Digital BW, The Print

"waterwin2" <waterwin2@...> wrote:

>... I have some questions to complete my understanding before 
> making the move to 3K printing/BO with my R1800.
> 
> Q1. In some forums you still read that not using the Epson 
> original inks results in fast clogging ...

All inks can clog a printer if they dry out, usually through non-use of the printer or a faulty machine.  Eboni has been used by me and lots of others for years.  I'm not sure I've ever heard of it wrecking a printer, on the other hand, I do occasionally have to do a cleaning if the printer has sat unused for a while -- like a week or more.  I think Eboni is in the same league with OEM inks in terms of how often this type of thing happens.

What you'll more likely run into is that at first there may be air or foam in the outlet of the cart.  If you don't get a good nozzle check at first or after a couple of cleanings, let the printer sit overnight so the foam can dissipate.

The number one problem is that people don't take the tab off the air intake on the cart.  If air cannot get in, ink cannot get out.  The third party carts require the air intake to be opened manually.

> Q2. When using 3K, are you in fact creating something like 
> a tri-tone print, as the ink in all 3 positions is the 
> same black ink?

The reason 3 Eboni inks are used is that the 1800 tends to band if too few inks are firing.  The inks start sequentially, but all will be firing by the dark midtones.

> Q3. Am I right when I think what I need to order from 
> MIS Associates is the following:
> 
> 3 cleaning cartridges to ...

Cleaning carts are probably a good idea.  I, frankly, don't always use them.  In fact, I mix my own clear fluid -- what I call the C6 base.  See http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Ink-Mixing.pdf 

> 3 cartridges for black for the positions matte black, photo
>  black and gloss
> 1 bottle of ink, 125 ml to refill when my new 3K cartridges 
> go empty

Correct.

 
> Do I need something else for instance to be able to fill 
> the cartridges? Like a syringe (is that the right word in English?).

Yes, get a syringe (12cc) and a dull needle.
 
> Also I need QTR license from Paul Roark.

QTR is Roy Harrington's product, not mine.  
See http://www.quadtonerip.com/html/QTRoverview.html 


> Q4. How often do you have to print to keep the system 
> in good working condition? ...

It seems to depend on climate (temperature, humidity and elevation) as well as the printer quality.  My 1800 recently sat unused for months, and the nozzle check was perfect for the Eboni spots when I fired it up again.  I think weekly use is a good idea.

 
> Q5. Is it better to leave the printer on instead of switching 
> it off every day after printing has finished? ...

I've heard lots of opinions here, but I really don't know which is better.  I turn off most of my printers, but not the one I use every day.

I hope the system works for you.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com