Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Steven
Karafyllakis" <steve@s...> wrote:
> Tyler;
> 
> You're right, I do prefer the 'mixed in' approach to the extent it's 
> possible for neutral B&W,

As a died in the wool mono quad ink user I have to agree. But I admit
to being a bit ideological about it. However the difference is not all
in my head...

> and yes, the differences between the two 
> could stand more discussion. I find looking closely at a B&W image 
> and finding it's made up of color dots almost as off-putting as 
> microbanding. While it may not be a mechanical flaw like 
> microbanding, it is still a reminder that this print was made by a 
> machine. And while I can adjust to that at one level, I also don't 
> want to be reminded of it in that way.

Again we agree, but as the printers evolve, these impressions may
become much less noticeable. I think the issue is more relevant since
the introduction of the UC inks with a light K, and solutions like
ImagePrint, and now QTR and IJC. As we all get more experience and
exposure to the K3 inks and smaller dots, things evolve again.

...
> > Based on your post I think you favor the "mixed in" approach, but 
> to
> > be clear, you actually are utilizing a color component.
> 
> I've always aknowledged as much-now how do we get rid of it,

Based in what I see around us available now, I don't think it's
possible. What we would be after is a single pigment or colorant of
some kind that is neutral on it's own. We already know from experience
that carbon in the manner it is currently used in ink is not it, it's
too warm.

But we are also experiencing a split in the B&W inkjet market place.
Some people favor what they perceive as a superior image structure
over little to no variable hue ability.
Others see no advantage to a lot of partitioned blacks, and favor the
ability to get multiple hued mono prints with some convenience. Still
others simply want decent color and B&W from the same ink set.
I'm just thinking out loud, it seems all theoretical at this point.
Your idea of an inkset with no colorants at all does seem intriguing,
maybe it's not possible right now. And you'll have to accept the image
hue you get, if you want it to stay true to your concept. I'm hearing
rumblings of white ink coming some day. I wonder if diluting your K
ink with that instead of clear carrier would be viable, or any different.
Tyler