Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Joost Horsten" > > >[..] in a 1.5pl printer, what would be preferable:  MK+LK or MK+LLK?

> > I think in terms of smoothness, the MK-LK might be very good, but MK-LLK would also work fine. 

> Thanks again Paul. From your reply it's obvious that I just should start with installing the complete UT3D ink set and run some experiments with QTR using different ink combinations and see for myself. 

Paul,

In the meanhwile I've got an R285 installed with the UT-3D inks and did first experiments. First findings:

MK+LK+LLK: extremely smooth, with the naked eye on very close distance no grain visible whatsoever, with a loupe some barely visible. Just superb, to the level one can consider it to be overdone.

MK+LK: as expected coarser in the higlights, to my taste just a bit too coarse. 

MK+LLK: prefectly smooth highlights, midtones just a bit grainy 

Of the two 2K combos, I prefer the MK+LLK one. However, I've the feeling I could sacrifice some smoothness in the highlights to improve the midtones. I guess that would require a density between that of LK (~33%) and  LLK (~16%). As I do have some base, I could create a "optimal" mix. 

Have you by chance ever looked into the optimum LK/LLK density for such a 2K setup on a 1.5pl printer?

Joost