By Graham K. Rogers

With the advances in digital camera technology and the widespread use of devices that have such features built-in, there is an increased demand for print technology that can satisfy the consumer and the print shops that produce such output.

Epson has announced a new range of printers with some significant advances: the SureColor Range. The first product in the line, the SureLab SL-D3000 has a double paper roll and is capable of an output of 650 (6" x 4") prints per hour, using inkjet technology that does away with the disposal problems of the earlier chemical-based print systems. The size of the unit is given as just over 2 m² and with an optional sorter unit will take up some 3.2 m².

The high quality output is maintained by three important features: the use of Epson's Micro Piezo technology; a new D6 ink set; and careful use of software to compensate for the usual slight inaccuracies in the true circle shape of the rollers. Although only a few microns, Epson reports that these variations can cause slight disparities in the accuracy of the paper forwarding, leading to differences in printing quality. Analysis is made and adjustments correct any variations in the angle of the rollers. More information about the printer is available on the Epson Global website.

Graham K. Rogers teaches at the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University in Thailand. He wrote in the Bangkok Post, Database supplement on IT subjects. For the last seven years of Database he wrote a column on Apple and Macs.