Glossary:Risograph

Diagram of internal mechanism and paper flow in a Risograph machine

Risograph is a stencil duplication printing method often used for its economical printing setup costs, vibrant spot colours and relative ease of use.

A Risograph machine shares a similar outward appearance as as photocopier, though functions in a way that is more comparable to a mechanized screen-printing device. Similar to screen-printing, ink is pushed through a stencil (known as a master). Each color layer is printed separately by means of an ink-containing drum. Unlike digital printers, which typically print combinations of colors simultaneously, Risograph machines use spot colors (ie. solid, block colors). Ink used in Risographs is soy-based and non-toxic, though tends to have a somewhat prolonged drying time, compared to newsprint.