The VPA plot labs offer student’s access to state-of-the-art printing technologies for large format full color printing. Within the lab, we can print on eight different types of paper including Matt-Poly, Adhesive Matt-Poly, Super Heavy Weight, Coated, Vellum, Clear Film, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss Photo. All plot labs within the VPA are staffed with technicians who will assist students with the printing process. All files prepared for the printing process should be submitted through the online file submission form. Riso Lab prints must be done on one of the lab computers and will not need to use the online form.
Printer/Paper Specs.
**When submitting a file for the printing process be sure to save the file in a .pdf format with the file name in the following format: SU Net ID_Type of Paper_File Name.**
Printer | Dimensions | Acceptable Paper Type | Location | Number of Printers |
HP z6200 | 41.6” print width | Roll | Warehouse | 3 |
HP z6800 | 58.6” print width | Roll | Warehouse | 1 |
HP z5400 | 41.6” print width | Roll | Shaffer | 1 |
Risograph | 11”x17” (max) | Sheet | Shaffer | 1 |
Paper Type | Style | Dimensions | Location |
Super Heavyweight Matte Plus
| Roll | 42”x100’ and 60”x100’ | Warehouse/Shaffer |
Matte Poly | Roll | 42”x100’ and 60”x100’ | Warehous/Shaffer |
Adh. Matte Poly | Roll | 42”100’ and 60”x100’ | Warehouse |
Vellum | Roll | 42”x 100’ | Warehouse |
Clear Film | Roll | 42”x 100’ | Warehouse |
Semi-Gloss | Roll | 42”x 100’ | Warehouse |
Scrim | Roll | 42”x 100’ | Warehouse |
Gloss Photo | Roll | 42”x 100’ | Warehouse |
Heavyweight Coated | Roll | 42”x 100’ | Warehouse |
Crest Classic | Sheet | 11”x17” | Shaffer |
Finch News Print | Sheet | 11”x17” | Shaffer |
Nancy Cantor Plot Lab Information
The plot lab at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse is in place to support all VPA students with access to large format color printing and vinyl cutting. The lab houses a small fleet of printers including three HP z6200, a HP z6800, and one CNC vinyl cutter. This space operates as a service bureau, and file submission should adhere to the general plot lab guidelines. Students are encourage to utilize the lab space and tools to complete any post process work necessary for their projects. The Warehouse Plot lab offers the widest variety of paper types within the VPA, and is ideal for students seeking a range of printing options. Files should be sent at scale with any necessary compression. Technicians can help guide students in file setup, but are unable to make edits or changes to files.
*All plot lab services are on a first come first serve basis. We will do our best to accommodate deadlines, but we cannot guarantee same day turnaround.*
**All large format prints are exempt from the VPA Shops printing refund policy. If a print is noticeably flawed due to a machine/employee error, a reprint may be requested upon receiving the print at zero cost to the recipient. All requests must take place with in (24) hours of printing. If a reprint request is made at a later date, it is up to the attending Shop manager's discretion, however the recipient may be responsible for the full price of the print regardless of prior circumstances. Please check all prints at time of pick up.**
Shaffer Plot/Risograph Lab
Riso Handbook [Word Doc}
Riso Lab Photoshop Template
The plot lab located in Shaffer Art Building will act as a secondary location for large format and Risograph printing accessible to all student in the VPA during all hours of open access. This lab will feature an automated ink press and a HP z5400 plotter. This specific lab will stock all essential paper types for both the Risograph printer and the Hp z5400. The Shaffer lab is staffed with knowledgeable technicians during all hours of operation to ensure ease of access. This space will operate less like a service bureau and more like a collaborative space between technicians and students. All file submission should adhere to the general plot lab guidelines. Students who are looking for a more diverse selection of paper types for printing should visit the Nancy Cantor Warehouse Plot Lab for processing their work.
For additional help with common software packages used in Riso printing, such as Adobe Photoshop, please check out LinkedIn Learning.
**All plot lab services are on a first come first serve basis. We will do our best to accommodate deadlines, but we cannot guarantee same-day turnaround.**
Network Attached Printing
To connect to network attached printers in VPA please check the following link. All students within VPA start the school year off with a credit of $40.00 for paper printing. Students can take advantage of this credit throughout any building on campus that has open access paper printing. A list of available printers/rates can be found at printing.syr.edu. Once logged in using your SU netID and password, students can release print jobs, view recent jobs, add funds, etc.
Printer Issue Alert Form (Click Link)
*This request is only applicable for printer hardware failure
Network Attached Printer Refund Request Form (Click Link)