Epson CX5200 DuraBrite™ Ink Technical Brief

Epson Sales Training

09/2004

Epson DURABrite Inks are an evolving

pigment-based ink technology first introduced in the Epson Stylus C80 ink

jet printer.

DURABrite Inks are optimized for plain and matte papers, yet the newest formulation of DURABrite Inks

(currently featured in the Epson Stylus C66/C86/CX4600/CX6600) adds improved printing on glossy papers—especially on

the new DURABrite Ink Glossy Photo Paper.

DURABrite Inks are featured in the Epson printers and all-in-ones designed

for dedicated productivity.

DURABrite Inks are water-, smudge-, and fade-resistant on all supported papers—plain, matte, and glossy.

They are the

ideal solution for printing everyday text and image documents, yet also offer the flexibility to print photos.

DURABrite

Inks are useful where high quality, long-lasting output is desired.

This technical brief will provide detailed information on the goals and advantages of DURABrite Inks.

Goals of DURABrite Inks

DURABrite Inks are comprised of pigment-based inks.

The goal of DURABrite Inks is to provide superb print quality,

water-resistance, and fade-resistance on a variety of media, including plain paper.

The key differences among

conventional pigment ink, conventional dye ink, and DURABrite Inks are:

Key Differences

Conventional Pigment Ink

Conventional Dye Ink

Epson DURABrite Inks

Characteristics

Comprised of insoluble

pigment particles

Formed from color-forming,

water-soluble molecules

Comprised of insoluble

pigment particles

Color Gamut

Poor

Excellent

Excellent on Plain and

Matte Papers; Very Good

on DURABrite Ink Glossy

Photo Paper, Good on other

glossy papers

Pigment particles sink into

the valleys of the paper.

High scattering and uneven

light reflection result in

reduced color gamut.

Coloring is high because ink

dyes the fiber of the paper.

Light reflects evenly off the

surface producing a superb

color gamut.

Ink remains near the surface

of the paper so there is even

light reflection, producing

an excellent color gamut.

Lightfastness

Excellent

Inks have excellent light-

resistant properties.

Fair to Good

The dye inks are dependent

on special paper to resist

fading.

.

Excellent

DURABrite Inks are

extremely light resistant,

even on plain paper.

Water-Resistance

Excellent

Pigment particles are

insoluble.

Good

Inks are water-resistant on

many glossy photo papers

but not on matte papers.

Excellent

Inks are water-resistant on

a wide variety of media,

including plain paper.

Media Selection

Poor

Not conducive to plain

paper printing due to poor

output quality on that

media; generally limited to

signage media

Excellent

Widest media selection:

Plain, Matte, and RC (Resin

Coated) Photo and High

Gloss papers

Excellent

Wide media selection:

Plain,

matte, and glossy papers