Digital BW, The Print

Mark:
With dyes and swellable polymer papers, humidity conditions can vary the results significantly. When I was running my initial tests with Wilhelm using Ilford dyes 11 years ago, it became apparent that dye migration seems to happen at 50% and greater humidity conditions, which leads to premature magenta failure. (at least with the Ilford dyes we were testing) 

Also, in testing with gelatin ink receptor papers (Extreem Gamut high gloss), low humidity conditions when printing, slowed the absorption of the dye inks, allowing them to pool and intermingle more. Our theory was that high humidity when printing allowed the dyes to be absorbed better by the gelatin. 

In any event, the lower the humidity for storage or display, the longer the life of dye prints. 

In informal south window testing using 4 dilutions of Ilford black in B&W printing, Allen Maertz said the resulting prints on swellable polymer papers were "nearly indestructible" when it came to visible fading.

This also seems to corralate to Wilhlems early findings that "pure color" printed dye patches had extremely high fade resistance compared to dye patches printed with intermingled colors. (especially magenta and cyan, Ilford dye inks)

Dyes, are a more complicated model to test, compared to pigments. Especially when we consider the Epson 1280 fiasco, which enlightened all of us to the nature of atmospheric pollution as a source of premature dye failure.

John Nollendorfs

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Mark" <mark@...> wrote:
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> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "pdesmidt tds.net" <pdesmidt@> wrote:
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> > I have a Designjet 130, and so if any tests are needed, I'd be happy to take
> > part.
> > 
> > 
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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> Despite a hefty backlog of samples I'm working hard to get into testing combined with a sad lack of fund to do the work, I believe the Designjet 130 is historically important, and it should be represented directly in the AaI&A database.  Peter, please contact me off list and together we can pick out which media would be best to test. I still have some HP swellable paper stock (HP soft gloss, satin, Ilford Classic Pearl, etc) in stock if you don't.  Anyone else have a suggestion on appropriate media to test with the Designjet 130?  Speak now, or ...
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> thanks,
> Mark
> http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com
>