Digital BW, The Print

Steadman,

You wrote:

>When you compare the curves of the VM inkset with the PiezoBW prints:

>1.  Is the PiezoBW closer to the "medium warm" or "warm"

Piezo is just a hair warmer than the medium warm VM curve, at least if you
look at the red and blue RGB readings.  However, Piezo has a higher green
reading, so it has a slightly different look.

>2.  Does the VM variable nature allow you to
>go beyond the warmth of PiezoBW...in other words
>get it even warmer? (I like really warm prints.)

Yes.  The native MIS color is essentially the VM warm curve colors, and they
are noticeably warmer than Piezo.  Of course, you can also put the prints in
the sun for a while to warm them.  MIS inks warm a bit faster than Piezo at
first, but fade less.

>3.  Do you have to flush your CIS of PiezoBW inks before
>using the VM inks...or can one just fill up (top off)
>the 4 ounce bottles  with the VM inks to replace the Piezo inks?

On the 4-ink printers, the VM and Piezo inks are not only rather compatible
(I never use flushing fluid and have never had a clog even with lots of
switching of carts), but the gray inks are also the same density.  So, you
could probably salvage the CIS.  While you'd have some color inconsistencies
in the grays for a while, they would not be too far off.

The toner is another issue.  With the toner (yellow) position, I'd print
some solid yellow pages for a while until you get a consistent blue color.
Otherwise, you'll see the mixing of the inks in streaking, I'd guess.

So, bottom line, you can probably save the CIS, but get rid of as much of
the light inks as possible because there are some color differences.  (The
blacks are the same.)  The toner position will be the most critical and
hardest to clean out.

>4. Does anyone out there know if there are any
>"compatibility issues" with pouring the VM inks
>into a CIS that has been using PiezoBW and is not "clean."

See the above.  No guarantees, but I have never seen any evidence of
problems.  More likely you'll just have a hard time cleaning out the sponges
in the head.

Is it possible to replace the cartridge part cheaply?  Does MIS have a
cheaper part that will work and avoid the ink mixing in the cartridge
sponges?  This might be an interesting question for MIS.

>5.  If my PiezoBW inkset is running low on Black...
>can I just buy some MIS VM Black and pour it in on
>top of my PiezoBW Black to use until I run low on the
>other Piezo tones (CYM)?

I think the VM/FS MIS black is essentially the same ink -- maybe it is
actually the same ink.  So, I'd guess you can use it as a substitute.

Hope this helps.

Paul