Printer Recommendation for Card Stock

[felix5616]

I am printing large images and posters on an HZ Z3200 44" printer. I would like to start printing some of my images on card stock.  I am looking for recommendations for a printer that works well on card stock.

[redriverpaper]

You might consider these printers.  Our parameters for the list were:

Easy to operate
Compatible with card stock
Inexpensive initial cost
Good photo quality

http://bit.ly/9amuuM

[bill t.]

Epson Enhanced Matte Posterboard is a very thick media with an inkjet receptive coating.  Beautiful looking prints, no IQ compromises at all.  Very stiff and thick stuff, can be printed on Epson wide format printers and I'm sure on any printer where you can adjust the platen gap on head clearance.  Comes only in 24x30 and 30x40.

[Randy Carone]

Felix,

What card stock will you be using for your output? That choice will determine the printer options. Do you know what your budget will be for the smaller printer? Does it need to be archival ink?

[felix5616]

Felix,

What card stock will you be using for your output? That choice will determine the printer options. Do you know what your budget will be for the smaller printer? Does it need to be archival ink?

no limit on budget, prefer archival inks and would like to be able to use all any paper up to the heaviest stock.

[Randy Carone]

The Epson 3880 may be the right choice. It can print Borderfree down to 4" x 6" and 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 13 x 19 and 17 x 22. It has a straight feed path and can print on substrates up to 1.5mm (.059"). It is a very versatile printer that would complement your 44" HP. Oh, and the inks are archival and Epson has the edge on media handling, IMO.

[Sven W]

The Epson 3880 may be the right choice. It can print Borderfree down to 4" x 6" and 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 13 x 19 and 17 x 22. It has a straight feed path and can print on substrates up to 1.5mm (.059"). It is a very versatile printer that would complement your 44" HP. Oh, and the inks are archival and Epson has the edge on media handling, IMO.

A good advice! But aren't Shades of Paper an Epson shop?

/Sven

[Wayne Fox]

A good advice! But aren't Shades of Paper an Epson shop?

/Sven

I believe they sell all three - Epson, canon, and HP.

[dgberg]

A good advice! But aren't Shades of Paper an Epson shop?

/Sven

Which means he knows more about printers then most folks. I especially listen up when an expert speaks.

[Randy Carone]

Thanks Wayne.

Sven,
I try not to ever advertise on LL. Recently, I did respond to someone's complaint about not having the ability to test papers before spending a significant amount of cash. I offered that we sell 5-sheet sample packs of any 5 papers. We do sell all three printer brands but you will NEVER find us promoting or suggesting a product on LL for any other reason than it is the best solution for the situation being discussed in the thread. I want LL members to think of us as the place to get the correct information, not the most profitable information for SOP. I can understand your concern and I wanted to let you know our goal in participating on this forum is to share knowledge and to learn.

[Sven W]

Randy,
That's exact the answer I expected.

Dan,
I also listen when an expert speaks, but many of them are also dealers.
IMHO the very thin line between expert and a salesman is troublesome.
I think Wayne also is a printerdealer, but he never use that position here.

I know some "experts/dealers" that are not allowed to participate on User Forums.

Felix
Sorry for not following your thread, maybe this discussion should be on Forum #1.

/Sven

[felix5616]

With the epson 3880 and non epson card stock how would i get and use profiles for third party papers?

[Sven W]

With the epson 3880 and non epson card stock how would i get and use profiles for third party papers?

If not all, but most of the premium paper-manufacturers, have good profiles to download from their sites.
Otherwise you can order custom-made profiles for special papers/media from e.g. here
or here

/Sven