(Exercise) Risograph Intro

Introduction

This will be your reference page for us doing our risograph demonstration in the CMFT. This will walk you through the process, and provide a reference for when you have to do it yourself.

What is the Riso(graph?)

The Risograph is a device that allows us to create multicolor prints with rich oil-based inks. It is slower than an inkjet or laser printer, but faster than screenprinting or lithography. That being said, in using it, the process is closer to creating a screenprint.

Why is it cool? (subjective)

You can make "cool" things like the images below. Additionally, it will become exceedingly difficult to access a risograph, effectively for free, once you are not a part of this institution.

You'd have to take a class/workshop at somewhere like Secret Riso Club ↗ or pay several thousand dollars for a risograph that you'd have to service yourself.

risograph example print, Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth in red and blue

risograph example print, "you" gif from a risograph animation by Kelli Anderson

How does it work?

Below are video tutorials on very similar looking units:

Note that some risographs have one or two drums, the one on campus has one and we have access to the following colors:

  • red
  • "blue" (a darker, navy blue)
  • cornflower blue
  • yellow
  • hot pink
  • "gold" (a yellowish brown, not metallic ink)
  • black

Basic Overview

  • create your image

  • for each color in your image:

    • remove the current color drum
    • insert the one you want to do next
    • create your master
    • print the color

In more detail:

1.create an image

  • This would be before you get to the risograph. Create your image (draw, or print). Note the maximum size of a print is 11" x 17"

  • split your image into multiple channels (R,G,B. C,M,Y,K. Blue/Red, etc.)

  • print each channel as a black and white image OR

  • draw each "plate" for each of your colors.

2. decide colors and change drums

  • open the drum case
  • grab the blue handles (note that anything you're intended to touch on the risograph is this light blue) and bring the drum over to your work area.
  • open the risograph's front door
  • press the button to release the drum
  • pull the drum out, and then place it on the ground next to the drum you want to use
  • put the intended drum into the machine in the same fashion (blue horizontal handle facing outward)

3. create a master

  • on the left side of the printer, place paper into the risograph

    • press the blue button to lower tray down
    • adjust the sides to make sure they are flush/tight with the paper

  • press the button that says "master make"

  • open the top of the riso, and place your print in carefully

  • make sure your print is set to the correct size

  • press start and wait for your master to print.

  • assess the print and adjust if necessary

4. print

  • select the print button on the risograph

  • set the number of copies you need

  • press start

  • repeat the above process for each side of your print

Common issues or errors

  • too many sheets fed at once → this is simply a warning. The risograph will stop and simply ask you to confirm multiple pieces of paper were not fed at once.

  • something is stuck or the risograph thinks something is stuck → The screen will indicate where it thnks the blockage is, open the door and pull out the drum to check/confirm. If there is nothing you can see, simply replace the drum and put the paper back in.

  • masters are not auto replacing → You will need to manually remove the master from the drum in this case. This is quite messy, I would suggest asking for help or letting one or more of the people below know about the issue.

  • chamber with masters is jammed → check the chamber with masters and remove them. This is also messy so please make sure you

  • original not detected → If you set your master image down before changing the drum, it will sometimes think you did not put a master into the bed.

Who do you talk to for issues

If you have issues with the risograph, or try any of the above steps and a new issue emerges, email either of the below people.