A raft of new technologies extend Epson’s imaging capabilities to address the graphic arts and proofing markets. 6th November 2008 – Following the preview of the Epson 24″ Stylus Pro 7900 and 44″ Stylus Pro 9900 at Drupa earlier this year, Epson today announces the UK commercial launch of these innovative printers.
Setting a new standard for the professional large format printer market the two new additions to the Epson Stylus Pro range feature a new printer mechanism and a raft of new technologies which make them ideal for production and contract proofing, as well as the highest quality fine-art and photographic applications. They will also enable printers to extend their business into the demanding packaging proofing and flexographic markets. In addition an optional calibration and verification system, the Epson SpectroProofer™, means the Stylus Pro 7900 and the Stylus Pro 9900 can be confidently used for remote proofing applications. The new printer mechanism implemented in the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 builds on Epson’s MicroPiezo TFP™ (Thin Film Piezo) print head, introduced with the launch of the Stylus Pro 11880 last year. It delivers perfectly spherical dots with high precision dot placement and can deliver resolutions up to 2880 dpi. Both the number of nozzles and throughput has been doubled in the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900, resulting in a maximum speed of up to 40sqm/hr. At these increased print speeds, the new 10-channel MicroPiezo TFP™ print head ensures production of the highest image quality. The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 utilize a new 5th generation pigment ink, which is key to the quality of print output. Epson UltraChrome™ HDR (High Dynamic Range) ink is an 11-colour ink set consisting of Pk, Mk, Lk, LLK, C, VM, Y, Lc, VLm, Or and Gr available in 350ml and 700ml cartridges. This high quality ink set expands on Epson’s UltraChrome™ K3 with Vivid Magenta by adding Orange and Green inks, which significantly increases the range of colours that can be achieved, especially bright green to yellow, and yellow to red. The Orange ink in particular contributes to reducing the graininess in skin tone. Epson UltraChrome™ HDR pushes the limits of ink chemistry to deliver the widest colour gamut on the market to date on a variety of media. This makes the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 ideal solutions to address the high demand for colour representation in proof production, especially when there is a particular requirement for spot colours. The new ink technology’s ability to both maximize the colour gamut without sacrificing print quality and deliver smoother gradation is optimized by Epson’s new LUT technology. Through advanced mathematical translation of RGB into 10-colour CMYK, the LUT technology seamlessly integrates hi-fidelity primaries allowing colour constancy under different light conditions, smoother transitions between colours, grain reduction and gamut smoothing. The optional Epson SpectroProofer™ tool turns the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 into a reliable, consistent and repeatable proof verification and printer calibration solution, making remote proofing a reality. By using this spectrophotometer solution, the following colour control workflows can be achieved automatically and very precisely: colour calibration, colour certification, a daily colour check, profile creation, spot colour matching, colour shift tracking and target measurement. Furthermore, a colour certification label, like the Fogra wedge, can be printed to support the certification process. The Epson SpectroProofer™ in-line, off-carriage calibration and verification system is powered by an X-Rite spectrophotometer and controlled by Epson SpectroProofer™ software or a third party RIP. It is available with or without a UV filter as well as changeable black or white backing. Other new technologies featured in the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 include the ability to automatically switch between Photo and Matte Black inks; an integral automatic media rotary knife cutting system; a new spindleless roll holder mechanism; a new automatic paper set/release mechanism and Epson’s new automatic nozzle check technology Martin Johns, Senior Product Manager, Large Format Printers at Epson UK says, “The Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 are the latest additions to the Epson professional graphics range. These solutions deliver Epson quality, speed and repeatability to help address the requirements of commercial printers and enable them to broaden their business. The new technologies and features implemented in these two solutions make them ideal for entering new market sectors, not only high end proofing application but also boosting the imaging capabilities in photo and fine art applications.”
