Digital BW, The Print

Steadman my friend, you wrote.....
  But...if I were responsible for tech support on the PiezoBW system....I would.  

  While the FS inks may deliver "close" or "identical" in your opinion, they are "different" inks.  And, related to the "identical" outcome....I seem to recall that you and others do have to make some adjustments to your image files to get that "close."  In other words, more work (though it may be minor for someone with your skills). 
  Not entirely true. Bob Zeiss had been working with Paul and others gathering detailed density data from test strips. He has been adjusting the densities of the middle tones to match the Piezo output exactly. I have been using a variant that is for all intents and purposes right on the money. I am now printing images with the Piezo software and MIS FS inks that are indestinguishable from the Piezo/Piezo originals (Except for a slightly cooler tone). From what I understand, the final mix should be ready for sale very shortly. No extra work needed.

  As you may know I strated using the ImagePrint 4 RIP. In our tests the blacks that I get knock the socks off of the black with Piezo software. In densitometer testing the Dmax for Piezo on H. Torchon is in the 1.67 range. With the IP4 RIP my tests show a Dmax of 1.92 to 2.0 depending on the paper. No extra work, just better prints.

  I will not comment on the Piezo inks, but from what I am hearing IJM is releasing new inks next months that will address certain outstanding problems that people have been experiencing.

  Anyway...it is good that there are alternatives out there.  I think alternatives are great. 

  I agree 100%.  

  Happy New Year

  Mike


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