Epson WT7900

Vijay Jobanputra, the DGM for repro at ABPS is impressed with the accurate, consistent and high-quality colour output of this large-format machine.

10 May 2013 | By PrintWeek India

Describe your company?
ABPS is a packaging focused pre-media and print management company, based in India. ABPS is a part of the packaging powerhouse of the east, the ADTS group, which also has in its fold Cognizance Packaging, a premium packaging solutions provider, and General Prints, a sustainable print management company. 

What does the machine do?
ABPS already had a 25-inch paper output printer, Epson 7900. The new Epson WT7900, India’s first, installed in June 2010, is part of the colour management system, gives output on transparent as well as metalised film. 
 
Why did you choose this particular machine?
The machine is already known for its consistent, accurate colour output, ease of use and operation. The UltraChrome HDR white ink technology is also the first in the inkjet series of printers. 
 
Did you look at any other similar machines?
No. Never found anything similar.
 
Why did you make the purchase?
The WT7900 supports output on paper as well as films (including transparent and metallic), which helps our mock-up and reprographics business. 
 
What features do you particularly like?
The aqueous-based white ink, which is world’s first. Also it offers a wide gamut of ink cartridges, including lighter versions. The lighter versions helps output smoother print rather than heavy patches of colour.
 
Is there anything you wish it had that it doesn’t?
I wish it could print silver as well as gold, than that would have been an added advantage. If it did, it would have created history.
 
How fast is it?
The printing speed is completely dependent upon the resolution at which you shoot the prints and at what screen ruling you have assigned while ripping the file. 
 
What’s the quality like?
The print quality is fabulous. It’s an Epson product and that by itself is the best mark for quality. 
 
How reliable is it?
Very reliable. It’s spot on, right from the first print. With proper maintenance, the printer delivers perfect and accurate prints of the same job even after six months. 

How easy is it to use?
It is very easy. Like any plug and play device, it can be connected through USB or attached to a system network.
 
How much time or money has it saved?
Compared to cylinder proofing, it certainly saves time. And time is money.
 
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Absolutely. It’s a high-quality machine.
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
No. It’s a plug and play machine. It has its internal software, which the service engineer loads during installation of the machine.
 
What about the pre- and after-sales service?
Epson is known for its services. There’s absolutely no complaint about the service.
 
Who do you think the machine is right for?
It’s the right equipment for pre-media purposes, where one is completely dependent on accuracy of colours, the final benchmark before the job goes for commercial production. 
 
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We are already discussing the “remote proofing” concept with our customers: wherein we can install one WT7900 at their premise and the another one at their print vendor’s location. This will enable us to fire final colour calibrated print from our office through the network. 

Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 5/5