Epson XP-960 with Epson T673 Ink Instead of Claria Photo HD Ink

[ReneKub]

I need to purchase a printer which will print a lot on photo quality cardstock on glossy thick photo paper. The paper used will be: Inkjet Photopaper white high glossy 300gsm A6.

My ultimate candidate for this task is Epson Expression Photo XP-960 . I have reviewed many different inkjet models and this model seems to be the best value candidate that is even being able to handle 22 mil thick paper. Because I will print a lot, I need to be ready purchase a lot of cartridges or to install a CISS. My strategy is to install a CISS.

Thanks to the CISS, I will be the left to use a third party ink. This no-name DYE ink can have color durability problems if exposed to sunlight or left on daylight. I therefore came with an idea to use original Epson T673 Series Ink delivered in bottles and designed for another Epson L800 printers .

The Epson T673 Series Ink is a 6 color DYE ink: C LC M LM Y K. The original ink for the Epson Expression Photo XP-960 is as well a 6 color DYE ink (Claria Photo HD).

The reasons why I do wish to use Epson XP-960 instead of InkTank L800 are several:

1. XP-960 looks to be of a higher quality than L800. XP-960 has double the amount nozzles and more functions, although I plan to use the printer only.
2. XP-960 can handle significantly thicker paper, which is desired for the project.
3. XP-960 is significantly less expensive. It costs app. 40% from the Epson L800.

Using Epson T673 Series Ink could solve the problem with color durability, since it is directly produced by Epson. It could solve cost problems too, as the price is only EUR 10 / 70ml Bottle.

May I kindly ask to help with the following:

1. Is it safe to use Epson T673 Series DYE Ink for Epson Expression Photo XP-960 designed to use DYE Claria Photo HD ink?

2. Is there any significant difference between the Epson T673 Series DYE inks and the Epson Claria Photo HD ink? Both of them have 6 colors.

3. The Epson L800 has 90 Nozzles per color. The Epson XP-960 has 360 Nozzles per black and 180 Nozzles per remaining colors. Does the count of nozzles play any role in the ink used?

4. Do you see it as a good plan to use original EPSON DYE Ink in Epson XP-960 printer although the printer has been designed for Claria Photo HD ink?

Thanks, I look forward your help.

 

[kcgoatboy]

1. Is it safe to use Epson T673 Series DYE Ink for Epson Expression Photo XP-960 designed to use DYE Claria Photo HD ink?

Yes

2. Is there any significant difference between the Epson T673 Series DYE inks and the Epson Claria Photo HD ink? Both of them have 6 colors.

Yes, Claria HD ink has some UV absorption chemicals added to the ink which helps it be "less" fade resistant. Some fade resistance tests showed Claria HD Ink at around 70 years in a photo album whereas the Epson dye ink used in the L800 only around 7 years under the same conditions.

3. The Epson L800 has 90 Nozzles per color. The Epson XP-960 has 360 Nozzles per black and 180 Nozzles per remaining colors. Does the count of nozzles play any role in the ink used?

Yes/No. It's more of the print head/printer combo not the count of nossles on the print head. The L800 uses a larger dropplet size while the XP-960 can go as low as 1.5. What really makes a diffence is if you chose best photo (maximum DPI) or not in the Epson printer driver.

4. Do you see it as a good plan to use original EPSON DYE Ink in Epson XP-960 printer although the printer has been designed for Claria Photo HD ink?

It will not hurt to try but I would try a high quality 3rd party ink. I use InkOwl Fade resistant line in my XP-950 and i am very happy with the results.

Some things to keep in mind and extra info:

No matter if you go 3rd party or Epson T673 inks you should profile your printer/paper combo when you use non claria ink. You really should do it no matter what. The color accuracy will be a little off even if you use the Epson T763 ink.

No matter if you use OEM or 3rd party ink don't let your printer sit for long periods at a time with out printing something. You want to prevent the print head from drying out. Once a week a print a small image at best photo (max DPI) which forces the printer to use every nossle. The normal photo option may not use every nossle.

Look at a refurbished XP-950 on the Epson website. Essentially it's the same as teh XP-960 but much cheaper.

DON'T upgrade the firmware of your printer and turn off that function for every computer that attaches to the epson printer even wirelessly, a firmware update has the possibility of preventing you from using your CISS anymore.

 

[Gesture]

I think you have gotten good advice. In the US, ink and cardstock/paper costs soon exceed the original cost of the printer.

Depending on the gamut of the images you will be printing, I would also consider the WorkForce printers that use 4 colors DuraBrite/pigment ink. The new Precision Core printers get good reviews.

See for notes:

http://www.precisioncolors.com/E4B_T252.html

The WF3640 and WF7620 have dual paper trays. The WF3620 and WF7610 single.

The XP-950 and XP-960 do have a good paper feed system, but you can only send one print at a time to the printer. Each additional print requires a new print command and loading of one sheet of paper.

In contrast, I don't know how thick WorkForce will handle, as you are dealing there with a U paper path, although the WF76209 has also a single sheet path.

Good luck.

 

[ReneKub]

Hi Kcgoatboy and Gesture,

thank you both for excellent advice. It helped me a lot.

Rene

 

[Tenerife Landscapes]

Just stumbled across this post as i have a Epson XP-960 and looking for a CISS system with inks that are as good for fade resistance as the Epson Claria HD.

I found this UK website that sells the CISS system and with Epson 673 ink as before mentioned. Haven't tried it but am curious as to how it performs, it claims up to 20 years fade resistance..

Here is the website if anyone needs it:

https://www.cityinkexpress.co.uk/ciss/epson/xp-960/xp-series

 

[PanosK1980]

Hello i need some help. I have Epson XP760 and i am using inkowl ink (claria compatible). The color accuracy is NOT good as i expected. I have a blue Grey tone on the prints. The paper i am using is Epson original gloss.

 

[Tenerife Landscapes]

There's 2 ways to handle this, either switch back to original inks (best)

OR

get the inks profiled (not guaranteed success with your inks as it depends on quality of the ink..)

I thought the results with the original Claria inks where great but I got them profiled and the difference was worth it as I sell some prints.

Hope that helps..

 

[Katonda]

Hi all,

So I'm in the same boat as OP and Tenerife, except that I'm looking at installing a CISS for the Epson XP-970 (just placed the order, should arrive tomorrow).

That same British seller, sells a CISS for the Epson XP-970.

Without ink: https://www.cityinkexpress.co.uk/ciss/epson/xp-970/xp-series/empty

With Epson T673 x 6 x 70ml: https://www.cityinkexpress.co.uk/ciss/epson/xp-970/xp-series/epson-original-ink

Video of installation:







This system looks very 'Made in China', so I've naturally been looking around on AliExpress and sure enough, there are many similar CISS systems at half the price to be found. I'm still in discussion with a few different shops, but will update this post with information on where I bought the CISS and how it performs.

I have a question though: Is the Epson T673 Ink still what would be a next best alternative to the Claria Photo HD Ink native to the XP-970 or is there something else I should be looking for to fill the CISS tanks? I'm in Europe, so third party brands available here would be most appreciated.

 

[Katonda]

Just a quick update: I ended up ordering from CityInkExpress even though they were more expensive than the direct from China alternatives. There were a few reasons, but the main ones were: product looked better than others, their website and communication was very professional, one year warranty and that they took the time to make the tutorial video.

Once I run out of ink from the starter kit I will make the switch and have the new setup profiled by a local professional.