factor beforehand if you want to be satisfied with your screen printer. Make sure, you have vibrant and striking color options with color accuracy.

Image Quality

Looking at only the color documents is not the only job you do even when choosing a printer for transparencies. High quality copies of digital images have lots of other factors such as ability to show natural skin tones and high resolution.

Printing on transparencies is pretty challenging. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that the output will always be subpar. If you pick a quality printer with a perfect combination of functionality and quality, you can for sure get professional-quality printouts.

Printer for Screen Printing Transparencies

Like any other printer, whether it’s a cake printer or a printer for screen printing, the output quality merely depends on the resolution of your printing equipment. Hence, it’s very vital to choose the one with the highest resolution offered for an exceptional outcome. Getting the optimum image generating system is also important for printers for screen printing.

Connectivity Options

One of the most vital features that you should consider before making a purchase is its connectivity options. This is how you connect your printer to your media device.

With the growing technology nowadays, media devices are not just limited to laptops and desktops alone. You will be able to use more portable options such as USB drives, iPad, tablets, smartphones, memory cards, and more.

Therefore, it’s just important to pick a piece of versatile equipment to obtain its finest performance. Some of the connectivity options you can look for in a printer are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cloud Printing, Ethernet, and some printing software.

Versatility

You don’t just buy a printer for transparencies. Printers for screen printing should also be able to process printing documents, legal documents, fine art, plain paper, high quality transparencies, etc. with any paper size. It should b able to color print directly from the photo lab. You could also look for an optional stand with the printer for screen printing.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I maintain a printer for screen printing?

There are various ways you can properly take care of a good printer for it to have long years of service. Just do the following:

  • Clean the unit’s top plate
  • Take care of the protective coating
  • Clean the air holes found in the machine
  • Lubricate the machine properly

2. How to utilize the screen printing machine to get the best prints?

To obtain the best prints from your screen printing machine, you must set the equipment at high temperature, choose the best material for the print, properly load your garment, try a test print first before the final one, select the proper transfer paper, and properly take care of the garments once done.

3. What are the disadvantages of screen printing?

One of the major disadvantages of screen printing is its higher initial cost as compared to other printing methods. Also, it offers a more limited range of colors. Although a high quality printer like the automatic screen printers you see in the screen printing reviews, will have more screen printing positives.

4. How much does a screen printing machine cost?

There is a wide variety of printers for screen printing that come in different price ranges. You can find a cheap yet reliable one at the range of about $800 up to $2000. Also, you can go for high-end ones at the range of about $5000 up to $12000. Even a small screen printing positive can make an image garden with exceptional print commands.

5. What can I screen print with transparencies?

There are a lot of things you can do with transparencies such as custom T-shirts, glass/wood for decor on your store/office, signs, banners, mousepads or any other accessories, and many more.

Final Words

Among the exceptional units available on the market, the ones we’ve mentioned above are the best, and they excel the screen printing positives with plain papers or glossy photo paper.

However, if you’re not satisfied, you can go over the buying guide to help you confidently pick the best printer for screen printing transparencies for you.

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