Kris Steenhaut wrote:

>Stewart Buckingham wrote:
>
>>Does anyone know of any other printer manufacturer besides Epson which 
>>uses the Piezo Printing Method in it's inkjet printers?
>>
>No, Epson keeps the patent strictly to it's own.
>

Hi Kris, Stu,

I don't think that is exactly correct as following was under the 
description of a Brother MFC890, as I remembered seeing a reference in 
recent months to Micro Piezo that wasn't an Epson, and did a quick 
Google and this was on the first page of results.

[From 
http://www.epinions.com/pr-Brother_MFC-890_Ink-Jet_Piezo_Inkjet_Printer]

Brand     Brother
Form Factor     Desktop
Manufacturer Part Number     Q27-MFC890P  BROMFC890  Q27-MFC890  
MFC890U1  MFC890  BROTHERMFC890
Max Media Size     Legal (216 x 356 mm)
Modem Type     Fax Modem
Output Type     Color Printer
Scanner Type     Flatbed Scanner
Technology     Micro Piezo
Type     Multifunction
Dimensions
Depth     18.35 in.
Height     14.88 in.
Weight     28.66 lb.
Width     19.37 in.
Key Features
Black Print Speed     20 ppm
Color Print Speed     16 ppm
Color Print Speed     16
Max Resolution (BW)     2400 x 1200 dpi
Max Resolution (Color)     2400 x 1200 dpi
Platform     PC, Mac
Media
Media Type     Envelopes, Plain Paper, Postcard
Total Media Capacity     100 Sheets
Miscellaneous
MPN     Q27-MFC890P
Product ID     20947208
Multifunction Features
Black Copying Speed     15
Copying Speed (Black)     15 ppm
Technical Features
Connectivity Technology     Cable
More Information
The MFC-890 offers the user exceptional performance and is simply loaded 
with impressive features. This versatile All-In-One functions as a color 
printer color fax color copier and color scanner.


[following from : http://www.it-enquirer.com/production/proofmark-2.php]

Proofing Technologies

Canon, HP, Kodak and a number of others use thermal technology, while 
Epson, Mutoh, Agfa, and Creo use piezo-electric technology. Epson is the 
leading vendor of piezo electric print heads. It supplies these print 
heads to a broad range of printer vendors, including Accuplot, Agfa, 
Gradco, Gretag (now part of Oc), Mimaki, Mutoh, and Roland. HP is the 
leading thermal inkjet vendor, and ColorSpan uses its print heads. Canon 
manufactures its own thermal print heads. Kodaks Rainbow inkjet proofer 
is based on the HP DesignJet 5500.

There is ongoing debate whether one of the two technologies will push 
the other out of the market. This debate was further sparked by 
ColorSpans announcement in February 2002 that it would switch its R&D 
efforts from thermal to piezo technology that year, and that it would 
launch a piezo printer by the end of 2002. Instead, ColorSpan chose to 
launch an updated version of the DisplayMaker Mach 12 in December 2002. 
The new device was based on thermal technology. Only in April 2003 did 
ColorSpan launch its first piezo printer, the DisplayMaker 110s. Other 
manufacturers have tried to launch products using piezo technology but 
have failed because of quality issues.

An example is Kodaks model 5260 which was plagued by banding problems. 
The problems with the Kodak are interesting because they illustrate the 
technical complexities of piezo print heads, and the higher R&D costs of 
this technology compared with thermal technology. Piezo print heads are 
also more sensitive than thermal ones, which can result in a shorter 
life span or higher running costs. However, each of the technologies has 
its merits. Thermal technology evangelists claim higher speed and 
reliability, while those in favour of piezo technology claim higher 
quality. In reality, neither technology has a clear advantage over the 
other, except perhaps for running costs.

The proofing market is increasingly showing an interest in inkjet 
proofing. For some specific purposes like package printing there is 
still a great interest for Kodak Approval and Fuji ColorArt devices 
because of the ability to accurately proof spot and metallic colours. 
Inkjet colour proofs also dont show problems with screening or defects 
on the film or plates, but neither do most other digital proofing 
systemsshort of a Kodak Approval or a Creo Spectrum.

However, inkjet proofers are continuously being improved by their 
manufacturers, who keep increasing the resolution, so that some inkjet 
proofers today can be used to produce actual dot-based proofs. This 
results in an increasing number of printers who switch from expensive 
proofing devices such as the Kodak and Iris systems to devices such as 
the HP DesignJet 5500 or the Epson Color Proofer 10600.

The reason for this trend is the cost-effectiveness of inkjet proofers 
compared to other systems and their ever-improving colour quality. A HP 
DesignJet 5500 is many times less expensive than a Kodak Approval, thus 
allowing the printer to install more than one proofer, resulting in a 
more efficient and better performing workflow. With each new generation 
of inkjet proofer, vendors make them faster as well.

-- 
Regards,
Mike

Failed the exam for
--------------------
MCSE - Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert
--------------------
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