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2200 ULTRATONE 7 CARTRIDGES

UT7 BULK INK FOR THE 2200, 7600, 9600

CONTINUOUS FLOW SYSTEMS FOR THE 2200

WORKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS FOR 2200

Here is Paul Roark's workflow for making B&W prints with UT7 inks. These inks are a variable tone ink and can be used to produce warm or neutral prints by using just the SLIDERS on the Epson driver. To get the full range of tones from the UT7 inks, image adjustment curves are required. With curves, the inks will print from full sepia to cool on a variety of papers. These curves were created by Paul and they are free. Follow the steps outlined below and you will end up with beautiful B&W archival prints.

Note: The Workflow instructions for the 7600 and 9600 are being tested. So far we have found that the 2200 adjustment curves will work with the 7600/9600 printers, but the ink density setting on the printer must be reduced. We will have much more on this as soon as the testing is complete.

If you start with RGB images made with a digital camera, convert the image to grayscale to totally get rid of the color information. That is, it is important that R=G=B for all shades of gray.

Each curve is for a specific paper. The curve names indicate the paper to be used. Use the article by Dirk Hobman below to understand how to modify the curves, if you feel it is necessary.

When a curve is applied, the image will turn nice bright colors, but these are false colors. The image is no longer WYSIWYG. This is for printing only, and should not be saved over the good grayscale working file. Do not attempt to edit the image once the curve has been applied.

(Note that a Photoshop Action (macro) can program a function key to convert to RGB, call up and apply the desired adjustment curve/tone, and get the user into the print driver. That is, this can be a one-button procedure/workflow.)

The Epson driver is used to print this inkset. Follow Paul's instructions for making the print. Here he provides detailed instructions and settings for making prints using the sliders or adjustment curves.

Read UT7 Information and Settings by Paul Roark. If you are going to use the Photoshop curves, he describes which ones to use for the various tones and papers.

Be sure to let the print dry before judging the color or tones. If you need a good stepwedge to work with, you can download the one we use. For barrier type papers (glossy, luster & semigloss) spray prints with a protective coating like PremierArt Print Shield or Lyson Print Guard. This spray largely eliminates the differential reflections (including what some call bronzing) and makes the print surface so tough it can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

If you would like to know more about how the Photoshop Curves are constructed, you can read the information provided by one of our "expert customers", Dirk Hobman. Dirk explains how to make curves for the MIS UltraTone B&W inks. Plus he offers a couple of graphic forms for keeping track of the data that is gathered in the process. To read his article on B&W curve making, download this file... hobman.zip.

There is an excellent forum called Digital B&W, The Print. The forum discusses all digital technologies related to making monochrome prints from digital sources, including the MIS ink sets and workflows. If you are using MIS inks or plan on using them, this is a great place to find additional information and to contact current users.

DO NOT CONFUSE UT7 WITH UT FOR BOWHAUS. The UT inks in 2200 carts that are configured for the Bowhaus software, will not work with the Epson driver. You must use the UT7 inks. The two inks are different and the positions are different.

For most papers the Eboni black cartridge (UT7-T0348-UTK) will work fine. If you are having problems using glossy or semigloss paper, put in a Photo black cartridge (UT7-T0341-UPK). The 6 other inks do not have to change, they will work on matte or glossy papers. Do not use MIS Universal black (MK). The fade resistance of MK is not adequate for making archival prints.

Do not mix these inks with other Non Ultratone inks. For refilling or Continuous Flow Systems, you must start with virgin empty cartridges. Provided this condition is met, no flushing or purging of the printer is needed. One or two cleaning cycles will remove any color or non Ultratone ink from inside the print head. These inks will not clog or damage your printer if you follow this advice.

WHICH PAPER TO USE

WHERE TO BUY ONE OF THESE PRINTERS

Epson 2200