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Epson 960 Tests Test Date: Summer 2003 Click for test details and specific methodology

 

Paper Notes Estimated Print Life
66lb. Polar Satin No glass protection

10 years
76lb. Polar Placid No glass protection 9 years

 

Summer 2003 test details and conclusions

We have exciting news with our most recent image longevity results.

In addition, we felt that since Epson's UltraChrome inks were to be tested, our tests were designed to simulate exposure of 55 years.

Our testing facility* also added six new fade parameters to more accurately predict printlife.

New Parameters for Summer 2003 Test

Parameter Patch that experienced failure End-point where failure is noted
Magenta Fade Red 30% loss
Yellow Fade Red 30% loss
Cyan Fade Green 30% loss
Yellow Fade Green 30% loss
Cyan Fade Blue 30% loss
Magenta Fade Blue 30% loss

What We Tested Summer 2003

Ten separate tests were performed for this round. Six papers were evaluated with the Epson 2200 which uses UltraChrome inks. One of the 2200 samples was tested with a glass overlay to evaluate any benefits from the added protection.

We also decided to update our knowledge of recent advances with Epson's 960 and its dye based ink system. Two papers were tested with this printer.

Finally, we performed another Canon S9000 test. This time, the sample was sprayed with Krylon UV Clear spray.

Display Life Predictions assuming 450lux for 12 hours per day.

Summer 2003 interpretations

Results on the Epson 960 were interesting in that unprotected printlife is up significantly over other dye based models like the Epson 1280. In previous tests, unprotected resin coated papers showed 4-6 years before fade. The Epson 960 unprotected printlife estimation is 10 years. Again, its it important to note that Epson's fade testing with dye based printers always uses glass protection to acheive their predicted 20-25 year printlife.

Polar Gloss and Satin are resin coated papers that are designed to prolong the print life of a dye based print. We attribute at least some of the increased print life estimate to Polar technology.

Polar Placid is a form of matte paper, which almost always exhibits print life of 10 years and up.

*All tests conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology

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