Understanding the
Difference.

Halftone Printers vs. Contone Printers

Printers Explained

What are Contone Printers?

They are a laser printer that begins to approach continuous tone quality by varying the dot size. However, unlike continuous tone, which can blend inks more thoroughly, contone has a limited number of dot sizes, and uses dithering to make up shades.

What are Halftone Printers?

Halftones printers are a mathematical dot pattern that represents the grayscale value of a colour and are created based on a grid. Printers can rotate the grid to change the angle, lines per inch, and more. This dot pattern can be so tiny that it appears as a regular image, but can be screen-printed easily.

– VS –

In the world of large-format printing, understanding the nuances between different printing technologies is crucial for achieving optimal results. One common comparison is between Contone printers, exemplified by latex printers, and halftone printers, represented by brands like Mimaki and Roland. Let’s explore the differences between these two technologies and how they impact colour consistency, calibration, and support.

Calibration and Colour Consistency:

Latex printers, such as those equipped with a built-in spectrophotometer, offer an integrated solution for calibration and colour management. This allows for the easy creation of ICC profiles directly within the latex device, ensuring consistent and accurate colours across different media and print jobs. In contrast, halftone printers typically require external spectrophotometers and additional calibration steps to achieve similar colour benefits. Without regular calibration, colour consistency may be compromised, leading to variations in output quality.

Compatibility and Integration:

Industrial HP latex printers may face compatibility issues with certain RIP software, such as Print Factory, limiting the effectiveness of bespoke ICC profiles. On the other hand, platinum RIP solutions like Caldera and Onyx offer seamless integration with a wide range of printers, providing timely access to updated printer drivers and ongoing support. This ensures smooth operation and optimal performance, minimising downtime and potential issues.

Support and Reliability:

The size of a user base can significantly impact the level of support and reliability offered by a printing solution. With a smaller user base, print factory solutions may struggle to provide timely and effective support for diverse printer types and configurations. In contrast, platinum RIP solutions like Onyx benefit from a vast user base and extensive dealer networks, ensuring robust support structures and quick resolution of any issues. Multiple layers of support, including dealers, distributors, and regional support centres, provide peace of mind for users, minimising the risk of downtime and disruptions to critical output.

Conclusion:

While both Contone printers (such as HP Latex printers) and halftone printers (like those from Mimaki and Roland) have their strengths and limitations, the choice ultimately depends on factors such as colour consistency, calibration ease, and support reliability. Latex printers offer integrated calibration solutions and seamless colour management, making them a preferred choice for businesses seeking consistent and accurate colour reproduction. In contrast, halftone printers may require more manual calibration and face compatibility challenges with certain RIP software. By understanding these differences, businesses can make informed decisions to meet their printing needs effectively and efficiently.