Xerox 003R06709 User Manual
Image Quality & Graphics Durability
Xerox Wide Format Supplies Applications Guide
Version 2.0; April 2005
4
Image Quality
Xerox Wide Format Display Graphics media are all direct-write, specially coated materials that vary in coating
structure, physical properties (such as base weight and thickness), and base material type (paper, fabric, films or
vinyl). These variances not only need a specific printer set-up to successfully run each material through the printer,
but will affect achievable image quality per media type.
structure, physical properties (such as base weight and thickness), and base material type (paper, fabric, films or
vinyl). These variances not only need a specific printer set-up to successfully run each material through the printer,
but will affect achievable image quality per media type.
The coating layer or layers on each media type differ because the structure must take account of base properties
(i.e. thickness, absorbency, smoothness, texture), to provide suitable adhesion to both printed image (ink) and the
base material, and the base-coating combination must meet the needs of the application. The coating layer on each
media is specified to print within a range of resolutions from 300 dpi to 1440 dpi.
(i.e. thickness, absorbency, smoothness, texture), to provide suitable adhesion to both printed image (ink) and the
base material, and the base-coating combination must meet the needs of the application. The coating layer on each
media is specified to print within a range of resolutions from 300 dpi to 1440 dpi.
These variances will cause some differences in achievable image quality per media type. For example,
canvas will give a different image quality in comparison to photo-base paper even if both are printed in the
same resolution.
canvas will give a different image quality in comparison to photo-base paper even if both are printed in the
same resolution.
Profiles to suit your RIP and printer model should be calibrated specifically for the unique requirements of each
media although certain generic settings will enable good color reproduction. This guide gives some direction on
which settings will suit each media type.
media although certain generic settings will enable good color reproduction. This guide gives some direction on
which settings will suit each media type.
The following tips may help you to understand the image quality you should expect when using Xerox media in
your printer, as well as offering hints for ensuring output quality meets application needs:
your printer, as well as offering hints for ensuring output quality meets application needs:
Expectations
The image quality of one media will vary from one media to another. All media are designed for a set of
applications with their own image quality requirements. Selecting the right media will ensure that your image
quality expectations are met.
applications with their own image quality requirements. Selecting the right media will ensure that your image
quality expectations are met.
Environment
Application, viewing distance, and environment of the print must be considered when determining if output quality
is acceptable (e.g. viewing distance of 16 ft (5 m) or more may allow some degree of imperfection in the image.)
Pigment inks provide longer image life, but the colors may not appear as vivid as with dye inks.
is acceptable (e.g. viewing distance of 16 ft (5 m) or more may allow some degree of imperfection in the image.)
Pigment inks provide longer image life, but the colors may not appear as vivid as with dye inks.
Consider Alternatives
More than one media type may suit any given application. Ease-of-use, image quality, and installation environment
all have a bearing on selection. Be prepared to experiment with various products.
all have a bearing on selection. Be prepared to experiment with various products.
Printer Speed
Due to specific media characteristics, different print modes or printing speeds are used. Printer settings and color
profiles are normally pre-programmed to give the best output at the optimum speed. These may be overridden to suit
individual requirements. For projects requiring duplicate images in significant quantities, run test images in
various modes to determine the most appropriate speed for your application.
profiles are normally pre-programmed to give the best output at the optimum speed. These may be overridden to suit
individual requirements. For projects requiring duplicate images in significant quantities, run test images in
various modes to determine the most appropriate speed for your application.