BW Technical Print Exchange (Jan 2003)

Last Updated 1/6/2003 7:15PM CST
Original 1/2/2003 8:24PM CST

PURPOSE

Technical comparison of various printers, inks, software, and workflow to achieve neutral B&W digital prints.

PARTICIPANTS

Participation will be limited to the first 9 to signup as long as you can contribute a unique driver/workflow/ink/printer combination. Priority will be given in the following order with the exception of 2200/2100 printers which will be given highest priority in order to serve my selfish interests. [Update Jan 6] Additional positions may be reserved to be filled on an invite basis.

1. unique driver software (for example, Epson driver, RIP software, etc.)
2. unique workflow
3. unique ink
4. unique printer

Since "uniqueness" will be evaluated based on the above priority, we won't know the final list of participants until the signup deadline has been met. See the schedule below.

THE PRINT

Participants will each submit [Update Jan 6] up to 15 maximum identical prints following the driver/workflow/ink/printer combination that was agreed to. [Update Jan 6] All but one of the prints will be for each of the other participants, and the last print will reserved for a travelling exhibit to be defined later.

[Update Jan 6] You will be informed of the final number of prints required after the signup deadline. It will not exceed 15.

Participants will print the same file without scaling, resampling, [Update Jan 6] or sharpening on either Epson Archival Matte or Epson Enhanced Matte paper. The file has a resolution of 360dpi and consist of a 21-step wedge with 4 test images. It fits easily within an 8.5 x 11-inch page. You may print on A4 paper if that is what is available to you. A link to the file will be sent to you after the signup deadline. The file is 3.5 megabytes, and you must be able to download it to your computer.

Prints should not be [Update Jan 6] intentionally toned and must be your best effort to produce neutral black and white. Any tone in the print should only be due to the nature of the ink or limitations of your driver/software.

Please do not mark or write on the prints. When I receive them, I will assign each one a number and send an email with the details of each.

PACKAGING

Your submitted package must include the [Update Jan 6] 9 prints as well as return packaging and postage.

Since this is a technical print exchange and the prints carry no real value other than for pedagogical purposes, an envelope with very stiff cardboard will be accepted as packaging. A pre-addressed and postage-paid envelope of the same size may be folded and included in the package for the return packaging. The cardboard will be reused to send you return prints.

[Update Jan 6] International participants will have to use the International Reply Coupon (http://www.n6hb.org/s-a/irc.htm) rather than return postage.

[Update Jan 6] Please allow your prints to dry for 24 hours before stacking or packaging them. This will help keep them from becoming damaged.

Please choose the proper size of envelope and cardboard to prevent the prints from sliding during mailing. Check with your local office supply store. Also, include a blank sheet to protect the top print.

Make sure you include enough postage for your return packaging. If there is not enough, I will arbitrarily remove prints from your return package until it is accepted.

SCHEDULE

The deadline for signups will be Friday, Jan 17, 2003. You will get a confirmation email from me that your signup was received. After the deadline, I will email the final list of participants to everyone who signed up. Participants will be emailed a link to the file, as well as the address to send their prints.

Your package of [Update Jan 6] 9 up to 15 prints plus return packaging must be mailed to me by Friday, Jan 31, 2003.

Once I receive all the prints, I'll collate them and send return packages out as quickly as possible. I'll email participants periodically to keep them informed of the status.

TO SIGN UP

Send an email to exchange@fors.net and include your driver/workflow/ink/printer combination.

For example:
Driver/Software: Epson Driver with Gray Balancer
Workflow: none
Ink: Epson UltraChrome Matte Black
Printer: Epson 2200

DISCLAIMERS

These rules may change up to the signup deadline as I receive suggestions. Any changes will be posted and participants will be notified.

I cannot be responsible for damage caused during shipping. Please choose your packaging carefully.

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