Best Printer for Hydrographic Film : Top 5 list for 2023

In the past, 3D photographs were nearly impossible to place on objects, but now it has become possible by the presence of hydro dipping.

In addition to the long history in the automotive industry, the technique is now gaining a foothold in other sectors. One of the unique features of hydro dipping is the ability to create graphics on almost any three-dimensional object which is why this is becoming widespread and popular.

Although hydro dipping is the new trend, the process is not as easy as it looks. Along with the complexity of the task, there are a few requirements that are needed to get the job done perfectly including using an inkjet printer.

Printing pictures of high quality on inkjet printers will help you achieve ideal results, so we have compiled a list of the 5 best printers for hydrographic film that will produce the best possible results.

These printers not only will give you rich images, but will also save time and money with their convenient and unique features.

Top 5 Best Printer for Hydrographic Film Reviews in 2021

#1. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650

Coming in at number one is a great product from Epson: the EcoTank Pro ET-16650. Epson has always been regarded as one of the best brands when it comes to printers because of their high performance, extreme reliability, and how cost-efficient they are.

Besides, with higher technology, the printer that Epson provides is highly productive. This is an all-in-one printer that does almost everything: Print, scan, copy, and fax, as well as carry out all your tasks with the EcoTank Pro ET-16650.

And guess what? The most intriguing factor is you get two years of unlimited ink! As the number one selling super tank printer, this also tops our list of best printers for hydrographic film.

Highlighted Features:

• All in one setup; print, scan, copy, and fax.
• 2 years of unlimited free ink.
• 80% less ink in replacement; low-cost ink refills.
• Prints colored documents at a cost of only 2 cents.
• Ability to print wide formats up to 13 inches.
• Uses PrecisionCore Heat Free Technology; high-quality output.
• Up to 500 paper capacity; features a rear feed for specialty papers.

Features:

All in one

This all-in-one device will reduce the need for owning multiple gadgets. Aside from printing, you can copy, scan, and send faxes. This not only saves money, but it also saves space. Furthermore, despite housing so many capabilities in one setup, the size is not too large, and the weight of this masterpiece is light too, weighing in at only 46.1 pounds.

Place this anywhere in your house or office and bring those hydrographic films to life. This time, sacrifices for space will not be a concern.

Unlimited Free Ink for 2 Years

Who doesn’t like free stuff? And when it comes to ink, free=the best. As expensive as ink is, Epson decided to give all of the EcoTank Pro ET-16650 users a free ink promo that lasts for 2 years.

All you need to do is to activate the code within the first 24 hours of purchase and you are good to go. Cost-saving at the maximum. Be careful with ink though as once its placed, you will need to follow very specific steps to remove the ink from the page. 

PrecisionCore Heat Free Technology

Most printers need a warm-up period to actively start operating. However, not this printer. Equipped with high-tech PrecisionCore Hear Free Technology, you can start printing from the moment it turns on with no delay.

Furthermore, this printer will allow you to print your hydrographic films at a higher volume, and with much higher quality. Epson claims this printer will give you the quality of a print shop and they are not lying. Very few printers out there can match the level of details this one gives.

Economical Printing

In order to make printing easy and cost-free, Epson reduces replacement costs as low as 80%, and each ink bottle can print up to 7500 pages. In comparison to other options, this printer is hard to beat.

Additionally, up to 6000 copies can be printed when it comes to colored printing. Also, you don’t need to worry if you commonly print colored images because it only costs 2 cents per page for a high-definition picture.

In comparison, other printers may charge you up to 14 cents for each color page. That’s a 10 cent decrease which may seem insignificant, but adds up when you see the high level of reduction.

DuraBrite ET Ink

Another great feature of this printer is it uses DuraBrite ET Ink. This type of ink is quite popular for its vibrant black and white outputs. Additionally, color printing is not far off from perfection as well.

With the EcoTank Pro ET-16650, you’ll enjoy high-quality printing that doesn’t take long to dry. Convenient is at the best level.

Cons:

• Purchasing price is comparatively higher.

#2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300

Aside from specializing in photography, Canon is also well known for its excellent printing solutions. Claimed to be offering state-of-the-art printing, they have been dominating the market for quite some time.

When it comes to speed, maximum flexibility, and quality, Canon is exceptionally good. Therefore, to meet that demand, Canon has produced the imagePROGRAF PRO-300 which is top of the line. From color pigments to outputs, this printer shouts one thing: quality.

The LUCIA PRO ink won’t leave you with low-end products, and using the printer is extremely easy with the Nozzle Recovery System along with Skew Correction. Although hydro dipping can be complicated, printing is not.

Highlighted Features:

• 9 Color LUCIA PRO pigment ink system; excellent picture resolution.
• Chroma Optimizing coating and sealing; improve the quality and durability.
• Features Nozzle Recovery System and Skew Correction; intuitive to operate.
• Equipped with a 3.0” inch color LCD display; makes controlling simple.
• Professional grade printing; ideal for photo and fine art printing.
• Able to print banners as long as 39 inches.
• Small and lightweight; only 31.6 pounds.

Features:

9 Color Ink

While most printers come with 4 inks, this printer comes with 9. Specially designed to print high-quality photos as well fine arts, it offers high color accuracy. Besides, with the LUCIA PRO pigment, this printer will offer you a wider range of color gamut.

You can print any type of hydrographic image you want with this printer with incredible precision. High details will be at your fingertips.

Built-in Paper Roll Adapter

Have you ever wondered how cool it would be to print a hydrographic banner? Well, you can do that with the imagePROGRAF PRO-300. This printer comes with a very unique, yet highly effective feature that can print longer media.

Thanks to the Built-in Paper Roll Adapter, it lets you load longer papers in a cylindrical form. So, in case you are in need of printing banners, this won’t fail to serve you.

You can even print up to a 39-inch banner. For most, printing banners in such high definition will be a dream come true.

Chroma Optimizer

An additional great feature of this printer is that it provides long-lasting results. The Chroma Optimizer that this printer comes with will coat as well as seal your hydrographic films.

Therefore, not only will you see the excellence of quality, but your picture will also remain intact for a longer period. Moreover, it will be extremely helpful when you are using glossy or semi-glossy media.

Just because the lights will reflect evenly, the accuracy of colors will be at the maximum. From the richer blacks to the saturated reds, quality won’t be matched easily.

Stunning Images

Almost no printer can compete with this machine in terms of the quality of images. Having a resolution of 4,800 by 2,400 dots per inch will surely certify you with the level of details.

As an added bonus, Canon’s FINE print head technology is also featured. Consequently, this means the along with the higher definition, the vibrancy in color will be incomparable.

Convenient Display

Like most other options on this list, this printer also features a very convenient display. However, the most important part of this display is that it displays ink levels and system interfaces, and it can also help you to customize your prints.

Cons:

• Pricier than other options.
• Printing speed is on the slower side.

#3. Epson WorkForce WF-7720

Epson is one of the oldest and most well known brands in the printing business, so it’s no surprise they make some of the best printers out there. Coming in at number 3 is another one from Epson: the Epson WorkForce WF-7720.

While printing excellent media, this can also scan and fax. If you’ve ever used a laser printer before, this design goes beyond the capabilities of that with the PrecisionCore technology.

Besides, this economical gadget takes very little power to operate; as low as 80%. No matter if your printing volume is as high as 500 sheets, this printer won’t break a sweat.

Highlighted Features:

• PrecisionCore powered; high performance.
• Able to print borderless; up to 13 inches printing capability.
• Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, MacOS X 10.
• Uses 80% less power; very economical.
• Capable of printing at high volume; up to 500 sheets capacity.
• Features 4.3” color touchscreen; easy control and navigation.
• Offers automatic 2 sided printing, scan, and fax.

Features:

PrecisionCore – Technology of the Future

Any printer from Epson that has PrecisonCore will surely provide the top of line performance. PrecisionCore focuses on 5 factors; Speed, Quality, Reliability, Ink & Media Flexibility, and Scalability.

This printer excels in all these segments. From any documents to HD media to hydrographic films, performance will be at the finest.

Thanks to this technology, this will outperform any laser printer. The piezo element that this printer has will fire elements at the speed of 50,000 per second. Furthermore, they will reduce the probability of limitations that any heat-based system will face.

Wide Compatibility

Many users have one problem in common, non-compatibility with the operating systems. With this printer, say goodbye to those tensions. Almost every operating system that you can think of is supported by this printer. Furthermore, all the functions will work as well.

Enhanced Paper Handling

This printer is able to handle up to 500 papers in one go with 250 papers in each sheet tray.

There is also a feeder at the rear of the printer dedicated to specialty papers. With this, you will feel the convenience of printing without any sort of interruption. Organization is always important, especially when dealing with images and documents.

80% Less Power

The world is moving towards an eco-friendly environment and this nature-friendly printer uses 80% less power compared to any other laser printer.

Not only will this save you money, but it will also save energy that will help nature. The best part is, you are not compromising any quality at all. Moreover, energy is not the only thing it saves.

Thanks to a very convenient automatic 2 sided printing feature, this can save 50% of your paper supplies. Less paper means less use of woods, thus a greener environment.

Additionally, you will have a separated Auto Document Feeder for your double-sided printing needs. This will help you to set apart from other documents; a better organization.

Voice-Activated Printing

This modern printer comes with futuristic features such as a voice-assisted control. Ask Alexa to print your favorite picture or important document, and within a moment, you will feel the embrace of a hand-free experience with the grace of advanced technology.

Cons:

• Low quality with high graphical prints.
• Cost per page is on the higher side.

#4. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Wide-format printers of decent quality are hard to find. Even if you find one, the price can become a huge burden. Being concerned about that problem, Epson created the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000.

To give you the ultra-level of printing experience, this printer comes with several excellent features. From printing borderless outputs, to providing an ultra-wide color gamut, this printer is one of the best.

Besides, the wireless connectivity makes everything easy. All you need is a simple setup directly from the 2.4” colored LCD it comes with.

Highlighted Features:

• Wide-format A3 printer; can print up to 13” media or paper.
• Enables custom sizing; able to provide borderless prints.
• Compact yet very capable design; saves spaces.
• Uses 6-color Claria Photo HD inks; enhanced color accuracy.
• Easy wireless and wired connectivity.
• Automatic 2 sided printing features.
• Prints at 9.2 ISO ppm (Black), and 9.0 ISO ppm (Color); fast printing output.

Features:

Wide Printing Format

Up to 13 inches of hydrographic images can be printed. Also, for better results, this printer makes printed media borderless which will give your hydrographics a finer look.

Moreover, you can customize how much margin you want using the customizable features. Print your hydrographic film like never before with this printer.

6 Color Claria Photo HD Ink

Unlike most other printers where 4 inks are used, this comes with 6 individual color gamut. Red & Grey, two additional colors which will enhance the color accuracy of your prints flawlessly.

While being a photo-centric printer, the outputs it offers are hard to compete. Despite the fact that the printer is not aimed at professional photographers, the results demonstrate otherwise.

This also makes it a good alternative for anyone professional who is looking for a reasonable printer. This printer won’t break the bank while still giving you desired quality prints.

Versatile Connectivity

You can go either way with this printer, wired or wireless. If you are running on Wi-Fi, just connect with the printer and start printing. However, in any situation where Wi-Fi is not available, USB ports will be at your disposal.

This printer even comes with an Ethernet port to make sure you get the fastest internet connection.

Among very few printers that ensure connectivity in any situation, this printer leads the way. Embrace yourself with the sense of high versatility with the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000.

Compact yet Capable

Wide printers tend to be bigger as well, but this printer denies that stereotype. Designed to sit on any table, this printer is ultra-compact. If you are keen on knowing the numbers, that’s 30% less than any commercial one right now available in the market.

Printers at this size with this quality are hard to find. You can simply print your hydrographic films without sacrificing a larger area.

Automatic 2 Sided Printing

For those individuals who frequently print on both sides, this printer will make the task easy. The printer gives you the ability to print both sides of documents and media as much as you want.

This printer also comes with a 2.4” color LCD display to make setup and navigation easy.

You will have all the features in there (including the automatic 2 sided printing) that you can go through and select. To make hydrographic film printing hassle-free, a must-needed offering it has become.

Cons:

• Printing costs are comparatively on the higher side.
• Printing speed is not as fast as some of the counterparts.

#5. HP DesignJet T210

HP has been a major player in the printing industry for more than three decades now. From launching their very first desktop printer known as the Laserjet, they are thriving in the market.

Today, you will find a huge range of printers that are specially designed to serve your needs. One of those very convenient offerings from HP is their DesignJet T210. Being compact and modernly designed, this printer excels at almost everything it does.

From easy connectivity to speedy output, this printer is ready to give you the ultimate printing experience. Additionally, the one-click printing action is one of the essential features you will ever come across.

Highlighted Features:

• Features HP Click that can print multiple files with just one simple click.
• Comes with a built-in memory of 500 MB.
• Uses Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 Connectivity.
• Takes up to 45 seconds to print per A1/D; 59 pages in 1 hour.
• Made from 30% recycled plastic; eco-friendly design.
• Compact & lightweight; great for office and home.
• Convenient color touchscreen; easy controlling.
• Specially designed for professionals of AEC, MCAD, and GIS.

Features:

HP Click

Claimed to be the easiest job submission tool, HP Click has a unique flare. If you have a lot of printing jobs to be done and you don’t have much time to manually print all, HP Click will get your hydrographic printing done with just one tap. Moreover, It stores the command in the 500 MB memory it features. Therefore, it keeps the printing job running even when you are not around.

Hassle-free printing will bring the epitome of comfort to your fingertips with an app.

31% Better Accuracy

You will realize how good this printer is after using it since the picture quality is 31% better than all other printers.  With having the HP Bright Office inks inside, this printer is set to offer nothing but high quality and crisp images. Concerned about gamut? That’s 65% better.

High-Speed Printing

Say goodbye to the times when you had to wait forever to print just one page. With the DesignJet T210 by HP, you will notice the speed from the moment you start printing.

With the power to offer an A1 plot in 45 seconds, you will know you are going double the speed.

Eco-Friendly Design

Nowadays, sustainability is a huge concern. To go green, more and more companies are moving towards recycling, such as HP. Their DesignJet T210 has been made from 30% recycled plastic.

Consequently, they are not only reducing the number of plastics used, but also these printers decrease carbon emissions, approximately 7.3 tons per year. Aimed to make this world a better place, you will have a sense of relief inside you while using it.

Dynamic Security

As a result of easy internet connectivity, printer manufacturers are now more concerned with security. Hacking and data theft is a huge problem. Therefore, HP has devised a plan.

With dynamic security, no matter how strong the hacking attempts are, it is nearly impossible to hack. Besides, this only works with the cartridges which have only HP chips, new or old.

If you use any cartridge without an HP chip, it will block that right away. Over-exaggerated it may look, however, safety is definitely a concern.

Cons:

• Possible color issues with some photos as well as graphics.

Printer for Hydrographic Film Comparison Table

Name	Printer Output	Printing Technology	Printing Media
Epson ET-16650 Super Tank Printer	Color	Inkjet	Paper, Films, Hydrographic Films, Carbon Films
Canon image PRO Wide Format Printer	Color	Inkjet	Paper, Hydrographic Films, Carbon Films
Epson WorkForce Wireless Printer	Color	Inkjet	Paper, Hydrographic Films
Expression Photo HD XP-15000 by Epson	Color	Inkjet	Paper, Hydrographic Films
HP DesignJet Compact Printer	Color	Inkjet	Paper, Films, Hydrographic Films, Carbon Films

Buying Guide of Printer for Hydrographic Film

Printers are essential everyday gadgets that we use on a day-to-day basis. From home to office, in several situations in our life, we rely on this electronic device.

Therefore, buying a decent printer is no less important than buying an oven or a freezer. Before getting one, several decisions need to be made.

We believe your printer should not only be capable of printing at high definitions, but should also have reliability and longevity. Thus, our effort has led to a compilation of the features that any hydrographic printer should have.

Purpose

Are you getting a printer for your home or office? How big is your enterprise? Before deciding to buy a printer, answer these vital questions. Remember, the printer you are going to buy for the home will not be the same printer for the office.

Even though this may be sufficient for a smaller office, for any bigger space, a bigger printing machine would be required. Also, ensure what you are going to print? Is it only the hydrographic film or additionally you are going to print HD pictures? If you were to print greeting cards for example that would require a very different printer.

Eventually, with the advances of technology, printers do come in several types, intended for different purposes. Based on the purpose, the price will vary. If you’re looking to print heavier materials such as ID cards, that would require another class of printer.

Connectivity

Whichever printer you are likely to buy, always check if it has versatile connectivity. Using it with wireless systems will not be possible if it has only a wired connection. Convenient ones are those which feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Even some on our list of best printer for hydrographic film have Ethernet connectivity for high-speed internet.

Size

When buying a printer, size and weight are important factors to consider. A very useful feature for any printer is to be light and small so that you can carry that easily. 

Consequently, if you are looking for any printer for your home and office needs, go for the compact ones. You might, however, need a larger and more expensive one if you need to print in large volumes.

Furthermore, big-sized printer can also come with extra functionalities such as a copier and a scanner.

Printing Speed

Expressed as PPM (Pages per Minute), printing speeds are extremely important if you print frequently and in large volumes. A laser printer is comparatively faster than any inkjet printer.

However, the speed may also vary depending on the type of printing you are doing. As a result, documents printed in black and white take less time to print than HD pictures.

Quality

Always seek printers that are reputed for higher quality output. Fast printers that fail to provide better results should not be considered good. Printers with dedicated printing technologies such as the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 print unraveled outputs.

If you are a photographer who likes to print hydrographic films, getting such printers will never fail to amaze you. On the other hand, for any simpler tasks, spending money on such a powerful device is rather unnecessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

Despite hydro dipping’s long existence in the auto industry, other industries are only just getting into it. Therefore, confusion about what to get and what not to get is a common occurrence.

As a result, most people face problems finding the leading printer that will give the ultimate performance. In our article on the best printer for hydrographic film, we tried to cover all the leading printers out there.

These printers will surely enhance your experience and will leave you highly satisfied with the outstanding quality hydrographs. Additionally, they also offer a level of reliability and durability unmatched by any other printer.

Don’t wait and get yourself one today and start your journey in the hydro dipping community. Always remember, until you use it, you don’t know how much you want it. Thus hydro dipping is one of those gems that anyone, once in a lifetime should experience.