Digital BW, The Print

Paul,

Do you know what the dot size distribution is across the tonal scale  
for these "1.5 pl" printers?  Epson describes the new printers, not  
as 1.5 pl printers, but rather Dx5 variable drop size.  I'd assume  
that the smallest drop size (1.5pl) is used only in the highlights,  
but I don't really know that.  Here is Epson's blurb:
"With DX5 (droplets x 5 sizes), each nozzle has advanced capabilities  
to discern and adjust the ink droplet size based on the needs of your  
print job."

Can you look at a 21 step printed grayscale and actually see  
different drop sizes on the print?  Could also be resolution  
dependent where smallest drop sizes are only used at highest printing  
resolution.

Carl

On May 28, 2007, at 3:24 PM, Paul Roark wrote:

> Hi Myron,
>
>> For purely B&W printing using 3rd party B&W inks,
>> is there any advantage to the Epson 1800 over the 1400?
>
> I'm waiting for my 260 to arrive.  I'll let people know as soon as  
> I can get
> it running with my new approach.  Hopefully, I'll have the multi- 
> channel
> Eboni approach running in that under $100 printer soon.
>
>> Both have 1.5 picolitre jets, and both will handle 13" paper.
>> The 1800 has eight heads, while the 1400 has six, but this
>> should not be an issue with B&W.
>
> Yes, 3 channels appears to be all that are needed.
>
>> Will QTR work with the 1400?
>
> I expect QTR support is not too far off.  Also, I think I can set  
> up an
> Epson driver workflow with the 260/1400.
>
>> Aside from that, is there any reason I
>> should not save the $150-$200 and get the 1400?
>
> The relative build quality and paper handling will be issues I'll  
> be looking
> at.  One the one hand the 1400 is a second generation 1.5 pl  
> machine, so
> Epson may actually have learned a few lessons that will allow it to  
> improve
> the printing.  On the other hand, it's cheaper.  Some of the cheaper
> printers show it.
>
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com



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