Screen Printing Film Positive Printers | High Dmax Epson Printers

Professional Film Positive Printers: Achieve Maximum Dmax & UV-Opacity

Every Epson film transparency printer comes with a solid warranty, and you can easily renew your Epson Extended Service Warranty online. Plus, we’ve got you covered with premium film positives and vellum to keep your shop running smoothly.

Why Epson is the Standard for Screen Printing Transparencies

Unlike standard office inkjets, the Epson SureColor P-Series and T-Series printers utilize advanced MicroPiezo AMC print heads to deliver consistent ink droplet placement. This technology is critical for:

  • High-Density Black (Dmax): Achieving an opaque film that blocks 100% of UV light during exposure.
  • Razor-Sharp Halftones: Maintaining dot integrity for fine-detail photographic prints and gradients.
  • Carbon Black Mode: Utilizing Epson’s specialized ink technology to increase black density by up to 11% on Premium Film Media without the need for expensive "all-black" ink conversions.

The Complete Film Output Ecosystem

To get the most out of your hardware, Lawson integrates your printer into a high-performance workflow.

  1. Precision Hardware: From the desktop SureColor P700 (13" wide) to the large-format Epson T-Series (24" - 44" wide).
  2. Professional RIP Software: Total control over ink laydown and halftone screens with FilmMaker 11 or the Mac-compatible ColorMate RIP.
  3. Specialized Media: Our Water-Resistant Film Positives are top-coated to grab and hold ink, preventing "beading" and ensuring instant-dry results.

Commercial Screen Printing Film Positive Printers & RIP Software


A dedicated screen printing film positive printer is essential for outputting high-Dmax film transparencies with total UV opacity. Achieving maximum black optical density (Dmax) ensures complete UV light blocking during emulsion exposure, creating sharp stencil edges, clean halftones, and preventing light undercut on detailed artwork.

Choosing the Right Epson Film Output System


Selecting the best film positive printer depends on your max screen frame size, weekly film volume, and artwork complexity:

  • Desktop Printers (13" – 17" Widths): The compact Epson SureColor P700 (up to 13" wide) and Epson SureColor P900 (up to 17" wide) utilize MicroPiezo AMC print heads and UltraChrome PRO10 ink for high-density black output without requiring expensive all-black ink conversions.
  • Large-Format Printers (24" – 44" Widths): High-volume shops benefit from the Epson T-Series Printers, offering fast roll-fed printing for oversized spot-color films and high-run graphic production.
  • Turnkey Packages & RIP Software: Complete setups like the SP-1319 Film Printer Package paired with FilmMaker 11 RIP Software or Mac-compatible ColorMate RIP give you exact control over halftone dot shapes, LPI line screens, and ink laydown.


All Epson film transparency printers sold by Lawson Workhorse Group (LWG) include full warranty coverage, option for Epson Extended Service, equipment financing, and nationwide technical support out of primary facilities in St. Louis, MO, and Atlanta, GA.

Film Positive Printers: FAQ

Do I need specialized "all-black" ink to print film positives?


No. Modern printers like the Epson SureColor P900 use high-density UltraChrome PRO10 ink. When controlled by specialized RIP software like FilmMaker 11, standard cartridges achieve the required UV-opacity (Dmax 3.0+) without all-black ink conversions.

What is the difference between the Epson P700 and P900 for screen printing?


The primary difference is print width. The Epson P700 prints up to 13 inches wide (ideal for standard shirt graphics), while the Epson P900 prints up to 17 inches wide and supports an optional Roll Paper Adapter for continuous film rolls.

Why is specialized RIP software necessary for film positives?


Standard desktop printer drivers are calibrated for photos, not screen printing stencil exposure. RIP software (Raster Image Processor) allows you to control halftone dot angles, line counts (LPI), drop sizes, and ink density to ensure proper UV blocking.

What type of film media works best with Epson printers?


Use top-coated, microporous Water-Resistant Film Positives. These films trap inkjet droplets rapidly to prevent ink bleed and beading, resulting in crisp halftone edges and fast dry times.

Does Lawson provide support for setting up film printers and RIP software?


Yes. Lawson Workhorse Group provides complete installation support, RIP software calibration, and hands-on training from facilities in St. Louis, MO, and Atlanta, GA, as well as remote support across North America.