Ricoh IMC4500 Translucent Paper Print Quality

[Batman1976]

Hi All,

We recently sold an Ricoh IMC4500 with fiery controller and the client wishes to print heavy black solids on backlit/translucent paper (frosted). The quality of the Black solid when put on the back light is some what disappointing, it appears a washed out charcoal grey. Apparently the previous machine (A Canon) done the job fine.

I have tried various paper thickness settings on device and different print output profiles through the command workstation software including photographic, print as true black etc and it still produces the same result.

My last resort is to try adjusting the paper transfer bias on the machine? Before I do this has anyone got any other suggestions?

Many Thanks guys
Batman1976

[mikadonovan]

If it's not working because of the media, change the media. That may not be what they want to hear, but the customer is NOT always right. It would be in your best interest to find an acceptable media that works better, then show them.

[Mark Bbb]

If it's not working because of the media, change the media. That may not be what they want to hear, but the customer is NOT always right. It would be in your best interest to find an acceptable media that works better, then show them.

I agree.
If the image is fine when printed on normal - or even (very) thick - paper.
Perhaps this media is moistured in a way?

[skinnyb]

Solid fills on the newer Ricoh (MP C 6004, IMC 6000) are not near as full as they used to be. It is what it is. I have had customers with these engines and this has been a problem, especially those sold with Fiery and are trying to do "production" work out of a basic business color machine. Just because if has a fiery doesn't change the fact that the engine is a business color device. Last customer I had that demanded production level work ended up buying a Pro 5300 production device.

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[DRichard]

If it's not working because of the media, change the media. That may not be what they want to hear, but the customer is NOT always right. It would be in your best interest to find an acceptable media that works better, then show them.

+1

[StephenB]

If your client is using a graphic program for their graphics, note...you are using a 4 color process CMYK. Black 100% K is NOT a deep rich black. to get a deep rich black set the CMYK settings to to C = 60 M=40 Y=40 K=100

These are graphic program settings, the Ricoh just prints what the program tells it.

If their "black" in their program is anything else, it will be washed out.

[Mark Bbb]

perhaps better results with Post Script?

[Oze]

Ricoh's advice:
When loading translucent paper:

• Remove printed sheets one by one.
• When loading translucent paper, always use long grain paper, and set the paper direction according to the grain.
• Translucent paper easily absorbs humidity and becomes curled. Remove curl in the translucent paper before loading.
  
  They might have something there about humidity.
  Damp paper will affect transfer.

[Batman1976]

Thanks for responses. I'm now going down the route of getting to customer to change the media type/brand.

Does anyone know of a Translucent paper brand that will work well on a RICOH IMC device?

Thanks
Batamn76

[mikadonovan]

I could not locate an exact brand, but this print shop has tips for printing on vellum, it may help.
How to Print on Translucent Vellum Paper