Thread: Proofing Printers

Dear Freinds,
i would like to choose between to kind of printers to be used as colorproofing printer.
i have two choices one is HP 5550 laser color
the another one is from epson inkjet sereis 4800 and up
i need your help and advice to select one

Welcome to the forum...

We use an Epson 7800, it's roll fed and very accurate matches our press.

Most good quality inkjet printers can be used as fairly accurate contract proofers ie they produce a proof that can be matched on press.

You'll need to settle on a consistent grade of paper - otherwise you'll end up having to recalibrate for each type.

Printers don't usually come with proofing software...again this can be quite expensive (around 3,000€ in our case). This enables accurate colour calibration to be achieved. Beware the supplied printer driver does not do this.

Don't know too much about laser printers other than the consumables can be pricey.

Best bet?..read what answers you get here then talk to your local consumables rep.

thank you very much RichardK.
Im waiting other particepations

my freinds, im still need your advice
please guide me

freinds,
regardless the two kinds i mentioned here, please advice me about the best proofing printer tnhat i can use

What are you proofing exactly? What is the rest of your existing setup (press, software, calibration equipment.)

I'm not expert, but I know you haven't told us enough for more of an answer to be given.

On a per print basis, the laser will cost you 1/10 the cost of the inkjet print on inkjet proofing paper. The epson is the common proofing solution however because it's not that expensive per print (this cost isn't really a factor overall whether it's 30 cents or 5 dollars) -- the inkjet offers a superior color gamut to the laser that your calibration software/profile will bring into line to represent what you are proofing.

Without the rest of the setup it will only be pie in the sky however as the critical part is matching the rest of your setup. A laser would be a fine solution for proofing non-photograph books where the color work isn't absolutely critical, forms, reports, and that kind of job it would be fine for, jobs where the speed and ease would come into play rather than the absolute quality being the only reasonable factor. Or for mockups and proofs from earlier stages of the design. You could bring it into line with a 4-color small format or DI press "good enough" but the epson is the common choice for larger and highest quality color jobs.