Epson Introduces World’s First Aqueous-Based White Ink Proofing Technology for Packaging Designers and Flexographic and Gravure Printers

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 8, 2009 – Epson America Inc. is announcing an all-new contract-quality proofing system that is designed to dramatically improve how package designers, flexographic, and gravure printing professionals produce packaging mock-ups and proofs. The Epson Stylus^® Pro WT7900 takes advantage of the world’s first aqueous-based white ink printing technology and Epson’s latest achievements in high-resolution ink jet technology. Together, these advancements produce a new way of printing with the color white on a broad range of substrates including ink jet coated transparent and metallic films.

 

“For years, proofing products in this market have been very expensive for customers to purchase, maintain and operate,” said Mark Radogna, group product manager, Epson America. “When a white ink is required in the printing process, the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 represents an exciting new way for proofing and prototyping both flexographic and gravure printing products.”

Designed specifically for proofing flexographic and gravure print jobs that require the color white, the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 incorporates Epson’s latest achievements in high-resolution ink jet technology – including the breakthrough Epson UltraChrome^® HDR White Ink. Epson UltraChrome HDR White Ink introduces an all-new Organic Hollow Resin Particle Technology, which forces light to randomly scatter, producing the illusion of seeing the color white.

 

This innovative approach to producing the color white results in an extremely high white ink density, as well as the ability for custom white color toning. It also provides professional short-term color stability for mission-critical color proofing on a range of new substrates including ink jet coated transparent and metallic films. Unlike traditional white ink chemistry, Epson UltraChrome HDR White Ink is a safer, water-based resin particle that is void of any known carcinogens.

 

Capable of printing directly on both ink jet coated clear and metallic films, in roll or cut sheet, up to 24 inches wide, the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 can proof virtually any size print job thrown at it. Whether creating contract proofs of various packaging products requiring a clear or metallic base, or producing color accurate packaging mock-ups or prototypes, the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 can easily proof the most difficult flexographic and gravure print jobs.

 

In addition, Epson America worked closely with CGS, EFI, GMG, Esko Artwork, and Kodak to ensure their RIP and workflow software takes full advantage of the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 technology.

 

The Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 will be available through authorized Epson resellers in February 2010 for an estimated price of $8,495. For additional information on the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.  

 

Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation and a leading provider of digital imaging products that exceed the vision of its customers. The company’s extensive range of printers, scanners and 3LCD projectors are renowned for their high quality, functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency. The Seiko Epson organization is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row is part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

 

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Note: Epson, Epson Stylus and Epson UltraChrome are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corp. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.