PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Bigger Inkjet, Easier Proofs

Epson announced new additions to the Stylus Pro series, upgrading its large-format printing line. The 17´´ Stylus Pro 4880, 24´´ 7880, 44´´ 9880 and—in a new size—64´´ 11880 models all feature UltraChrome K3 ink with what Epson calls Vivid Magenta technology, adding higher-density magenta pigments (now dubbed vivid and vivid light) to the color gamut.

First launched in 2005, UltraChrome K3 uses three different black inks to improve gray balance and minimize color cast problems. The company says its ink's black density now rates as high as 2.55 Dmax.

The 11880 model expands ink capacity from eight to nine cartridges, so the user will no longer have to switch out photo black and matte black from job to job. Both black pigments remain installed at the same time, and the printer can automatically choose the right one for each task. To sustain output speed at bigger dimensions, the trio of larger printers carries pressurized cartridges; the 11880's cartridges also hold 900 ml instead of 110 and 220 ml.

Epson says the Micro Piezo printheads on its Stylus Pros are more resilient than thermal printheads, which can become degraded by repeated heating. Variable-sized droplet capability returns from the previous large-format generation.

Epson's new models now include an ink-repellant coating that reduces nozzle clogging, and the 11880 also comes with a new automatic nozzle cleaning system. The 64´´ goliath's printheads double nozzle density from 180 to 360 dpi and feature meniscus control, which limits liquid vibration in the nozzle for more consistently round droplets and accurate placement.

Data transfer is faster through the 11880's Gigabit Ethernet interface, rated at 10 times the speed of 10/100 Ethernet, and USB 2.0 also comes on every Stylus Pro. Epson's new AccuPhoto HD screening engine reduces graininess at both low and high resolutions—which run up to 2880×1440 dpi—for smoother images and more accurate colors.

The Stylus Pros can print on substrates as thick as 1.5 mm. The 4880 model includes a cassette feed mechanism for sheetfed paper. An automatic take-up unit—winding web output onto a reel—comes standard on the 11880 and optional on the 9880. Epson also says automatic cutting is improved from earlier models.

The new line of Stylus Pros will be available in the U.S. this October; prices for base models range from $1,995 to $14,995.

Large-format inkjet printers find use in imposition proofing, and Epson partner xpedx offers a retrofit system, called KwikFlip, for dual-sided imposition proofing with 7600, 7800, 9600, 9800 and 10600 inkjet models.

A lot of printers have been spraying adhesive and gluing together separate print-outs to create a two-sided proof, but a KwikFlip user only has to flip the proof sheet once. xpedx says the manual system's simplicity makes it more reliable—particularly for on-and-off usage—than automated proofing systems.

Capable of four-up or eight-up, KwikFlip backs up low-resolution proofs in conjunction with an EFI RIP and a bi-directional ICC profile. Available for under $5,000, the system comes with one day of on-site configuration and training from a company technician. xpedx says it is working on making KwikFlip compatible with Epson's newest line of Stylus Pros described above. www.epson.com, www.xpedx.com