Technical Brief

Epson Sales Training 09/2004
Epson DURABrite Inks are an evolving pigment-based ink technology rst introduced in the Epson Stylus C80 ink
jet printer. DURABrite Inks are optimized for plain and matte papers, yet the newest formulation of DURABrite Inks
(currently featured in the Epson Stylus C66/C86/CX4600/CX6600) adds improved printing on glossy papers—especially on
the new DURABrite Ink Glossy Photo Paper. DURABrite Inks are featured in the Epson printers and all-in-ones designed
for dedicated productivity.
DURABrite Inks are water-, smudge-, and fade-resistant on all supported papers—plain, matte, and glossy. They are the
ideal solution for printing everyday text and image documents, yet also offer the exibility to print photos. DURABrite
Inks are useful where high quality, long-lasting output is desired.
This technical brief will provide detailed information on the goals and advantages of DURABrite Inks.
Goals of DURABrite Inks
DURABrite Inks are comprised of pigment-based inks. The goal of DURABrite Inks is to provide superb print quality,
water-resistance, and fade-resistance on a variety of media, including plain paper. The key differences among
conventional pigment ink, conventional dye ink, and DURABrite Inks are:
Key Differences Conventional Pigment Ink Conventional Dye Ink Epson DURABrite Inks
Characteristics
Comprised of insoluble
pigment particles
Formed from color-forming,
water-soluble molecules
Comprised of insoluble
pigment particles
Color Gamut
Poor Excellent Excellent on Plain and
Matte Papers; Very Good
on DURABrite Ink Glossy
Photo Paper, Good on other
glossy papers
Pigment particles sink into
the valleys of the paper.
High scattering and uneven
light reection result in
reduced color gamut.
Coloring is high because ink
dyes the ber of the paper.
Light reects evenly off the
surface producing a superb
color gamut.
Ink remains near the surface
of the paper so there is even
light reection, producing
an excellent color gamut.
Lightfastness
Excellent
Inks have excellent light-
resistant properties.
Fair to Good
The dye inks are dependent
on special paper to resist
fading.
.
Excellent
DURABrite Inks are
extremely light resistant,
even on plain paper.
Water-Resistance
Excellent
Pigment particles are
insoluble.
Good
Inks are water-resistant on
many glossy photo papers
but not on matte papers.
Excellent
Inks are water-resistant on
a wide variety of media,
including plain paper.
Media Selection
Poor
Not conducive to plain
paper printing due to poor
output quality on that
media; generally limited to
signage media
Excellent
Widest media selection:
Plain, Matte, and RC (Resin
Coated) Photo and High
Gloss papers
Excellent
Wide media selection: Plain,
matte, and glossy papers