PIEZEGRAPHY Inks for DTP Photogravure - Epson 3800

Open Discussion
1

I would like to use an Epson 3800 printer with your Piezography inks for DTP Photopolymer Photogravure. I currently use the Epson MK ink via QTR to print my plates (Toyobo Printight KM73). I am now investigating the possibility of swapping over to your BW inks. I am not sure which Inkset to purchase?? Also do you have any further instructions on how to set up the Epson or QTR driver for DTP?
Thanks in advance - Silvi

2

Dear Silvi. All you need right now is UltraHD-MK ink (just that one ink) and the Epson driver. @donmessec teaches this and it’s probably best to do a paid consult with him on setting up a proper workflow for printing DTP (or take his workshop it’s awesome!). The Toyobo plates will not work, you need different plates (currently Hampton Editions sells these) https://purchase.solarplate.com/main.sc

best,
Walker

3

So a printer just needs to have one position with UltraHD-MK ink in it? So rest of positions can have color inks in them? It prints with just that channel? Using just the Epson driver and no QTR?

4

Yes to all.

We are working on a slight (or possibly very large) upgrade to this workflow at cone editions as a platemaking and editioning service for artist clients of cep but do not plan to sell that particular technology as of yet. Right now though, UHD MK ink offers a very good dtp dot with the Epson driver!

Best regards,
Walker

5

But how do you get the Epson driver to put the “dots” down?

6

I have been working with Printight plates for photogravure for the past 18 years and they work just great. Feel free to see examples on my website - www.silvi.com.au I am very interested to know why you think they will not work? Can you give me more details please?
I have now been printing DTP for the past 4 years, but was wanting to try out piezzography so that I could use more than just one channel of black and therefore improve the transitions into the highlights.

7

In our experience Toyobo plates have funky interaction with oxygen and moister leading to uneven tonal variance (splotches) and the solar plates do not have this problem. I think many people simply have gotten used to the splotches and decided that this was something that comes with the territory. I suggest getting . a plate from the link in my earlier comment to test for yourself however.

best regards,
Walker