Epson Stylus Pro 9890 - User Manual

The Epson Stylus Pro 9890 is a large-format inkjet printer designed for professional graphic arts, photography, and proofing applications. It is part of Epson's Stylus Pro series, known for its high-quality output and advanced ink technologies.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Epson Stylus Pro 9890 is to produce high-resolution, color-accurate prints on a variety of media types, including roll paper and cut sheets. It is capable of printing images, graphics, and text with exceptional detail and a wide color gamut, making it suitable for fine art reproductions, photographic prints, posters, banners, and contract proofs. The printer utilizes Epson's UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta ink set, which includes eleven individual ink cartridges (Photo Black, Matte Black, Light Black, Light Light Black, Cyan, Light Cyan, Vivid Magenta, Vivid Light Magenta, Yellow, Orange, and Green). This ink set is designed to deliver consistent color, excellent black density, and superior longevity. The printer supports various print modes and resolutions, allowing users to optimize output quality and speed based on their specific needs.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific technical specifications like maximum print resolution (e.g., 2880 x 1440 dpi), minimum ink droplet size (e.g., 3.5 picoliters), and print speed are not explicitly detailed in the provided pages, the manual highlights key operational aspects. The printer supports roll paper, with a clear emphasis on the loading process for different media sizes. The control panel features a clear LCD screen for navigation and status display. The printer is designed to handle media up to 44 inches in width, as indicated by the "Media: 44 in x 24 in" and "Paper Size: 44 in Width 24 in Height" settings in the print dialogs. The ink system is an 11-color UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta, which includes both Photo Black and Matte Black inks, allowing the printer to automatically switch between them based on the media type selected. This ensures optimal black density and color accuracy for different paper surfaces. The printer also features a built-in rotary cutter for automatic paper cutting.

Usage Features:

The Epson Stylus Pro 9890 offers several user-friendly features for efficient operation:

• Roll Paper Loading: The manual provides detailed instructions for loading roll paper. This involves lifting the roll paper cover, flipping down a lock on the left of the roll paper guide, sliding the carriage, removing the existing roll, unlocking roll paper holders by lifting tension levers, adjusting roll paper holders to match media size (2" or 3" core), placing roll paper holders into each side of the media, ensuring the flap comes over the top to the front, placing media and holders onto the rightmost roll paper guide, sliding the left roll paper guide into the left roll paper holder, securing the paper by flipping the lock, inserting paper into the slot, and feeding it down. The process emphasizes ensuring no gaps between the roll paper holders and the media/guides for proper feeding.
• Control Panel: The printer features a control panel with an LCD screen, various buttons, and indicator lights.
  • Buttons:
    • OK Button: Confirms selections.
    • Menu Button: Accesses printer menus.
    • Paper Cut Button: Initiates paper cutting.
    • Paper Feed Up Button: Advances paper upwards.
    • Paper Feed Down Button: Advances paper downwards.
    • Left Arrow or Paper Source Button: Navigates left or selects paper source.
    • Ink Open Button: Opens the ink cartridge cover.
    • Black Ink Change Button: Initiates the black ink change process.
    • Pause/Reset and Button: Pauses or resets print jobs.
    • Power Light and Button: Controls printer power.
  • Lights:
    • Paper Light: Indicates paper status.
    • Ink Light: Indicates ink status.
    • Paper Release Light and Button: Indicates paper release status and functions as a button.
• Print Settings (Software Interface): The manual details the printing process through a software interface (likely Adobe Illustrator or similar).
  • File > Print: Initiates the print dialog.
  • Printer Selection: Users must select "Epson 9890" as the printer.
  • Page Setup: Allows adjustment of paper format (roll, sheet), media type (paper, fabric), and other settings. Changing media type automatically adjusts the black ink used (Matte Black or Photo Black).
  • Media Type Selection: Crucial for selecting the correct ink type (Matte Black or Photo Black) for optimal results.
  • Print Mode: Adjusts settings for color, black and white, and non-photographic images (e.g., AccuPhoto HDR).
  • Color Mode: Allows users to choose how colors are managed (e.g., EPSON Standard (sRGB)).
  • Output Resolution: Adjusts print quality through dpi (dots per inch), with higher numbers indicating higher quality (e.g., SuperPhoto - 1440 dpi, Super MicroWeave, High Speed, Mirror Image, Finest Detail).
  • Custom Paper Sizes: Users can define custom paper sizes by inputting width and height, essential for handling various media dimensions.
  • Printer Settings Tab: Provides access to advanced settings like media type, black ink output, and other variables that override the printer's default settings.
  • Print Preview: The print dialog allows users to verify settings before printing.

Maintenance Features:

The provided pages briefly touch upon maintenance-related aspects:

• Ink Management: The printer uses an 11-color ink set, including both Photo Black and Matte Black. The manual explicitly states that changing between Matte Black and Photo Black requires the Epson 9890 to flush out ink from various parts of the machine, which consumes a fair amount of ink. This highlights an important consideration for ink usage and cost when switching between different media types that require different black inks.
• Error Messages: The manual advises users to check for gaps between the media, roll paper holders, and guides if any error messages are received during the loading process, indicating a common troubleshooting step for paper feeding issues.
• Black Ink Change Button: A dedicated button on the control panel suggests a user-initiated process for changing black ink, likely for maintenance or switching between Photo Black and Matte Black cartridges.

In summary, the Epson Stylus Pro 9890 is a sophisticated large-format printer designed for professional output, emphasizing precise media handling, extensive color control, and high-quality printing capabilities. Its detailed loading procedures and comprehensive print settings underscore its professional-grade functionality.