Digital BW, The Print

On 16-03-14 01:01, roark.paul@... wrote:
> Epson has entered the "dry-lab" (mini-lab) business with a printer called the SureLab D3000.  It uses dyes for superior glossy image quality, and Epson has been claiming "archival" image stability, with prints that will last for "generations" if properly displayed and stored.  On the other hand, early, pre-release information stated,  "lightfastness ratings 80 years," which is consistent with Wilhelm's claims for Claria dyes.
>
>   I have been using Epson-made Noritsu D701 dyes (which appear to be the same as Claria) for my printers with very good results (see for example http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/4000-Noritsu-5K-Plus.pdf http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/4000-Noritsu-5K-Plus.pdf ), although I make no claims that these are particularly "archival."  In fact, they are the cheap end of my attempt to divide my markets, with carbon being at the higher end.
>
>
>   So, I was particularly intrigued by the Epson UC D6 MSDS that states that the D6 black is a carbon black.  A carbon black that could print on glossy paper with no gloss differential or other annoying artifacts would be quite an achievement.
>
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>   I have now obtained a sample of the D6 black ink, and my conclusions are that the MSDS is in error.  It is a dye very similar to, if not exactly the same as, Epson's Claria and Noritsu black dyes.
>
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>   See http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/UltraChrome-D6-Noritsu-blacks-compared.pdf http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/UltraChrome-D6-Noritsu-blacks-compared.pdf for copies of the relevant parts of the MSDS and some comparisons of Lab L, A and B graphs of the inks.
>
>
>   Paul
>   www.PaulRoark.com http://www.PaulRoark.com
>

Paul,

In the past when Claria was introduced we both more or less concluded it 
was hybrid between dye and pigment based on the few documents describing 
the colorant structure.
Like you I think that this dry minilab ink is the same as Claria and 
Noritsu/Fuji minilab inks. That Epson shifts it more to pigment in the 
specification is probably more a marketing thing than representing the 
facts. Even in an MSDS.


-- 
Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst

http://www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htm
January 2014, 600+ inkjet media white spectral plots.