Epson 600Q Supplementary Manual

Ink Jet Printer Technical Brief

Page 2

2.  High Print Resolution:  Resolution, which is generally measured in dots per 

inch (DPI) is an important factor in achieving print quality. Epson printers 
are unique in combining very small, variable-size ink droplet sizes with 
high resolutions to precisely print crisp details in photos and laser sharp 
text.  Also, Epson’s variable ink droplet sizes and high resolutions combine to 
improve color ranges and accuracy because Epson printers can use halftone 
algorithms with more color combinations and smoother color gradations. 

3.  Small ink droplet size:  Most Epson printers produce ink droplets so small 

you cannot see them with the naked eye. A smaller ink droplet allows the 
printer to produce a greater number of different colored “printed dots” 
because a wider range of tiny droplets can be combined to create a larger 
color palette.  Additionally, smaller ink droplets produce less visible printed 
dots, especially apparent in the lightest areas of a photograph.   

Epson printers use Epson’s Variable Size Droplet Technology, where the printers can produce a number 
of different ink droplet sizes. The newest four-color models produce up to 6 ink droplet sizes and the six-
color photo models produce up to eight ink droplet sizes. Variable Size Droplet Technology has a number of 
advantages:  

•

  When printing at low resolutions, large ink droplets can be used to achieve faster speeds

•

  Different ink droplet sizes can be combined to achieve more tone representations

•

  The smallest ink droplets can be used in the low-density or highlight areas, reducing the visibility of printed 

“dots”

•

  Large ink droplets are used in dense coverage areas to achieve fast print speeds 

With this technique, Epson printers can produce the highest print quality, without sacrificing print speed, and 
without having to increase the number of nozzles on the print head.  

Effect of Print Resolution and Small, 
Variable-Size Ink Droplets

Variable sizes combine to achieve 

more tone representations for 

smoother gradations

Large droplets are used in dense 

coverage areas allowing Epson to have 

fast print speeds without increasing the 

number of print head nozzles

Smallest ink droplets produce smooth photos, especially 

beneficial for highlights and detailed areas

1.  Epson Micro Piezo Technology:  Epson Micro Piezo print heads use dozens of high-precision mechanical pumps 

to produce ink droplets, and no heat is involved in printing. The same high print quality is maintained over the 
life of the printer, from the first page to the last. Here’s how it compares to thermal ink jet technology, used in 
other ink jet printers:  

Mechanical method:
Precise electrical pulses 
cause the ink reservoir wall 
to deflect inward, projecting 
ink through the nozzle. 

Epson’s Micro Piezo technology results in consistent 
ink droplets without satellites (unwanted ink spray) 
or misting.

Heat method:
Heat produces a vapor 
bubble in the ink reservoir 
which expands and is 
ejected through the nozzle.

Some thermal printers produce more inconsistent 
droplets with satellites and misting.

Piezo Crystal 
Deformation

Ink

Nozzle

Droplet

Ink

Resistor

Bubble

Nozzle

Droplet