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Printing Insights #034

Epson Ultrachrome K3 Ink based Printers



preview by Uwe Steinmueller

 
 
 

It is now about 3 years that Epson intorduced it's Ultrachrome Ink printers. First the consumer 13" Epson Stylus 2200, then the 7600/9600 Pro machines and finally in 2004 the 17" 4000.

So it is no real surprise that Epson announces a new line of printers that are based on a modified new ink set. This time all four sizes are announced at the same time (even if the 7800/9800 will ship later than the R2400 and 4800.


 

Ultrachrome K3 Pigment Inks

The new inkset includes 3 blacks (that is why it is called K3). There is a new Light Light Black in addition to the Black and Light Black.

We have not had any chance to try a K3 printer ourselves but they seem to very interesting at least:

Here are Epson's claims:

  • High-gloss Microcrystal Encapsulation™ Technology for reduced gloss differential
  • Depending upon media – produces a black density up to 2.44 with an L* value of 3.17

Both are very welcome properties.


B&W from K3 inks

This seems to be the first Epson ink set that will allow B&W and Color form the same inks and from the Epson drivers.


B&W driver options

Here are Epson's claims:

  • Simultaneously uses Black, Light Black, and Light Light Black inks
  • Significantly improves the printer’s gray balance while eliminating color casts
  • Dramatically reduces the metamerism and bronzing of basic pigment chemistry
  • Enhances the ICC profiling process for ColorSync™ and ICM™ workflows

The new K3 Printers


Ships in May: EPP $849

  • Epson UltraChrome™ K3 Ink Technology
  • Media Handling up to 13” Wide
  • True Cut-Sheet BorderFree® Printing from 4”x 6” up to 13” x 19”
  • Includes Sheet, Roll, and Thick Paper Paths
  • Maximum Optimized Resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi
  • Variable Droplet Micro Piezo® Technology
  • High-Performance Print Engine Speeds
  • Eight Individual Ink Cartridges
  • USB 2.0 and IEEE1394 (FireWire®) Support
  • Four free filters from NIK Multimedia Color Efex Pro 2.0
  • Epson RAW Print Software
  • X-Rite Color Guide with Monaco EZ Color Demo


Ships in May: EPP $1,995

  • Epson UltraChrome™ K3 Ink Technology
  • Professional Media Handling up to 17” Wide
  • Built-in High-Capacity Paper Tray from Letter up to 17” x 22”
  • Maximum Resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi
  • Variable Droplet Micro Piezo® DX3™ Technology
  • High-Performance Print Engine Speeds
  • Epson Colorimetric Calibration™ Technology
  • Eight Individual High-Capacity Ink Cartridges – 110ml and 220ml
  • Standard Roll Feeder with Built-in Media Cutter
  • Automatic Head Alignment and Cleaning Technologies
  • USB 2.0, FireWire®, and Optional 10/100 BaseT Ethernet
  • Epson PrintJob™ Information System
  • One-Year Epson PreferredSM Protection Plan
Note: The cartridges of the 4800 cannot be used on the 7800/9800 printers as the 7800/9800 cartridges are pressurized to keep the ink flowing fast enough to the print head because the wider format designs require the ink to travel a longer distance through the tubes from the cartridge to the head. The 4800's smaller design doesn't need the pressurized system.

 


Ships in Fall: EPP $2,995 (includes stand)

  • Epson UltraChrome™ K3 Ink Technology
  • Professional Media Handling up to 24” Wide
  • Handles Roll or Cut Sheet Media from Letter up to 24” Wide
  • Maximum Resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi
  • Variable Droplet Micro Piezo® DX3™ Technology
  • High-Performance Print Engine Speeds
  • Epson Colorimetric Calibration™ Technology
  • Eight Individual High-Capacity Ink Cartridges – 110ml and 220ml
  • New Pressurized Ink Cartridge Technology
  • Built-in Media Cutter
  • Automatic Head Alignment and Cleaning Technologies
  • USB 2.0, FireWire®, and Optional 10/100 BaseT Ethernet
  • Epson PrintJob™ Information System
  • One-Year Epson PreferredSM Protection Plan


Ships in Fall: EPP $4,995 (includes stand)

  • Epson UltraChrome™ K3 Ink Technology
  • Professional Media Handling up to 44” Wide
  • Handles Roll or Cut Sheet Media from Letter up to 44” Wide
  • Maximum Resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi
  • Variable Droplet Micro Piezo® DX3™ Technology
  • High-Performance Print Engine Speeds
  • Epson Colorimetric Calibration™ Technology
  • Eight Individual High-Capacity Ink Cartridges – 110ml and 220ml
  • New Pressurized Ink Cartridge Technology
  • Built-in Media Cutter
  • Automatic Head Alignment and Cleaning Technologies
  • USB 2.0, FireWire®, and Optional 10/100 BaseT Ethernet
  • Epson PrintJob™ Information System
  • One-Year Epson PreferredSM Protection Plan
Note: The cartridges of the 4800 cannot be used on the 7800/9800 printers as the 7800/9800 cartridges are pressurized to keep the ink flowing fast enough to the print head because the wider format designs require the ink to travel a longer distance through the tubes from the cartridge to the head. The 4800's smaller design doesn't need the pressurized system.

We hope to receive soon one of these printers to share our experience with our readers. Clearly a line of printers to watch.

Epson press releases

Other Previews or Reviews

 
 
 
 

 

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