ET 8550 printer Q and A - Using the 8550 A3+ EcoTank printer

Summary

In this video, Keith Cooper answers common questions about the Epson ET-8550 printer, offering insights on its ink setup, paper handling, and optimal use. He explains the printer's combination of dye-based and pigment black inks for high-quality text and photo printing. Keith provides tips on choosing the right paper, using profiles for the best results, and warns about shipping damage. He also advises on driver setup, especially for Mac users, and the Epson Print Layout software for enhanced print control. Keith’s advice helps users get the most out of their Epson ET-8550 for various printing tasks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Epson ET-8550 is an excellent printer with a mix of dye-based inks and a pigment black ink, making it unique for both photo and document printing.
• 😀 The printer features a front feed for plain paper and thin photo paper but is not suitable for double-sided photo prints or thick photo paper.
• 😀 For photo printing, it’s recommended to use the back slot for thicker media and custom paper sizes, and avoid using the front feed for quality photo paper.
• 😀 The printer is lightweight, so it’s important to check for any potential shipping damage when it arrives, especially in transit.
• 😀 Paper quality can affect print results, and using Epson’s own papers will ensure the best performance and avoid marks caused by incompatible papers.
• 😀 If marks appear on paper, try using Epson-brand paper before contacting support, as the printer is optimized for use with Epson’s paper.
• 😀 The printer uses both dye and pigment inks, offering superior black text quality on plain paper, with some subtle differences in how it handles various media.
• 😀 To get the best photo results, it’s crucial to use paper profiles, which are available from various paper manufacturers and can be custom-created for better color accuracy.
• 😀 A general recommendation is to select papers that are supported by profiles for the printer, rather than choosing based on brand name or popularity alone.
• 😀 While it’s technically possible to convert the printer to use dye-based inks, doing so would void the warranty and could lead to long-term issues with reliability.
• 😀 For Mac users, ensure the correct printer driver is installed (not AirPrint) to access all the expected printer settings, and consider using Epson’s Print Layout software for enhanced control over print jobs.

Q & A

What is the Epson ET-8550, and why is it considered an excellent printer?

The Epson ET-8550 is a 13-inch A3+ printer known for its unique mix of dye-based and pigment black inks. It offers versatility for both high-quality photo printing and document printing, making it suitable for a range of applications like greeting cards, long prints, and photo prints.

How should I use the front feed of the Epson ET-8550?

The front feed is designed for plain paper and thin photo paper, but not for high-quality photo paper. It is not recommended for double-sided photo printing. For photo prints on high-quality media, use the rear slot, and be careful when manually reversing the paper for double-sided prints.

Can I print double-sided photos on the Epson ET-8550?

No, the printer is not suitable for double-sided photo printing on regular photo paper. While it can print double-sided documents on plain paper, double-sided photo prints require special media that can handle the process.

What should I do if I see marks on my prints caused by rollers?

Marks may occur on soft or thick paper when it passes through the printer mechanism. Try using Epson-branded paper first to check for issues. If marks persist, contact Epson support as it might be a hardware problem or related to paper type.

How does the shipping process affect the Epson ET-8550's condition?

The Epson ET-8550 is lightweight, and improper handling during shipping can lead to damage. Always check the printer’s condition upon arrival, particularly the packaging, to ensure no dents or cracks occurred during transit. If damaged, contact the manufacturer or supplier for returns or replacements.

Why is the ink mix in the Epson ET-8550 unique?

The Epson ET-8550 uses a combination of dye-based inks and a pigment black ink. This unique mix allows for better text quality on plain paper, while the pigment black ink provides more intense blacks on certain media, making it distinct from many other printers that use only one type of ink.

How can I get the best photo results from the Epson ET-8550?

To get the best photo prints, you should use paper profiles tailored for this printer. Some paper suppliers offer custom profiles or test targets that can be used to create a profile, ensuring the best color accuracy and output quality.

Can I use any paper with the Epson ET-8550?

Not all paper will work optimally with the Epson ET-8550. It’s important to use paper that is compatible with the printer’s ink mix. To achieve the best results, use paper from the printer’s manufacturer and ensure that paper profiles are available for that type of media.

Can I convert the Epson ET-8550 to use dye inks instead of pigment inks?

While it may be possible to try using dye inks in the Epson ET-8550, doing so would void the warranty and could affect the printer’s long-term reliability. It is not recommended unless you are willing to take on the risks of potential issues.

What are the key differences between using Epson’s paper and third-party paper with the printer?

Epson’s papers are specifically designed to work with the printer’s ink mix, offering better performance and results. Third-party papers may work, but to ensure optimal output, it's important to use profiles tailored for the specific paper to achieve the best results.