A comparison of film positive, laser and Inkjet print quality

Presented at Shawnee Oklahoma, April 27, 2002

Author: Jim Yount

Posted:

Revised: August 03, 2005

These photos were taken using an Intel microscope, set on 60 power. They are all from the same original art (motorcycle); differences in orientation are due to clumsiness of the operator (me). There is a slight difference in size of the inkjet print, since I used an earlier transparency, and am too cheap to reprint it.

This is a film positive produced at a cost of $20. It is nearly perfect, with just very slight jaggies visible in the spoke at left. For scale, the lines are .75, 1 and 2 point (0.010, 0.014, and 0.028 inches). The hex measures approximately 0.033 by 0.038 inches. The image is 1/10 inch by 1/8 inch.

This is a laser print on High Res Solutions' 4 mil film. The following photo is a different piece of art, same magnification, done on Photobrasive’s laser film, Positive FX. The High Res Solutions image appears slightly better, with less dust, and deeper blacks. Without a densitometer, I can’t comment on the density. High Res 4 mil costs less ($48 versus $75 per 100 as of April 2002) than the Photobrasive product. Note that the first image approaches the quality of a film positive.

High Res Solutions 4 mil film

A note on contacting High Res Solutions:

Currently (December 2002), the web site for this product is:

http://www.highressolutions.com/premium4mil.php

However, they periodically rearrange the site, and the above link may not work by the time you read this. So, start with their home page ( http://www.highressolutions.com ) and search for "premium 4 mil Polyester Laser Imaging Film". Note also that their site is not yet secure; I suggest ordering by phone at: 800-640-2768)

Photobrasive's Positive FX

This is an inkjet print on Photobrasive’s Accuart film. The blacks are very dense, and have printed well. The printer is an Epson 1160, set on film (resolution at 1440 by 720 dpi).

Two problems: the inkjet produces “blooming” dots, and also jaggies, most visible on the spoke at left. Note how the hex has grown closer to the line; it will bleed when blasted.