Cross Compatibility:
We also focused on getting the most out of all Epson Printers and made our inks compatible with all Epson printers. We test and use our inks constantly and when we can make an improvement we don't wait. Some changes, such as our New Golden Yellow, offers vibrancy and greater longevity than Epson's Yellow. We did not remove our previous yellow and all inks are backwards and forwards compatible.

Longevity: 
UltraMax II is ideal for outdoor signage and superior for Fine Art Printing with a potential life of 200 years indoors. The weak link in solid colors is always Yellow and creating a Yellow that can stand up to Cyan and Magenta with brilliance and longevity is extremely difficult. It took blending of Yellow pigments and special chemistry to accomplish the longevity that is suitable for outdoors having the brilliance of a non fast ink. We have found that by using a greater pigment loading in the ink aided longevity because of the greater density of the droplet. You will find that most every ink set on the market offers a similar longevity in all the other colors, except Yellow. The Yellow chosen by Epson and some other companies is Yellow 74, which in itself does not exhibit high fade resistance. Companies that aim to mimic or clone Epson colors will also tend to use this same pigment. It is advisable to coat an image with UV inhibitors. Note that light inks which are diluted dark inks, will have less light resistance that the higher density solid colors. Our philosophy is to use as little as possible of light inks as possible and to utilize high resolution printing to allow for the smaller dot thus obtaining smooth images. This can only be accomplished with a rip that allows full control such as, our Symphonic Rip.

Image fading can also be due to the media. Media with high OBA's (optical brighteners) will shortly cause a break down. They look brilliant for a relatively short time, but then they break down. Media line Museo Max that is pure, will tend to last far longer. Humidity, heat, and light radiation combined have an affect on the fastness of the image. It is always advisable to coat an image. An overcoat such as how what is called clear coat for cars is more effective than placing UV inhibitors in the ink.

There is another detail that is often overlooked. That is the effect on moisture creeping in from the back of the media, such as paper and canvas. It is even advisable to coat the back with a less expensive coating.

Wilhelm Research announced a drop in longevity in Epson ink from over 100 years to less than 65 years in the introduction of Epson Ultrachrome. That is because of the use of Yellow 74. Many companies use that yellow for signage inplace of a greener shade yellow that while having longevity results in very pore creation of red values.

We have had clients tell us how their images printed for outdoor use has lasted for over 3 years. Terry Schopper told us that not only did he have to make a duller image to match the solvent image, but that his image months later still retained its color while the solvent print showed signs of fading.  

Productivity:
Because UltraMax II inks have superior longevity and depth of color, you can print everything from Fine Art to outdoor signage without changing printers. You can print in Color as well as Black and White.

Gray ink set:
We studied and tested the making of Black and White printing comparing our technology to that of Piezophotography Gray ink sets. We realized that we had more control of Gray hue values with software using our neutral Light Black ink with a standard color ink set. With multi Black inks, Gray inks must be tinted with color pigments in order to have some control of hue values. Whether the gray inks are being blended chemically to a specific tonal value or whether software is blending color inks with Gray (Lt Black), Gray shades are being mixed with pigment colors anyway. There are limitations with multi hue valued Gray inks, but there are no limitations with our Symphonic Evolution Software. This means that you do not need a separate printer outfitted with Gray inks to produce the most accurate or varying Black and White prints.
To further understand Black and White Printing go to : Beyond Quadtone and Black and White Technology

The Most Brilliant Eight Color Ink set: 
Our clients have already remarked at the rich reds they were obtaining with our standard Photographic Inks, so I decided to increase the depth of Yellow and add Lime Green. Lime Green unlike the standard Bluer Green used by every other Ink manufacturer, has superior richness and vibrancy. The result of this pallet called Symphony 5, produces richer color deeper blues, richer browns, vibrant leaves, beautiful aqua water, and glowing sunsets. This ink set is not your simple plug and play. It only allows for one Black ink and therefore, you must replace Black inks when changing from Gloss to Matte Media. It is ideal if you are planning to buy two printers. Please note, we are working on a printer modification that will allow for easy change over. Contact us to learn more about multi channel printing.

Going beyond the outer limits:
Symphony 12 offers colors not found in any other system or by any other manufacturer.  It is a technology that has reached the potential of 12 color printing. A milestone in inkjet technology from color gamut, vibrancy, and depth of color. The ability to produce the widest range of spot colors i.e. Pantone, Trumatch

Symphony ink pallet is ideal for Fine Art, Photographic, Display, and Signage.

This unique color pallet has the ability to produce extremely deep rich color without needing the introduction of Black to falsely produce the deeper color densities, which results in a more Lifelike reproduction. Keep in mind, Fine Art Painters do no use black and would not use black to make a deep color. This pallet produces rich color on low cost media that usually produces anemic looking images.

Bottom line: This pallet reduces the cost of printing, while producing the widest spectrum.


Unique Benefits of Symphonic UltraMax II:

• It is comprised of richer pigments producing a higher saturation of colors.
• It has higher fade resistance including Yellow allowing UltraMax II to be used not only for Giclée Art Printing, but for Signage as well.
• No compromise in color was made to have increased longevity.
• The inks are balanced to work in all Piezo Printers.
• Unlike Epson Inks, all our inks are backward and sideways compatible.
• Unlike most inks, UltraMax II does not crack on canvas when stretched.
• Vinyls can be formed also without cracking.

Ttestimonials:

Terry Schopper: "Symphonic Ink is so rich that I can produce quality prints on cheaper media that ordinarily does not produce rich or vibrant color. I do a great deal of canvas reproductions which are exceptional with the Symphony 12 ink set. Our canvas reproductions do not crack when I stretch them. They did with Epson's Ink. The cost of running the Symphony 12 color ink set is lower than listed." 

Stuart Penney of SMP Graphics: "My framer asked me, which printer do I use? He said my prints are richer than other reproductions we frame. The canvas reproductions do not crack like the ones from Epson."

Giles Prett, Head of Crane Paper Technical Research and Master Printer: "I placed Symphonic UltraMax II Photo ink set in my 9600 over a month ago and have not had a drop out since. The prints I made with Symphonic Ink on Museo Max are richer, brilliant, more defined with color and detail in the shadows than I have made with any other ink. Matte Black is deeper than any other ink set. There is no glazing or surface anomalies. They are just beautiful. The neutral balanced Light Black ink and the controls in Symphonic Evolution yield pure Black and Whites with absolutely No Bronzing or knowledgeable. Symphonic Inks and Symphonic Evolution Giclée Rip are an unbeatable combination."

UltraMax II will dispel the stigma of third party inks. While it will save you a great deal of money, and is much more wallet-friendly than Epson, HP, and Canon, it is not a cheap ink. So, if you want cheap, don't call us, but if you want the best at a great price with incomparable results and the most comprehensive technical support, this is for you. Ask about our profiling support.

Ink cost per square foot: HP and Canon $1.60, Epson's $.65 Symphonic ink, less than $.30.