Digital Prints

For wide-format, most people prefer 15 mil to 24 mil (17 mil average or .43mm) for fineart
sheet and roll paper; the HP Designjet 30/130 can handle up to .4 mm. Bair explains,
“Beyond 25 mil, it’s hard to make and use a fine-art roll paper that will de-curl or flatten
out after printing.”
To go along with thick-paper handling, look for a straight paper path that allows thick
papers to be fed from the back of the printer (see Figure 6.4). Not all printers have this
capability, so investigate it thoroughly if this is important to you. In addition, many HPs
have paper paths with a 180-degree turn; this can be a real disadvantage with thicker media.
Some printers also require single-sheet feeding of certain papers (Bair advises that anything
thicker than 11 mil will require hand-feeding on most desktops), while others let
you stack up several (thin) sheets. Others have optional or built-in roll-feed attachments
that let you print from long rolls. Your production needs will determine how important
this is to you.
Another niche consideration is whether the printer has the ability to duplex (automatically
print on both sides of the paper). HP has the largest number of desktop models
that can do this.
5. How Permanent Are the Prints?
If you’ve been paying attention so far, you know that this is a trick question. Inkjet print
permanence is a function of the ink/media combination and the storage or display conditions.
The printer itself is only a factor in that it limits your choices of inks and paper.
Chapter 6 ■ Selecting an Inkjet Printer 193
Figure 6.4 Epson’s Stylus Photo 2200
has a rear-feeding option for thicker
papers. The inset shows the printer’s
thickness lever in the correct position
for inserting a sheet from the rear.
Courtesy of www.inkjetART.com