Digital BW, The Print

I've placed an incomplete list of suppliers for the Noritsu ink at http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Noritsu-suppliers.pdf

I've used the first 2.

The 1400 tests have been so good I'm going to set up an easy workflow on an Epson WorkForce 30 -- a $60 printer that is supposed to print very quickly in text mode.  This will ultimately go to one of my daughters at college for a long term beta test.  The very fast text printing is needed, and while the C88 with dilute Eboni has been very reliable with one daughter, a similar C88 with dilute glossy carbon has not been so reliable.  The dye ink should avoid these problems.  We'll see.

I'll also be able to judge the effects of dilutions on 3 pl printers with the WorkForce 30.  Before it goes to college I'll test more dilutions and toning.

So far, the 30% dilution of Noritsu PK + 10% Claria M has been able to make excellent prints on all glossy papers.  On most matte papers it's too green.  However, the Red River Premium Matte looks excellent with it, and has a dmax of 1.8 +.  

H. Photo Rag has the best dmax with Noritsu K at just over 2.0.  It'll need more magenta to tame the green tone, however. 

I'll continue to use the 1400 to experiment with various dilute mixes.  However, for easy control of tone and no need to mix anything, Noritsu K in one cart and a standard Claria M for toning it may make the most sense for most who want to explore this path on a 1400 and are comfortable using QTR.  The concentrated inks should be smooth enough for most on 1.5 pl printers without the need for any dilute positions.

I think it also makes some sense to find buying groups to split the large 500 ml carts for those who are just occasional users. 

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com