Epson Stylus CX4600 DuraBrite™ Ink Technical Brief - Page 1

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 Characteristics Color Gamut Conventional Pigment Ink Comprised of insoluble pigment particles Poor Conventional Dye Ink Epson DURABrite Inks Formed from color-forming, Comprised of insoluble water-soluble molecules pigment particles Excellent Excellent on Plain and Matte Papers; Very Good on DURABrite Ink Glossy Photo Paper, Good on other glossy papers Lightfastness Water-Resistance Media Selection Pigment particles sink into the valleys of the paper. High scattering and uneven light reflection result in reduced color gamut. Excellent Inks have excellent lightresistant properties. Excellent Pigment particles are insoluble. Poor Not conducive to plain paper printing due to poor output quality on that media; generally limited to signage media 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. 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. 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. Excellent Widest media selection: Plain, Matte, and RC (Resin Coated) Photo and High Gloss papers Excellent Wide media selection: Plain, matte, and glossy papers Epson Sales Training 09/2004