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What Printer to use for Model Kits?
Hello everyone!
As some of you are aware, I'm working on my own self-designed paper models of various Indian Locomotives. I recently completed designing my first locomotive and decided to sell them as "booklets" just like many polish paper model companies. What puzzles me, however, is the type of printing they use... I have built a few of them, and they are somewhat glossy, yet not laser printed. When the parts are folded/ creased, the ink does not 'crack' as in the case of laser printers. The Prints behave more like Inkjet-Printed pages. Hence, I require some help figuring out which type of printer to use for my models... Regards, Prabal
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Modeling Indian Railways in Paper... Currently working on: WDM2, WDM3D, BNR 'N' Class Garratt and 747-8i/f Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCro...-w2CvteWbPGJ-A |
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#2
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We have a number of members who are, or have been connected to the printing industry and can answer your question more accurately.
Lithography (lithographic printing) is the modern method of printing artworks and books. Its the best way to print high volumes of prints easily and at an affordable cost. Most of the cost is in the inital setup...printing more and more adds very little to the overall cost. Unfortunately, when it comes to printing Paper Model kits, the volumes are much lower, making the cost less pratical. A low run of kits can be a lot more expensive than you will like. Thats where digital printing (inkjet) can be considered. But its not cheap either, when you consider the cost of large format printers, expensive cardstock, and inks. You also cannot get the same finishes as with lithographic printing. Metallic inks, for example, are generally not available in inkjet printing. And glossy finishes require glossy laminated cardstocks that are not ideal. If you are asking what home printer you should buy...that ios a tough question because everyone has their favorites. Inkjet printers with larger capacity ink are a hot topic these days. Most manufacturers are producing "tank" style printers now because of the demand. However, they are more pricey. Smaller inkjet printers are still the biggest sellers based on their price, but they can be costly to refill with ink. Original manufacturers Ink cartridges can be pricey. Aftermarket ink sellers are a lot better these days, and most reputable sellers on amazon and ebay provide good quality ink refilled cartridges at a fraction of the price. If you have the funds and plan on doing a lot of printing, consider a large format, ink tank refillable machine. Pay the extra cost now, and relax later. Consider the size and format of your model kits and get a printer that can handle it.
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SUPPORT ME PLEASE: PaperModelShop Or, my models at ecardmodels: Dave'sCardCreations |
#3
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Thank you for your inputs sir!
I do own a HP A4 Ink Tank Inkjet printer. Although it prints nicely, the colors are very vibrant and models come out great. Should I use that for my kits as well? I hope I don't stress the poor little printer... But although, it'll be cheaper as I'll be able to print to order... Hopefully once the sales pick up, I'll upgrade to an A3+ size printer... Because what I want to do finally is sell my models In form of 'booklets' and not loose sheets of paper... Regards, Prabal
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Modeling Indian Railways in Paper... Currently working on: WDM2, WDM3D, BNR 'N' Class Garratt and 747-8i/f Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCro...-w2CvteWbPGJ-A |
#4
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So you want to sell printed kits privately?
Not through a publishing house? This can be done...I do it. But...its costly to print and package the kits. I have to sell my printed kits at a lot more than people want to spend. And shipping kits can be very expensive. Postal rates are high all over the world now, and you must also consider the cost of protective packaging. I don't ship kits any more...unless a customer is willing to pay for it. I take my printed kits to model shows and other sales events, and sell them in person. But honestly, I have sold very few printed kits. I print my kits on good quality 65lb (Letter size) cardstock, using my home printer. I print on the best/finest setting. Cover pages and Instruction pages are printed on 25lb paper. The entire kit is packaged in a mylar Letter size bag. To ship, I try to use a padded envelope. And a stiff card must be included.
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SUPPORT ME PLEASE: PaperModelShop Or, my models at ecardmodels: Dave'sCardCreations |
#5
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The inkjet printers are definitely cheaper, but I find the print result more delicate. In the future I will have to use a spray coat after printing. Just my 2 cents.
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>-8 Live long and paper \\//_ |
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#6
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Thank you so much sirs!
Quote:
What I can do is have the models up on ecardmodels and supply printed kits if someone demand them... Quote:
Regards, Prabal
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Modeling Indian Railways in Paper... Currently working on: WDM2, WDM3D, BNR 'N' Class Garratt and 747-8i/f Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCro...-w2CvteWbPGJ-A |
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