In case you are not familiar with transparencies, they are plastic film sheets having a glossy finish. They are made by reacting acetic acid with sulfuric acid and cellulose. You can purchase transparencies in a wide range of forms, from those with stripes and thick transparencies to device-specific transparencies and multi-purpose films used in printers.
Since most printers do not support transparencies, printing on them can be a challenge. The most common issues users encounter include paper jams, ink smudges, and opacity.
However, many printers work well with transparencies. So how can one locate the best printer for transparencies?
Well, worry not. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best printers for transparencies. We scoured the market and performed deep research so that you can easily pick the best printer for transparency paper.
Comparison Of Best Printer For Transparencies: In 2020
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Canon Pixma PRO-100 |
| |
  | Epson Expression XP-15000 |
| |
  | Epson Artisan 1430 |
| |
  | Brother Inkjet Printer MC-J985DW |
|
Top 5 Printers For Transparencies That You Wouldn’t Want To Miss In 2020
1. Canon Pixma PRO-100 – Wireless Printing
The CANON PIXMA Pro-100 Wireless Printer is a highly-rated and affordable printer. Meant for anyone looking to print quality mailers, presentation charts, and spreadsheet charts. With this printer, you get detailed printouts with a maximum color dpi of 4800 x 2400. One great thing about the printouts generated by this model is that they are produced with 8 dye-based inks. If you are looking for printing tabloids, this model may be right up your alley. With this device, you can print anything as wide as 13 x 19″ to 4 x 6″.
Another impressive thing about this product is that it supports wireless printing. Print commands are sent through Android and Apple devices via Canon’s app. Therefore, Google Cloud Print, PIXMA Printing Solutions, and AirPrint are available with this Canon model. However, if you don’t want wireless printing, you can also purchase the non-wireless model. We were also impressed by the color accuracy delivered by this Canon printer. All in all, this model has much going for it to qualify for the title of the best laser printer for transparency film.
- Excellent color accuracy
- 8 dye-based inks
- Stunning prints
- Good tech support
- Value for money
- Not an all-purpose color printer
- Doesn’t make copies or scan
Also Read: Best Google Cloud Printer You Should Choose Form Our List in 2020.
2. Epson Expression XP-15000 – Value For Money
If the print quality is the most important factor for purchasing a printer for transparencies, you may want to keep this Epson model at the top of your list. It is one of the best printers when it comes to quality, producing vibrant and striking colors on a consistent basis. Also, in spite of its wide nature, this model is quite compact, so you don’t have to worry about it hijacking a lot of your desk space. Thanks to its great borderless print quality and amazing resolution, this Epson mode is perfect for photo printing.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a top choice for screen printing. Since it has a wide format, you can rest assured knowing that it packs a punch when used for screen printing. We were also installed with its 50 sheets rear tray, which can hold materials like vinyl paper and cardstock.
This model is network ready. It supports Ethernet connections as well as wireless printing. Mac and iOS users can connect it through AirPrint, but the setup process is a little time-consuming. The pinter boasts an LED screen, which makes navigation a breeze. However, the LED screen is not a touchscreen, which is a little disappointing. Nevertheless, it is a top printer for transparencies.
- Wireless printing
- Amazing print quality and resolution
- Special rear tray
- Ideal for landscape photo printing and screen printing
- Easy to use
- Hefty price tag
- No touchscreen navigation
3. Epson Artisan 1430 – Hi-Definition Photo Printing
If you ever wanted a printer to help you bring your imagination to life, you are likely to find the Epson Artisan 1430 to your liking. Ranked as the best laser printer for transparencies by several online reviews, this Epson model gives you amazing results, especially when you use it with the best transparency film for laser printers. And the best part is that this printer is an equally good choice for both regular printing and high definition photos. Since this model comes with software exclusively for printing on DVDs and CDs, it is a great option for anyone who’s looking for a professional finish on such prints. The printer also produces impressive email and itineraries prints.
Compact and sleek, the Epson 1430 boasts a top-quality auto photo correction feature that evaluates and corrects digital images on its own. What’s more, it also includes an advanced face detection feature that seamlessly captures natural skin tones. This means you can easily erase red eyes or differentiate people from sceneries in the background.
We were also impressed by the fact that you need to replace individual ink cartridges only when they run out and not all of them at once. You can easily achieve 60% more printouts with a high capacity version of Claira ink in comparison to regular cartridges.
- Ideal for printing on DVDs and CDs
- Amazing print quality and resolution
- Special rear tray
- Advanced face detection
- Auto photo correction
- Sometimes give problems with thick paper
- Rather slow at high resolution photo
Also Read: Best Printer For Occasional Use Made Easy In 2020.
4. Brother Inkjet Printer MC-J985DW – Duplex Printing
Are you looking for a cheap printer for transparencies? Do you want the best inkjet printer for transparencies for your home-based office? If you said “yes,” keep this printer at the top of your list. What you get with this printer are above-average quality prints at the most reasonable price. Because of this quality, more than anything else, this printer stands out among various other inkjets available in the market.
Another good thing about this model is that it is pretty fast at producing high-quality copies as well as at scanning. Furthermore, the automatic duplex 2-sided printing feature helps you reduce the cost significantly and it supports up to twenty sheet ADF. On top of all this, you can save even further by participating in the INKvestment program. Last but not least, with the Amazon dash replenishment feature enabled, this model can measure toner levels and order ink if required.
- Cost-effective printing solution for home offices
- Does Scanning and faxing
- Saves money on cartridge replenishment
- Automatic duplex 2-sided printing
- Value for money
- Doesn’t come with full cartridges
- Customer service is not the best
A Buying Guide For The Best Printer For Transparencies
1. Manual Or Automatic
A Manual printer or an automatic printer — this is the first question you should be asking yourself if you need a printer for transparencies. Both have some advantages for them, and you will do well to get yourself informed about them to make a sensible decision. Automatic screen printers automate the process of feeding sheets into the printer, which means you will have more time for other aspects of your business.
Manual screen printers, although fascinating to watch, demand a bit of time and attention, which you can easily invest in other more productive activities. Having said that, if your printing needs are not exhaustive, it would make more sense to go with a manual printer, as they are significantly cheaper than their automatic counterparts.
However, there’s one drawback, and not an insignificant one at that, to manual printers — lack of consistency. Since multiple people will be handling the printer, you can be sure of some degree of human error.
2. Space
Another factor to consider is the kind of space you have in your workplace or home office. In case you have limited space, investing in a tabletop screen printing machine is recommended because these printers tend to be light but durable. On the other hand, If space is not an issue, you may want to go in for a full-sized screen printing machine. You can operate these printers for long hours and expect them to last a really long time.
3. Colors: You should also consider the range of colors that screen printers have. Typically, you may desire for more options when it comes to color availability. That is because more color options allow you to do more.
4. Dryer Size
It is important that the dryer size meets the output of your screen-printer. If you buy a big screen-printer having a small dryer, meeting the production rate will be a challenge. In case you expect your business to grow steadily, we recommend you opt for an upgraded dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Kind Of Screen Printer Should I Opt For?
Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your business needs. Both have a few advantages, and depending on your priorities, you can pick the one that answers your needs the best. Automatic screen printers, naturally enough, automate the process of feeding sheets into the printer. This means you will have more time for other things. Manual screen printers, on the other hand, demand a bit of time and attention. However, if your printing needs are not exhaustive, you may consider buying a manual printer since they are significantly cheaper.
2. Is A Good Printer For Transparencies Costly?
No, not really. There are many good budget options available. For instance, all the printers listed in this buying guide give you good value for your money.
3. Should I Buy A Tabletop Screen Printing Machine Or A Full-sized One?
Well, it all depends on the kind of space you have. In case you have limited space, investing in a tabletop screen printing machine is recommended because these printers tend to be light but durable. On the other hand, If space is not an issue, you may want to go in for a full-sized screen printing machine. You can operate these printers for long hours and expect them to last a really long time.
4. Is It Important To Have More Color Options?
While not a compulsion, a wider range of color options is certainly a desirable feature to have. The reason is simple. You can do so much more with more color options.
5. From Where Should I Buy A Printer For Transparencies?
Ecommerce websites are the best place to buy a printer. The reason is simple. You often get a hefty discount on such websites. So if you want the best bang for your buck, go online when you need a printer for transparencies.
Also Read: Best Quality Printer Comprehensive and Elaborative Analysis.
Final Words
When it comes to purchasing a screen printer for transparencies, it is important you pick the right machine. While there is hardly any doubt that the best printer of transparencies is a sizable investment, this investment is worth the cost if you need to print transparencies regularly.
Having a printer near you is a far better option compared to making multiple round trips to local stores to get printouts. Besides the hassle such trips entail, you will have little control over the quality of the printouts.
For these reasons, investing in a top-quality automatic screen printer is the best way forward. This way you can take out quality printouts one after another non-stop for long hours, something which a staff member operating a manual printer is likely to find almost impossible.
While all the printers listed in this guide are of top-quality, if you were to ask for our recommendation, we would recommend Canon Pixma Pro-100. It has all the features that you may want in an automatic photo printer: quality printouts, wireless printing, more color options, and value for money.
