InfoCenter » Print Life » Print Life Test Results » Epson 1280 & Canon BCI-6 ink - Winter 2001-2002

 

Epson 1280 & Canon BCI-6 ink tests Test Date: Winter 01-02 Click for test details and specific methodology

These tests were conducted without any glass or UV spray protection.

Two papers from major name brands were also selected for test compaison. They are labeled brand X and brand Y. As you can see,
the results were comparable for all three:

Paper Printer/Ink No. Of Years Before Images Begin To Fade
UltraPro Satin
Brand X
Brand Y
76 lb. Denali Two
1280/Epson
1280/Epson
1280/Epson
1280/Epson
7
6
6
7

Now, if we know from the manufacturers of Brand X and Brand Y that their papers will last up to 20-25 years under glass, by
multiplying our test numbers and presuming a similar outcome for Brand X and Brand Y had we tested them under glass, then we can
assume a great probability that our product will last 20-25 years under glass. But, just to make sure about that, our tests currently
underway include our UltraPro Satin under glass.

Next, we tested the Canon S-800 with Canon BCI-6 inks.

What about longevity using Canon S-800? Well, it's close to Epson as you can see below when compared to our 1270 tests from last
year. It demonstrates once more the premise that image longevity may or may not be enhanced by the pH (acid-free or neutral) or
cotton fibre content.

Paper Ink No. Of Years Before Images Begin To Fade
UltraPro Gloss
UltraPro Satin
Aurora Art*
Canon BCI-6
5
4
3
Polar Gloss**
53 lb. Premium Gloss
Premium Matte
Canon BCI-6
5
5
12

* Aurora has since bee upgraded with respect to coating and paper - its coating now better resists fade with dye inks
** Polar Gloss before it was upgraded to slow fading with dye inks


Test Methodology


Our independent test facility* has just released the data from our last test. They used an established technique of exposing our
samples to 50 kilolux of unfiltered cool light fluorescent light for 3 months (simulating a period of 25 years). Each patch has 12 unique
parts for measurement.

These tests do not account for other causes of image failure which we now know can have a significant effect. Measuring effects from
pollution (indoors and outdoors) and humidity are very difficult to qualify and are not addressed with our tests.

As before, the lab measures the deterioration of the intensity of all of 12 patches. When fading or other change has been recorded to
each a specific point, the sample is declared to have "failed". For instance, if the "Pure Cyan" test reaches a point of 30%
deterioration, that is the End Point for that sample regardless if no registered decline by any other of the 11 patches exists. The
bottom line: we are looking for the worst case scenario.

This does not mean that your image will "disappear", rather it will change a bit in shade which can be recognized by the human eye
especially if you compare to another identical image freshly printed on the same printer with the exact same settings as before.

Here is the specific test criteria for each paper:
Test Patch Parameter
Cyan Fade
Magenta Fade
Yellow Fade
Black Fade
Pure Cyan
Pure Magenta
Pure Yellow
Pure K Neutral
30% Loss
30% Loss
30% Loss
30% Loss
Cyan Fade
Magenta Fade
Yellow Fade
Red Green Imbalance
Red Blue Imbalance
Green Blue Imbalance
CMY Neutral
CMY Neutral
CMY Neutral
CMY Neutral
CMY Neutral
CMY Neutral
30% Loss
30% Loss
30% Loss
+ or - 15% change
+ or - 15% change
+ or - 15% change
Cyan Stain
Magenta Stain
Yellow Stain
Dmin
Dmin
Dmin
0.10 Density Change
0.10 Density Change
0.10 Density Change

*All tests conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology

Return to RESULTS navigation page

Return to Print Life index page

Return to HOME page