Buying Guide for the Best Card Stock Printer
Choosing the right card-stock printer can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find a model that perfectly suits your needs. The key is to understand the specifications that matter most for printing on card stock and how they align with your specific requirements. By focusing on these key specs, you can ensure that your printer will handle the thickness and quality of card stock you need for your projects, whether they are for professional use, crafting, or personal projects.Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the printer's ability to manage different types and sizes of paper, including card stock. This is crucial because card stock is thicker and heavier than regular paper. Look for a printer that explicitly states it can handle card stock, often listed in the specifications as the maximum paper weight it can support. For light card stock, a printer that handles up to 110 lb (pounds) or 200 gsm (grams per square meter) may suffice. For heavier card stock, you might need a printer that supports up to 300 lb or 600 gsm. Consider what types of projects you'll be working on to determine the appropriate paper handling capacity.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in DPI (dots per inch) and determines how sharp and detailed your prints will be. This is particularly important for card stock printing, where you might be producing high-quality images, graphics, or text. A higher DPI, such as 1200 x 1200 or more, will give you better print quality. If your projects involve detailed graphics or professional presentations, opt for a higher DPI. For simpler tasks like basic text or less detailed images, a lower DPI might be sufficient.
Printer TypeThere are mainly two types of printers to consider: inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers are generally better for high-quality color prints and can handle a variety of paper types, including card stock. Laser printers, on the other hand, are faster and more cost-effective for high-volume printing but may not always handle thick card stock as well as inkjets. If you need vibrant colors and high-quality images, an inkjet printer is likely the better choice. For high-volume, text-heavy projects, a laser printer might be more suitable.
Feeder CapacityFeeder capacity refers to how much paper the printer can hold at one time. This is important for efficiency, especially if you plan to print in large quantities. A larger feeder capacity means you won't have to reload paper as often. For small projects or occasional use, a standard feeder capacity of 100-150 sheets might be enough. For larger projects or frequent use, look for a printer with a higher feeder capacity, such as 250 sheets or more.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, which can be very convenient. USB connections are straightforward and reliable for direct printing from a single device. Ethernet is useful for office environments where multiple users need to access the printer. Consider how you plan to use the printer and choose the connectivity options that best fit your workflow.
SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly the printer can produce prints. This is important if you need to print large volumes of card stock quickly. For occasional or small-scale projects, a lower PPM might be acceptable. However, for high-volume printing, look for a printer with a higher PPM to save time. Keep in mind that print speed can vary between color and black-and-white prints, so consider your specific needs.