Digital BW, The Print

> 
> Wilhelm has longevity ratings of the R2400 AdvancedB&W prints at between
> 78 and 200 years on different papers UNFRAMED :-
> 
> http://www.wilhelm-research.com/epson/WIR_Ep_R2400_2005_06_30.pdf
> 
> The normal color prints are rated at 34-68 years UNFRAMED.

See the note at the top right on page 3 of his PDF.  It says, in part: "The
Display Permanence Ratings given here are based on long-term testing with
the previous generation of UltraChrome inks."

So, there is nothing new here.  These are 2200 results.

The Wilhelm quote continues: "WIR testing to date with UltraChrome K3 inks
indicates that significant increases in Display Permanence Ratings for
black-and-white prints can be expected because the three-level highly-stable
carbon pigment based black inks in the UltraChrome K3 inkset largely replace
the cyan, magenta, and yellow color inks ..."

OK, so the 2400 uses more of the LK and LLK than the 2200, I assume.

But "carbon" pigments?

The 2400 Material Safety Data Sheet indicates that the LK ink has ">2%"
carbon black and ">2% 'Proprietary dyes and pigments'."  (The LLK is ">1%"
each.)

This is an interesting change, however.  The 7600 MSDS has LK having ">1%"
carbon and ">9%" "Proprietary dyes and pigments."  So, they seem to be
moving in the direction of carbon, even if they are still not predominantly
carbon pigments and, perhaps, should not be called that.

(To get to a list of the MSDSs, just search "MSDS" on the US Epson site.)

In footnote 1 Wilhelm repeats that while the UC and UC K3 color permanence
ratings are similar, "with black and white prints, the display permanence
ratings with UltraChrome K3 inks are significantly improved because the
three-level, highly-stable carbon pigment based black inks ... are used over
the entire tonal scale and largely replace the less stable cyan, magenta,
and yellow color inks ..."

Note also (as indicated on his FN 2) Wilhelm measures densities of 0.6 and
1.0.  As such, his tests miss the highlights, where the scans seem to
indicate the prints are color prints.  Wilhelm's testing may also miss the
OBA "yellowing."

Whether these misstatements are material will have to wait for further fade
testing.

I think I'll e-mail WIR and see if I get a reaction from them. 


Paul
www.PaulRoark.com 

> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul Roark" <paul.roark@...>
> 
> Are the numbers you posted for one of the rips with the 2400 or with the
> Advanced B&W mode?
> 
> At http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/4800_ABW_5-10_1600scan.jpg I've posted a
> scan of a 4800 5% and 10% test strip that was printed with the ABW mode.
> The 5%, which I think is 242 on the scale you're using, seems to be mostly
> color inks.
> 
> The bottom line, of course, is how the prints do in fade testing.  I have
> one going now that should show results by the end of August.
>