Kodak 4800 - Manual (Page 17)

Introduction 1-9
Reference Guide
8. Ink and Media
Using the right ink and media is a much bigger factor in print quality than most inkjet users
realize. Then and only then can they fully appreciate what quality materials and inks can
do. Inks must be developed specifically for a particular head, otherwise, cartridge reliabil-
ity will be severely reduced. KODAK inks are specifically developed for KODAK
cartridges, printers, and media. These inks create the perfect ink drop shape, trajectory,
and landing shape when used with KODAK cartridges. The media controls the color, dot
gain, and durability of the final print. As the ink must chemically interact with the media,
only media developed specifically for a particular ink can achieve the perfect dot shape
that leads to improved image quality. Additionally, the chemical bond created through co-
developed inks and media is much better than independently developed inks and media.
Although many people will not be able to visually perceive differences in quality inks and
media initially (poor inks and media show more pronounced visual defects), a less-than-
optimal image quality, image color, or image durability will likely develop over time.
Chemical compatibility between inks (made for a specific head technology) and media is a
key, and often overlooked ingredient to print quality.
9. Cartridge Preparation and Alignment
The single most overlooked factor in image color accuracy and quality is cartridge align-
ment. Even if you carefully control factors 1 though 8, a printer with poor cartridge
alignment or unmaintained heads can severely deteriorate image quality. Cartridge
maintenance and alignment are key to producing images that exhibit the best of what a
printer is capable of. Printer wiping stations must be kept clean so that heads stay clean.
Cartridges need to be aligned and checked to be sure that all nozzles are working prop-
erly. Use a loupe to evaluate the registration of test patterns to achieve the best possible
accuracy. Whenever you adjust, move, or replace a cartridge, take the time to realign the
cartridges. Alignment errors of a single pixel (or single digit in the alignment process)
affect perceived color and image quality.