The Stylus Pro 5500 is designed to create exhibit-quality prints and eliminate the costly need for interim analog proofing. At 2880 x 720 dots per inch (dpi) resolution, variable-sized three-picoliter droplets and photographic quality output, the new printer uses Epson’s new pigmented inks on a large array of professional photo and proofing paper that can resist fading for generations.
In about three and a half minutes, the printer can output high-quality letter size, 8.5-inch x 11-inch photographs. “The printer can match the quality of a chemistry-based letter size photo in about five and a half minutes and even surpass that level of image quality in approximately 11 minutes, using the highest resolution level,” a company statement said.
The printer uses six, high-capacity cartridges — cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, light magenta and black — and uses six heads with 96 nozzles to create its output.
Epson’s new Archival Ink technology enables prints to last for generations without fading or damage caused by light or moisture. This pigment-based ink system is designed to deliver high quality color and assures that print will not fade with age.
Epson is also launching a new line of cut sheet archival media for the Stylus Pro 5500 that includes premium luster paper, glossy photo paper, matte, semi-glossy paper, canvas, water color papers, DuPont/EPSON proofing media and many more. Cut sheets as wide as 13 inches in width and up to 19 inches in length can be used through the printer’s 250-sheet feeder, which can also handle media as thick as 200-pound bond. An optional 250-sheet tray is available to increase the printer’s total paper capacity up to 500 sheets.
The 5500 uses the a USB interface with optional 10/100 BaseT and FireWire cards available. An optional Fiery Spark Professional RIP (Raster Image Processor) is also available for the 5500.
The Stylus Pro 5500 basic printing system is available immediately for US$3,495 and can be ordered through authorized Epson dealers nationwide. The optional Fiery Spark Professional RIP is available for an additional $2,995.