Digital BW, The Print

> What are the percentages of gray ink,  in each respective cartridge
> of the MIS UT-R2 inksets that go in the R220. Both the Neutral set
> and the Warm set.  Is there a difference between gray ink density,
> and ink percentage?

I don't think in terms of ink percentages, because it implies some absolute
standard reference point.  Percentage of what?  Measuring the carbon content
or density?

MIS occasionally uses a percentage number on its inks, but they should not
be taken literally.  They are only used to indicate relative density, and
the percentages used are not directly related to any content or measure.

The UT R2 midtone inks come in 2 densities and 2 tones (hues).  The neutral
C & M inks are the same ink.  The neutral LC, LM, and Y are the same ink.
Ditto for the warm inks.  The densities are the same as most of the other
recent inksets I've worked on.  The carbon (warm) set is, in fact, the same
as the UT2 and UT7 (and UT 3D) carbon.  These are standard densities that
I've found to match the Epson driver assumptions and crossovers.  All Epson
hextone printers are surprisingly alike.


> 
> Would you be kind enough to explain what the chemistry is that makes
> one set Neutral and one set Warm.

The warm is pure carbon.

The neutral has cyan and R800 clone blue pigments added to cool it down to
close to neutral.  How neutral it is depends on the paper.  I try not to
have it go green, however.   As such on most papers it has a very slight
magenta or "selenium" tone. Lab a* between 0 and 1 is my ideal range for
neutral a midtone with Lab b* = 0.


> You suggest that by replacing the yellow positioned cartridge in the
> Neutral set,  with that of a respective Warm cartridge,  it will warm
> the Neutral prints.   Are there other combinations that you would
> recommend juggling?

It's really a matter of personal taste and paper choice.  You can also mix
(physically pour them together) the warm and neutral inks to any
intermediate hue.  You can also use cool in the light and warm in the dark
or vice versa for a split tone affect.  

Have fun; experiment.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com