COMPARATIVE PRINT QUALITY ANALYSIS OF DRY ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY (DEP) AND INKJET PRINTING PRESSES ON PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PAPERS

Abstract

To address the ever-evolving demands of both printers and customers, a variety of printing processes have emerged within the printing industry. Among these, digital printing has notably gained rapid popularity in recent times. Within the realm of digital printing, two significant methods are employed for printing on cellulosic substrates: Dry Electro-photography (DEP) and Inkjet technologies. This paper aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the print quality achieved through Dry Electro-photography (DEP) and Inkjet technologies on both primary and secondary papers, utilizing the Human Standard Observation Method. The process involved designing a comprehensive test chart in Corel Draw Graphic Suite 20, which encompassed diverse test image components such as line drawings, continuous tones, and solid images. This test chart was subsequently printed using locally available Dry-toner Electrophotographic and Inkjet printing presses. The evaluation of print quality took into account factors like Solid Ink Density (SID), Dot Gain, and Print Contrast. The assessment of print quality enlisted the participation of Standard Human Observers who had successfully passed the Munsell Test. The results, averaged from twenty observers, were then analysed and presented for further discussion and interpretation.