ALPS Decal
The ALPS printer line has been discontinued, but still has a respectable following amid some professional printers and many hobbyists It was one of the few printing systems that could produce white alongside every other colour. This was an advantage when printing on a background other than white. Model train enthusiasts and other model building hobbyists found this very useful for printing decals. Unlike any other printer the ALPS system could produce white decals on models they were not usually white.
Most decals and printers use white as the default background colour. If the paper is white then the printer just leaves the area blank. On a decal we cannot assume this background colour. The decal can have a transparent section, and this will simply take on the appearance of the background where the decal is applied. It will only be white is the background is white.
Other ALPS Decal Advantages
ALPS can also print metallic colours like gold or silver.
Unlike some laser printers the printing from ALPS will not flake off if the decal is bent.
The ink decal on ALPS will not blur when covered with clear coat.
Images can be digital photo quality.
ALPS will have a slightly raised quality around the image.
ALPS decal ink
Even though the ALPS printers are no longer being produced, they stopped production in about 2010, there are still some suppliers of ink cartridges. These are apparently being phased out, and have become increasingly had to obtain.
White Toner Decal
There are three alternatives for producing white in decals. One is to make sure the area behind the decal is white. The other is to use a white toner cartridge in place of the black cartridge. This allows virtually any printer to produce white on decals. The only disadvantage to this method is that we cannot have black and white on the same decal. A third method is to print decals in two layers, the first of which contains white, the second of which contains black. The white can show through any blank area of the top decal.
White toner cartridges are available for more printers.
ALPS Decal
Sometimes we need to print white decals. ALPS printers can print to decal paper. Other printers can use a white toner cartridge in place of the black cartridge.
Information Disclaimer
The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.