Digital BW, The Print

Hello Michele,

>I am pretty new to digital BW printing so it might appear a silly
>question but I wonder what are, generally speaking, the differences
>between using a RIP (QTR for example) and the ABW of Epson printers. 

The ABW mode is sort of a rudimentary built in RIP, only in the sense
that it blends the color inks to emulate BW tones.  Real RIPS do that
and much more, giving a huge amount of control beyond what ABW offers.
Whether you want/need that extra control is another matter.

ABW can produce very fine BW prints as is (article #9 at the link
below outlines a very good and simple ABW workflow).  But if, for
example, you wanted to eliminate all Y and do the toning with only LC
and LM, then you'd need a RIP to control each ink.  Using a RIP
involves a learning curve and more time and effort, so like
everything, there's a trade off.  

Nice thing about the K3 printers is you can start with ABW and move
into a RIP later if you feel the need.  There's no need to decide
before you buy the printer.

 
>Then, and more specifically, I am interested in knowing if it is
>worth going for a RIP or laying on the ABW of the Epson R3800. I 
>Will be printing BW both on matte and semi-glossy papers.

Beyond using a RIP or not, there are advantages to using K3 inks,
especially with the semi-glossy papers.  So the 3800 would be a good
investment with or without a RIP.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm