Digital BW, The Print

On 04/26/2012 06:05 PM, Bill Kennedy wrote:

> I would add: at K2 Press we use both Epson and HP printers. Our HP Z3100
> has on-board profiling, which is a very nice feature with the upgraded
> software. However, the paper loading issues with HP should not be
> trivialized. Had they opted for something like the Epson--basically,
> gravity feed and manual loading, which makes it possible to print letter
> size and on non-traditional media easily (including papers with a
> deckled edge)--I'd be a very happy camper. But they did not and it
> creates nothing but problems.

It depends. You have to get used to the Zs media loading and sure it is 
not the easiest wide format on paper loading. That said I have printed 
sheets of many sizes and between 50 and 400 grams. I have printed roll 
media from 100 to 400 grams on cores 2 and 3" thick. The last meters 
from a 2" core can create problems, there are cures for that.

Of all the wide formats it may be best suited for intermittent jobs. The 
carts are not to big to get too old and pricing for twin 130 ML carts of 
the inks that are really used is competitive. Total of 6 heads will be 
$400 but you only need to exchange one at a time. 8 years in total here 
for two printers and only 4 heads replaced I think. There are 12 wipers 
to clean 12 nozzle areas and clogs are no issue at all. I have made 
access to the capping station easier so I can give them regular 
maintenance and that pays off too.

It is a champion for third party papers, calibration and profiling 
integrated and I can have a good profile within an hour for a new paper. 
The B&W quality on matte papers is one of the best for OEM wide formats. 
For B&W gloss there are issues with gloss difference and bronzing.


-- 
Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst

Dinkla Grafische Techniek
Quad, pi\ufffdzografie, gicl\ufffde
www.pigment-print.com