Tried & Tested

Launched in September 2002, the Epson Stylus Pro 7600 was successful partly due to its flexibility. In particular it appealed to those operating in the photographic markets, who were impressed by its versatility as it could also be used as a B2 proofer.

The 7600 replaced the slower 7000 model, offering a wider colour gamut for proofing applications and, at the time of its launch, was based on the manufacturer’s new seven-colour Ultrachrome ink system.

With Ultrachrome inks, Epson wanted to achieve colour that would look vivid on photographs or prints and retain its brightness for a long period of time, says Martin Johns, professional graphics business manager at Epson. Ink brightness lasts between 45 and 75 years dependent on media type, according to Johns.

Taking advantage of Ultrachrome ink technology, Epson created the brand new Micro Piezo DX3 printhead with a resolution of 2,880x1,440dpi. Designed to handle seven-colour printing, Epson’s most advanced printhead ensured photographic quality to produce colour prints with a gamut exceeding other dye-ink technologies, according to Johns.

Integrating the technology was a brand new printer engine design, capable of handling a wider range of media. It incorporated features such as border-free printing, easy-loading ink and media, intelligent high-capacity ink systems and fast printheads in a wide-format print engine.

The 7600 was designed to be a workhorse for creative professionals and printers, handling a maximum paper width of 610mm and boasting top speeds of up to 5.5m per hour. The low investment cost made it ideal for printing on-demand point-of-sale material, exhibition graphics, signage and banners, says Johns.

The machine is still popular today, according to Martyn Atkinson, service manager at Leeds-based Fastek, which sells new and secondhand Epson machines. The resolution is comparable to rival models, but when it comes to reliability, ease-of-use and maintenance the Epson really comes into its own. Despite its age consumables are still easily obtainable. It is, however, slower than the more up-to-date models, he says.

Atkinson says that secondhand models are freely available as people regularly trade them in, and he offers some tips on what to look out for when considering a used model. Ask to see a nozzle status print to see if there are any problems. Find out what paper and ink has been used and avoid any machines that have non-Epson inks installed, he advises.

Production of the 7600 ceased in 2005, but its successor, the 7880, costs £2,395, while a secondhand 7600 can cost as little as £800.

SPECIFICATIONS
Max resolution 2,880x1,440dpi
Min resolution 360x180dpi
Inks seven-colour CcMmYKk
Max paper width 610mm
Speed 5.5m/hr
Price
New 7880: £2,395
Used 7600: from £800
What to look for
? Check nozzles
? Machine usage
? Non-Epson inks