At Print09 in Chicago, Epson offered up a “sneak preview” of its new Stylus Pro WT7900, a 24-inch aqueous printer that utilizes the company’s new UltraChrome HDR white, an aqueous-based white ink.

The printer offers nine colors—CYOGc + vivid magenta + vivid light magenta + photo black + white—but it’s the white that’s clearly the star of this printer, which is aimed at the proofing and packaging-prototype markets as well as small-run final production. Epson developed the white ink by utilizing a clear organic resin technology, creating particles that give the illusion of white without being white, reports the company. The resultant UltraChrome HDR White, says Epson, is a high-density pigment with high dynamic range, professional short-term color stability, and white toning capability.

The WT7900 can print in two different white print modes: Reverse White, in which all color is applied first, followed by white (providing extremely vibrant colors); and Surface White, in which white is applied fi rst, followed by color (providing a smaller color gamut).

At press time, Epson reports that the printer is supported by RIPs from CGS, EFI, EskoArtwork, and Kodak; others will likely be added.

Price: $8495, shipping in Q1 2010.

To accompany the release of the WT7900, Epson has also introduced a new ClearProof fi lm, a clear polyester film specifi cally designed for the UltraChrome HDR white ink. Available in 17- and 24-inch widths, ClearProof boasts high ink capacity, fast drying, and ultra-clear layering technology. Also available is CrystalClear film, a glossy, fast-drying, 4.5 mil optically clear polyester film for clear-overlay and color-key applications. The company has additional media in the works for the WT7900, including: MetallicProof Silver Foil, ShrinkWrap Film, and ClearProof Adhesive Film.

EPSON
www.epson.com