Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 1/30/06 1:50:27 PM, nghin@... writes:


> Though the Designjet printers have linearizing functions as part of
> their built-in color calibration, the only way I can make an
> acceptable monochrome print is to employ a Wasatch SoftRIP. For color
> work on non-HP media I also have to use SoftRIP as the printer dumps
> so much ink that instant dry microporous media just cannot handle. I
> suspect HP increased the Vivera/swellable longevity by using large
> amount of ink in a virtually bottomless swellable substrate.
> 
Yes, high ink densities are used for swellable media settings.. Microporous 
media with dye inks are great for throwaway uses, and definately require 
different ink loads. A RIP is one way to control this, but not the only way. The 
Media Setting Check step in PrintFIX PRO allows you to print an appropriate test 
image at a number of media settings and determine which is most appropriate 
for the media you are using. That, in conjunction with relinearizing the printer 
for that media category (even if its name is totally unrelated to the paper 
type involved) with that media, will get you to a point quite similar to what 
RIP controls offer.
> 
> Still I think you may run into a clogging problem if you try to use
> the MIS hextone ink in your HP printer. But at least you can buy
> replacement printheads if you manage to clog them all up  :)  You also
> might want to make sure to flush all HP ink from your printer before
> loading the MIS ink.
> 
One solution is to simply buy a new set of heads to go with your specialty 
inkset. This assures clean heads and no ink conflicts; but it also means you can 
swap out between inks (say, your color set, and your black and white set) 
smoothly, at will.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com


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