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Author Topic: chromaluxe process for b/w  (Read 1933 times)

jackarnold

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chromaluxe process for b/w
« on: March 24, 2014, 04:33:54 pm »

Hello, all

I am working on a project with bay photo to print a 40 x 60 print on aluminum. i have sent them a high-bit tif file, which i have proofed on two separate systems using eizo displays, as well as printed on both epson and canon printers.  the proof i received from bay had fairly noticeable crossover in the midtones (clouds) and a slight overall magenta cast. so i am wondering if i am expecting too much from this technology.  has anyone had any success with the process, and with bay?

thanks

jack
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mcpix

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Re: chromaluxe process for b/w
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2014, 08:09:47 pm »

I'm still waiting for the inks for my large format dye sub printer to arrive, so I can't speak from experience on your Chromaluxe. I do know that B&W photos have always been tricky on other dye sub materials (mugs, mouse pads, tiles, etc.) and often have a color cast. I'm hoping I get better results with an 8 color printer and the correct ICC profile. In theory, since I can get a neutral looking B&W print out of my Epson 4880, I would hope that I could get a neutral looking Chromaluxe using dye sub inks as well.

Just curious, what size of proof print did you have made?
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jackarnold

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Re: chromaluxe process for b/w
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2014, 08:30:39 pm »

8 x 12
since posting this i have heard from 2 other photographers that they feel Bay Photo's quality is slipping.
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dgberg

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Re: chromaluxe process for b/w
« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2014, 09:41:57 pm »

Do you have any idea of the printer models Bay is using?
Maybe they are using a CMYK dye unit like the new Epson?
If that is the case I would expect B&W output might have a greenish or magenta tint.
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Wayne Fox

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Re: chromaluxe process for b/w
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2014, 01:14:07 am »

I'm pretty sure Bay is using the Sawgrass inks like most, in converted Epson printers (although they may have a Mimaki or similar grand format printer).  The new Epson's are pretty good, but I think the intended market is textiles and signage, not fine art. 

As far as black and white, my experience with inkjet dye sub is it's pretty tough because the driver depends on mixing colors to get grey tones, and the sublimation process isn't that accurate. For B&W you might try Image Wizards. Their heat press is supposedly accurate to within 0.1 degrees across the surface.  The key to consistency is precision in the process ... ink laid down on transfer paper, placed in press which is pre heated to an exact temperature, and pressed for a precise amount of time. The quality of the press can affect this because some of them struggle with temperature consistency once they press and start transferring heat to the metal.  I spoke with the owner of Image Wizards at length as to why he feels his are the best.  Who knows what's true and what isn't, but his claim is he's been doing it for decades, involved in the entire evolution of the product, and his custom press (which is huge) cost over $500k and is the best press in the world for dye sub transfer.

I know the samples he had up looked good and a couple were black and white.

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