Epson launches world's first 64-inch printer to feature MicroPiezo TFP printhead and new UltraChrome K3 ink-set

The eight-colour ink set features a new formulation of UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta, widening the colour gamut and further strengthening Epson's award winning UltraChrome K3 ink as the choice of professionals.

The Stylus Pro 11880 is designed to be productive, with each cartridge containing a high capacity of 700ml. The new Gigabit Ethernet delivers fast processing speeds, while the Epson Super Halftone technology further improves image tone and definition. The combination of features and ink set make the Stylus Pro 11880 the most advanced digital large format printer on the market.

The new MicroPiezo TFP print head fulfils all the requirements of a professional printer - quality, durability and speed. The nozzle density has increased from 180 to 360 dpi, the world's highest for an inkjet print head using piezoelectric technology. Epson has doubled the number of nozzles on the print head, while maintaining the same size of ink droplet and accelerated print speeds. Despite the microscopic size of its elements, this next-generation Micro Piezo head retains all the advantages of the current print head, including Variable-sized Droplet Technology. Meniscus control helps to produce perfectly spherical dots and manages the degree of droplet impact, and it also improves the speed of jetting to further enhance the print speed.

The UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta further expands the already wide colour gamut of UltraChrome K3 and is a breakthrough in pigment chemistry. The full ink set includes nine ink cartridges: photo black, matte black, light black, light light black, cyan, light cyan, yellow, vivid magenta and vivid light magenta. The two magenta inks use new high-density pigments that create more vibrant blues and purples, for example those found in seascapes or landscapes. Both photo black and matte black cartridges are installed at the same time - there is no need to exchange - and the most suitable black ink is automatically chosen depending on the media type used.

The UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta enables superb grey balance and precise colour without any colour cast. It also maintains the superior features of the UltraChrome K3 ink such as great colour accuracy of neutral and dark colours, excellent short-term colour stability and smooth tonal gradation from shadow to light. Metamerism is eliminated with this new ink set. The permanent Epson Micro Piezo print head also offers unrivalled consistency in each print, every print will be the same as the first, even if the artwork is printed months apart, making it ideal for studios producing limited edition print runs.

The Stylus Pro 11880 is compatible with a wide range of Epson media up to 1.5mm in thickness, including glossy paper, matte paper, matte board, fine art paper and plain paper. It features an automatic take-up reel to support heavy-duty production for improved usability and it will also support flexible paper handling for cut sheet printing from A3 up to 64'.

Epson is also launching www.myEpsonprinter.eu, the new online portal allows Epson Stylus Pro owners to retrieve up-to-the-minute technical information and monitor the performance of each printer. The secure website allows users to view print job activity, hardware information and historical data, and tracks key performance indicators such as cost of ownership and cost per print. MyEpsonprinter.eu can also be accessed remotely by service contractors to quickly identify the cause and scope of any queries, which saves time and unnecessary call-out fees.

Khalil El Dalu, General Manager, Epson Middle East, said, 'The launch of the Stylus Pro 11880 which is the first 64' large format printer to feature the latest MicroPiezo TFP printhead, reflects our commitment to continuous research and development in pigment chemistry. The launch of this printer, which is designed for professionals in the photography, fine art and proofing markets, means that as well as going larger with Epson, quality is also further enhanced for truly vibrant, first-class output.'