Risograph
Features
We print using the Riso (model: MF9350), a printer with a unique and extraordinary aesthetic. The printing process is similar to screen printing. It is a stencil printing process in which the design is burned onto a master foil that serves as a stencil. This foil is stretched over an ink drum, which in turn rolls over the paper inside the printer, thereby printing the design through the master foil.
Risography is not only a beautiful printing process but also one of the most environmentally friendly. The ink is vegetable oil-based, and the master foils are made of plant fibers. Energy consumption is also very low, as no water is used during either printing or cleaning.
The Riso printer is known for its distinctive, vibrant colors. Currently, we offer printing in the following colors: black, blue, navy blue, yellow, red, teal, fluorescent orange, and pink. The color selection is constantly expanding, so please check with us again for the latest options when scheduling your print job.
When printing with the Riso, a slight misalignment of the colors and varying ink application result in perfectly imperfect, one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s well-suited for larger print runs of postcards, posters, flyers, or zines. However, small publications and books are also possible. The most expensive part of the printing process is master plate production; this means that the more copies you print with the same design, the lower the cost per copy.
When preparing the print file, please keep the following in mind:
- The Riso can print on paper sizes ranging from DIN A6 to DIN A3, with weights from 60g to 300g. The ink can only be printed on uncoated paper with a rough surface; otherwise, it won’t dry. You can get paper at the Printing and Paper office (H-1.01). Make sure the A3 paper is cut to the correct size.
- Create a separate PDF for each color you want to use. It’s best to save them directly in grayscale. If you’re printing on DIN A3, it’s a good idea to add a 5-mm white border, since it’s not possible to print the full size. The largest possible bleed size is 28.0 cm x 40.0 cm.
- To ensure the text remains legible, it should not be smaller than 6pt and should have 100% opacity.
- Lines can be printed as small as 0.1pt, but should be tested beforehand on the paper you’re using.
- If you create a very large solid color area, it should have a maximum opacity of 80%, otherwise there will be problems with drying and ink application.
- You must create one PDF per color. When exporting, be sure to name the PDFs clearly according to their respective colors.
If you have any questions or need help, feel free to reach out to us or contact us via email → riso(at)hs-maiz.de or Instagram → @hsmz.riso
Hours of Operation
Printing is available by appointment only. Best to contact us by email → riso(at)hs-maiz.de or via Instagram → @hsmz.riso
Open office hours for questions or to stop by are every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.