WHAT IS A RISOGRAPH?
A Risograph is a compact, high speed printer made by the Riso Kagaku Corporation of Japan. It fits into a category of printers known as duplicators. While it may resemble a photocopying machine, a Risograph prints using soy-based ink rather than plastic toner. Originally designed and marketed to cater to schools, churches, restaurants, and small businesses, the Risograph has been adopted by artists and designers interested in self publishing over the last twenty years. The Risograph’s speed, low cost of materials, ease of use, and vivid spot colors make it the perfect tool for printing and publishing small editions of zines, prints, books, and flyers.
OUR SETUP
We are currently running two Risograph RP3700s and a set of various machinery for trimming and binding that allow us to produce a wide range of printed matter - from flyers to books and everything inbetween!
A Risograph is a compact, high speed printer made by the Riso Kagaku Corporation of Japan. It fits into a category of printers known as duplicators. While it may resemble a photocopying machine, a Risograph prints using soy-based ink rather than plastic toner. Originally designed and marketed to cater to schools, churches, restaurants, and small businesses, the Risograph has been adopted by artists and designers interested in self publishing over the last twenty years. The Risograph’s speed, low cost of materials, ease of use, and vivid spot colors make it the perfect tool for printing and publishing small editions of zines, prints, books, and flyers.
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OUR SETUP
We are currently running two Risograph RP3700s and a set of various machinery for trimming and binding that allow us to produce a wide range of printed matter - from flyers to books and everything inbetween!
HOW IT WORKS
The Risograph is loaded with the appropriate ink drum, corresponding to the artwork. Artwork is then sent to the Risograph either through the flatbed scanner (like a photocopier) or via usb link to a computer. The printer then burns the artwork onto a stencil (or ‘master’) which is wrapped round the ink drum. This drum then rotates at high speed which pushes the ink through the screen and onto the paper as it is passed through the machine.
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ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
The risograph is an enviro-friendly and cost effective soyink printer. Each stencil is made from banana paper and the printing process itself is highly energy efficient — generating only a minimum amount of biodegradable waste. All of the papers we use in our projects are recycled, acid-free and/or FSC certified. Whilst we maintain a small stock of these papers on-site, we can order paper for you - specific to your project.
The Risograph is loaded with the appropriate ink drum, corresponding to the artwork. Artwork is then sent to the Risograph either through the flatbed scanner (like a photocopier) or via usb link to a computer. The printer then burns the artwork onto a stencil (or ‘master’) which is wrapped round the ink drum. This drum then rotates at high speed which pushes the ink through the screen and onto the paper as it is passed through the machine.
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ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
The risograph is an enviro-friendly and cost effective soyink printer. Each stencil is made from banana paper and the printing process itself is highly energy efficient — generating only a minimum amount of biodegradable waste. All of the papers we use in our projects are recycled, acid-free and/or FSC certified. Whilst we maintain a small stock of these papers on-site, we can order paper for you - specific to your project.
ARTWORKING & INKS
We currently have a selection of 8 different inks. Please click the guide below to see our 2020/21 swatch card and artworking guide - this is a working document so if you feel anything is missing don’t hesitate to let us know!
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(NEW RISO GUIDE WITH UPDATED INKS COMING SOON!)
We currently have a selection of 8 different inks. Please click the guide below to see our 2020/21 swatch card and artworking guide - this is a working document so if you feel anything is missing don’t hesitate to let us know!
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(NEW RISO GUIDE WITH UPDATED INKS COMING SOON!)