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Is improved halftone proofing finally becoming an inkjet reality?

August 20, 2008 In Q4 this year, most likely in time for Graph Expo, Epson will roll out two new Stylus Pro models: the 24´´ 7900 and the 44" 9900. First announced at drupa, the series, which features an 11-color ink system, is not a replacement product for the fourth-generation 7880/9880 printers, say Epson officials. Their wide-gamut, High Dynamic Range (HDR) inkset yields more vivid spot colors as well as black density and gray balance. Next-generation HDR pigments add orange and green to the mix.

Seiko piezo heads

Preliminary testing shows raw print speeds are up nearly twice as fast—thanks to the combination of a new rotary cutting system coming off of advanced printhead technology from Seiko Epson Corp. The Micro Piezo TFP heads feature nozzle density for performance gains, while a special coating minimizes the adherence of anything to the heads. And changing media is a snap, reports the manufacturer, with e-platen spindle-free, push-button loadiing.

Improved halftone inkjet proofs?

These devices can output a two-up proof in about three minutes, as opposed to the standard scenario of five and a half minutes. The heads accurately place precise, round dots—and the design features vibration meniscus control.

On-board spectrophotometric proofers, powered by X-Rite, are optional on the new Epsons (unlike HP, which embeds them) for customers who've already made significant spectro investments. Both printers are upgradable for either UV or full, including prints certified for remote proofing, for an add-on charge of approximately $1,500 and $2,500, respectively. There's aslo an option for a higher cartridge capacity of up to 700 ml. (vs. the standard 220 ml.).

On the green front, Epson stresses that all of its professional printers are Energy Star-compliant.

Prices start at around $3,995 (for the 7900) and $5,995—about $1,000 more than the current 880 series.

For more on wide-format print, see the cover story in the August issue of Graphic Arts Monthly.

Posted by Bill Esler on August 20, 2008 | Comments (0)