The Risograph is a duplicator manufactured by the Riso Kagaku Corporation, designed for medium-volume (50 - 5,000) printing. It is fast, energy efficient, and cost effective. The underlying technology of a Risograph is similar to screen printing, with a bit of photocopying mixed in. The original image file is sent to the machine, either through a computer or directly from the Riso’s scan bed. The image is burned into a master, which is then wrapped around the print drum. The drum rotates at a high speed, pushing the ink through a screen onto the paper as it is being sent through the machine. 

We print using two Risograph EZ591s named Octavia and Dolly, and currently have sixteen drums – fluorescent pink, scarlet, paprika, fluorescent orange, yellow, light lime, olive, seafoam, pine, aqua, blue, violet, purple, mist, midnight, and black. Risograph inks are soy-based and do not conform exactly to any color standards. The inks are also slightly transparent, which allows for variations in color based on the paper and other inks. We are able to print on a maximum 11 in x 17 in sheet, with a maximum printable area of 10.5 in x 16.5 in on uncoated papers that range from 50# text to 80# cover. We’re happy to help with paper recommendations.

Each layer, regardless of ink color, must be sent through as grayscale. The nature of a one color machine means that mis-registration will likely occur if you are printing multiple colors. It’s good practice to include trapping (having colors overlap rather than butt up against each other), reducing the odds of accidental white space) where necessary. Because the inks are transparent, it is possible to overlap colors to create new colors.

Risographs are known for being a little cranky, and printing is inevitably a collaboration between artist, printer, and the idiosyncrasies of the machine itself. Prints are imperfect and often vary, which adds to the uniqueness of risograph printing. We’re happy to discuss how to best design your project to minimize roller marks, misalignment of colors, and misregistration.

Costs vary depending on each project’s specific requirements, but will include a press set up fee and price per sheet. We are also available to help with preparing files for an additional fee. We do not have a minimum number of prints, but the nature of risograph printing means that it is most economical in volume. Masters can not be reused and making masters is the most resource expensive part of printing, while subsequent prints are significantly less expensive. In many instances, the price difference between making a single print and fifty is negligible. For pricing quotes please email us or fill out the contact form. Include all project specifications, including print size, number of prints, desired colors, paper preferences, and any other useful information. We are only able to accept a limited number of contract print jobs. Visit An Atlas of Modern Risography to find other printers who are available for hire.