EPSON 5500/7500/9500/10000 via BestRIP

Proofer Type | Process Plans | Connectivity | Performance | Usage | Limitations | Resources

Proofer Type

• EPSON 5500: class 1 proofer
• EPSON 7500/9500/10000: class 2 proofers
• EPSON 5500 maximum imageable area: 12.6" x 18.3"
• EPSON 7500 (roll-fed) maximum width: 24"
• EPSON 9500/10000 (roll-fed, wide-format) maximum media width: 44" with margins of 3 mm on each side
• It is recommended that all proofers are driven at 720 x 720 dpi via the BestRIP. The maximum resolution of the devices varies from 1440 dpi x 720 dpi to 2880 dpi x 720 dpi, although the 1440/2880 dpi settings are rarely used.

Note: If you are a member of the Creo sales organization, it is strongly recommended that you read the Prinergy and Epson FAQ as these devices are extremely popular and you will encounter them frequently in the field. The FAQ will assist you in properly setting the customer's expectations. If you are a member of the Creo service organization, read the Limitations section below, as there are many technical issues to be aware of.

Process Plans

Use the default process plans for the BestRIP to the EPSON 5000 and 7000/9000 as starting points, and modify the margins if needed. Basically, Prinergy sends Contone (256 shade) TIFF at 720 x 720 dpi to a hot folder monitored by the BestRIP.

Connectivity

Either Ethernet (10/100) or USB (preferred) should be used to connect the EPSON to the network. For Ethernet, you will probably need to order a special NIC from EPSON, check the EPSON website for the part number. One distributor that specializes in configuring BestRIP systems for use in Prinergy shops is http://www.prepresshelp.com. The Creo contact is Jerry Huffman (jhuffman@prepresshelp.com).

Performance

The BestRIP has the ability to RIP and print on the fly, but it will still be somewhat slower than engine speed. However, none of the customers contacted who have the BestRIP see this as unacceptable.

Usage

Thousands of these proofers are or will be installed in the field.

Limitations

There are a number of issues to be aware of:

• Prinergy can only direct drive the Epson 5000, 7000 and 9000. Please use a 3rd-party front end (for example, Best RIP).
• Never make a commitment to the customer to create an ICC profile custom-tailored for their particular device. You can spend days, if not weeks, tweaking the color so that it’s just right. If the customers buys a BestRIP from http://www.prepresshelp.com, they will get free custom ICC profiling from the distributor. Alternatively, have the customer contact the VIP team for color support, on a time and materials basis.
• If the customer is complaining about excess ink (especially black) soaking through the media, check to see what type of media the customer is buying. Thin photo glossy paper is not acceptable. The only types of paper that seem to provide consistently good results are the EPSON backlight film, semi-gloss paper, matte paper-heavyweight, presentation matte, and Dupont commercial proofing paper (glossy and matte). Third-party variants should be treated with suspicion. A properly calibrated BestRIP installation should not exhibit this problem though, so you may want to ask if they have received any start-up assistance or ordered any VIP team support.
• Note that if the customer is expecting very good results, i.e. near contract proof quality, they must bring in a consultant to do custom ICC profiling.

Resources

• EPSON website
• EPSON Proofer Connectivity with Prinergy
• Prinergy and the Politics of Proofing: FAQ for Sales and Service on Incorporating 3rd Party Proofers