Epson C88 Zusätzliches Handbuch
Epson DURABrite Ultra pigment ink Technical Brief
Page 5
Comparison of DURABrite Ultra Pigment Ink and Dye-Based Ink
DURABrite Ultra is the only consumer-class 4-color ink set that uses all pigment-based ink; some competitive
printers use pigment-based black with dye-based color, and others use all dye-based ink. The key advantage of Epson
DURABrite Ultra pigment ink is its ability to produce the highest quality text and photos, offering color qualities
similar to dye-based ink with the durability qualities of pigment ink. The key differences between conventional dye
ink and DURABrite Ultra pigment ink are:
printers use pigment-based black with dye-based color, and others use all dye-based ink. The key advantage of Epson
DURABrite Ultra pigment ink is its ability to produce the highest quality text and photos, offering color qualities
similar to dye-based ink with the durability qualities of pigment ink. The key differences between conventional dye
ink and DURABrite Ultra pigment ink are:
Key Differences
Conventional Dye Ink
DURABrite Ultra Pigment Ink
Characteristics
Formed from color-forming, water-soluble
molecules
molecules
Comprised of insoluble pigment particles
Color Gamut
Best
Excellent on Plain and Matte Papers; Very
Good on glossy photo papers
Good on glossy photo papers
Coloring is high because ink dyes the fiber
of the paper. Light reflects evenly off the
surface.
of the paper. Light reflects evenly off the
surface.
Ink remains near the surface of the paper
so there is even light reflection.
so there is even light reflection.
Fade-resistance
Fair to Good
The dye inks are dependent on special
paper to resist fading.
The dye inks are dependent on special
paper to resist fading.
.
Excellent
DURABrite Ultra pigment ink has fade
resistance beyond photo lab prints—up to
100 years (see page 3)
DURABrite Ultra pigment ink has fade
resistance beyond photo lab prints—up to
100 years (see page 3)
Water-Resistance
Good
Inks are water-resistant on many glossy
photo papers but not on matte papers.
Inks are water-resistant on many glossy
photo papers but not on matte papers.
Excellent
Inks are water-resistant on all supported
media, including plain paper.
Inks are water-resistant on all supported
media, including plain paper.
Plain Paper Printing
Good
Feathering occurs as ink is absorbed into
the plain paper fibers.
Feathering occurs as ink is absorbed into
the plain paper fibers.
Excellent
Sharp, clear text and graphics without
bleeding.
Sharp, clear text and graphics without
bleeding.
Media Selection
Best
Widest media compatibility of any ink set:
Plain, Matte, RC (Resin Coated) Photo and
High Gloss papers, and specialty media
(including photo stickers and iron-on
transfers)
Widest media compatibility of any ink set:
Plain, Matte, RC (Resin Coated) Photo and
High Gloss papers, and specialty media
(including photo stickers and iron-on
transfers)
Excellent
Wide media selection: Plain, matte, and
glossy papers
Wide media selection: Plain, matte, and
glossy papers
Epson also offers a dye-based ink set using 6-
color Epson Photo Ink. This ink set is included
in printers and all-in-one printers designed for
photo enthusiasts. For this customer, the increased
gradation level with the additional light intensity
inks is critical, as this customer’s primary focus is
printing photographs from snapshot size to 8x10s.
The comparison of the two ink systems can be
summarized according to the chart at right.
color Epson Photo Ink. This ink set is included
in printers and all-in-one printers designed for
photo enthusiasts. For this customer, the increased
gradation level with the additional light intensity
inks is critical, as this customer’s primary focus is
printing photographs from snapshot size to 8x10s.
The comparison of the two ink systems can be
summarized according to the chart at right.
Print Quality on Plain Paper
G
loss L
ev
el on P
remium
G
lossy P
hot
o P
ap
er
Epson
Photo Ink
Epson
DURABrite
Ultra
Optimized for the photo
enthusiast looking for
premium quality
enthusiast looking for
premium quality
Optimized for the
consumer/SOHO
customer looking for
text/photo flexibility
consumer/SOHO
customer looking for
text/photo flexibility