Epson Stylus Pro 7880 (24") inks compatible with the 4880?

[callumalden]

I'm keen to pick up a small Stylus Pro, mainly for printing certificates of authenticity and various other bits that require great colour reproduction, longevity etc. but currently cause me a headache to run on the 7880 (start up time, sheet-by-sheet printing). I am very confused by the language on Epson's website, regarding compatibility of inks between the 4880 and 7880. It seems to imply that the ink is the same, but will the actual cartridges be 'interchangeable'. I tend to buy inks in bulk and should they be the same that would really help keep costs own in future. Here's the Epson chat:

"...you can use the new cartridges of Epson Stylus Pro 4880 in the Epson Stylus Pro 4800 with the exception of the Vivid Magenta and Vivid Light Magenta cartridges, as these are only suitable for the new UltraChrome™ K3 with Vivid Magenta printer series (SP4880, SP7880, SP9880 and SP11880)."

Source

What's your take? Anyone have experience with this wee printer? Also: I plan to move over to Cone inks for the 7880 and 4880 as I have a new 44" which is my workhorse.

Thanks kindly,

- Callum

[mearussi]

I'm keen to pick up a small Stylus Pro, mainly for printing certificates of authenticity and various other bits that require great colour reproduction, longevity etc. but currently cause me a headache to run on the 7880 (start up time, sheet-by-sheet printing). I am very confused by the language on Epson's website, regarding compatibility of inks between the 4880 and 7880. It seems to imply that the ink is the same, but will the actual cartridges be 'interchangeable'. I tend to buy inks in bulk and should they be the same that would really help keep costs own in future. Here's the Epson chat:
Source

What's your take? Anyone have experience with this wee printer? Also: I plan to move over to Cone inks for the 7880 and 4880 as I have a new 44" which is my workhorse.

Thanks kindly,

- Callum

Same inks, different cartridge (go figure), though the ones for the 7880 will fit into the 9880.

As for cone inks, they're not archival so presumably you're not selling any prints made using these inks.

[I.T. Supplies]

Same inks, different cartridge (go figure), though the ones for the 7880 will fit into the 9880.

Where did you get this info?  They will use the same inks...  Only difference is that the x800 and x880 (exclude 4880) won't use the same Magenta's.

[mearussi]

Where did you get this info?  They will use the same inks...  Only difference is that the x800 and x880 (exclude 4880) won't use the same Magenta's.

Because I've owned the 4800/7800/9800 trio and for some reason (money?) Epson keyed the 4800 cartridges differently from the other two. Just check your own inventory and you'll see the cartridge numbers are different. The last set that were all interchangeable were the 4000/7600/9600 set.

[I.T. Supplies]

I actually re-read your post that both 24" and 44" will work the same and I apologize.  I thought I saw that it will not work between them.

It's probably because of the money part for why they changed the p/n, but that's how corporate goes unfortunately.  I can't say why it happens.  The newer series is completely different now that there are 3 sizes for large format and 1 size for the desktop.

[callumalden]

Ah, the good old days. I once owned the glorious trio (4000/7600/9600) fantastic printers! And a huge bonus with interchangeable inks. What sensible times those were.

Thank you everyone for your information and time. I'm retiring my 7880 from active duty which has been a super buy... and certainly outlived the 7890 that was originally purchased as its replacement, refurb, that lasted less than a year!

It'll be brand-new 44" gear, which is exciting.

Thanks once again!

- Callum

[callumalden]

...as for cone inks, they're not archival

Is this the general consensus? I believed that ConeColor Pro archival inks were archival. The only Cone products I have ever used were for trialing 'Piezography'... something I couldn't find a market for here in Scotland. I might get back to that one day, perhaps adapt the 7880 if pos.

- Callum

[mearussi]

Is this the general consensus? I believed that ConeColor Pro archival inks were archival. The only Cone products I have ever used were for trialing 'Piezography'... something I couldn't find a market for here in Scotland. I might get back to that one day, perhaps adapt the 7880 if pos.

- Callum

From everything I've read no 3rd party color pigment inks last as long as OEM, though they might be equal to the best OEM dyes. Their Piezography is B&W and so has a longer display life. You might want to check Mark McCormack's Aardenburg site for exactly how long he's measured them for. My recollection is that Cone Color pigments were rated for around 40 years and their B&W for 80 years, though it can vary wildly depending on which paper is used, whereas the best OEM pigments are 200 years.

https://www.aardenburg-imaging.com/login/?ihc_success_login=true