Epson Stylus Pro 9500

A large-format pigment-ink printer combining super photo quality with outstanding lightfastness

May 2000

Epson Stylus Pro 9500

Printing method: On-demand inkjet
Resolutions: Max. 1440 x 720 dpi
Nozzle configuration: Black: 64 nozzles; Color: 320 nozzles (64 nozzles x 5 colors)
Ink: Pigment-based ink cartridge, six individual colors high-capacity ink cartridges (220ml/color)
Paper size: A3 (length) to B0+ (up to B1 width for paper of width 0.5 mm or greater)
Electrical requirements: AC 90 to 110 V, 120V, 220-240V, 50 to 60Hz
Power consumption: 100 W or less (when operating) / 30W or less (standby)
Dimensions: (W) 1,688 x (D) 699 x (H) 1,259 mm
Weight: Approx. 96 kg (including feet)

The Epson Stylus Pro 9500 large-format inkjet printer (known in Japan as the MC-9000) used newly developed ColorFast ink to produce high-quality output that was lightfast for 200 years*. In addition to photo-quality and lightfastness, the printer handled sheets of paper as large as B0+. With all six of its inks pigment-based, the Epson Stylus Pro 9500 overcame issues of lightfastness, and represented a revolutionary, versatile printing solution suitable for use in a wide variety of fields.

From the time they appeared on the market, the Epson Stylus Pro large-format, full-color printers were recognized for their reasonable price and excellent image quality, making them popular among professional users. The advent of the Epson Stylus Pro 9500 using pigment inks with durable, colorful, and high-quality output was a milestone. Suitable for printing graphics, fine art, and posters, this product line brought about a rapid broadening of the applications for which large-format printers were used.

Additionally, the ColorFast ink with which the series was equipped had a great impact on the development of Epson's subsequent DURABrite and UltraChrome ink technologies.

*Explanation: 200 years of lightfastness

Lightfastness tests simulate long-term indoor storage of a photo under normal fluorescent lighting and not exposed to direct sunlight.

Factors in addition to light (i.e., ozone, heat, humidity, etc.) that can result in discoloration over an extended period are present. ColorFast ink exhibited particularly excellent lightfastness due to its resistance to discoloration resulting from these various factors.

Preconditions

  • Storage conditions: Stored in a picture frame with glass, under indoor fluorescent lighting conditions.
  • Media: double-weight matte roll / fine art paper roll
  • The number of years stated above is the result of accelerated testing performed by Epson, but does not represent a guarantee.
  • The number of years stated above does not apply to discoloration of the paper or lightfastness of the paper itself.

Evaluation methodology / lifetime estimation

  • Evaluation conditions
    Light source: White, fluorescent lighting (70,000 lux); Temperature: 24 degrees centigrade; Humidity: 60%
    On top of the sample, a layer of air and 2-mm-thick soda-lime glass
  • Criteria:
    The limit point is integrated illumination whose reflection OD value (1.0) declines by 30 % (OD = 1.0 >> 0.7)
  • Lifetime estimation: 500 lux x 10 hours is treated as average daily dose under indoor fluorescent lighting.
    Lifetime (in years) = cumulative illumination / (5000 lux / hour x 365)

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