FLAAR begins evaluation of an HP Designjet Z3200ps for fine art photography and giclee

In 2010, Epson has lost much of its market to Canon and HP, in part because of all the new thermal printhead technology of these two market leaders. So today (January through July 2010) we initiate another update, this time to an HP Designjet Z3200 ps Photography.

For fine art giclee and decor, some printshops are considering HP latex ink and UV-cured printing. So you might like to know about the new HP latex ink printers HP Scitex LX600 and LX800, and new uv-cured printer HP Scitex FB500. Do not limit yourself to latex ink (nor to HP). There is also Sepiax ink that will print on metal, stone, and ceramic tiles. And there are 45 brands of UV-cured printers in addition to HP Scitex brand.

We have added a new site to FLAAR network: 3d-scanners-3d-software-reviews.org

There you will find reviews and evaluations of reliable 3d laser equipment, laser scanners, both handheld and portable scanner, digitizer, for creating 3d models, 3d modeling, with reviews of 3d modeling software, visualization software, including for reverse engineering, prototyping: the whole world of virtual 3d..

Evaluations of Epson, Canon iPF, and HP Z-series photo printers for fine art giclee.

For 2008 we were also evaluating water-based Epson, Canon iPF, and HP Z6100, HP Z3100, and HPZ2100 printers. For 2009 the evaluation of the HP Z3200 will need to replace the HP Z3100. Plus the question is why was the on-board spectrophotometer of the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 stalled.

Fine art giclee workflow, step by step, starting with digitizing (scanning) your paintings.

During 2009-2010 FLAAR featured the step by step process of painter Violeta Marroquin as she moves into the world of giclee. We will document what is essential for success for an emerging artist: which art shows? which trade magazine?

Giclee, fine art photography, decor, and interior decoration.

Today in 2010 there is more to giclee than just oil paintings, acrylic or watercolor paintings. You can print your paintings on silk, on cotton, on wood, metal, ceramic or glass. FLAAR has been adding knowledge of these decorative applications since this web site began in the 1990's.

The last four years we have been working increasingly on UV-cured flatbed printers. These are the printers that can handle ceramic wall tiles, wood, aluminum and other metals, glass and diverse thick materials. To bring you accurate information we, have gone to receive training in the R&D facilities and the factories of Durst (three times), NUR (twice), IP&I (twice), Dilli, GCC, ColorSpan, VUTEk (four times), GRAPO (three times), SkyAirShip, Teckwin (twice), and others. Have also been inspecting more eco-solvent printers (spent a week in the Mutoh Europe headquarters, R&D facilities, demo room, factory and have several reports (visit www.wide-format-printers.NET).

During 2007 the FLAAR evaluators traveled over 400,000 kilometers to attend these training sessions around the world. During 2008 and 2009 we are still counting the miles. Indeed FLAAR moved its office in the US to near the St Louis airport since most of the year I am at printshops or out doing digital fine art photography in some remote part of the world. For 2010 we have three visits scheduled to China, plus trips to Dubai and India.

If you are a photographer, traditional or digital artist, painter, or printer, then this fine art giclée printer site is the information source for you. The advantage to you, is that FLAAR is nonprofit and in his past life Nicholas has been a professor. The art department on our campus provided invaluable tips (their experience with one printer was a disaster, perhaps our report on this can save you from the same mistake... they bought a printer without first finding out what it was really like).

The other benefit of FLAAR is that we cover the entire workflow, color management from ICC color profiles, color calibration, through selecting the canvas, watercolor paper or photo matte, photo satin, through top coating. Plus, we offer assistance, both as consultants and also as publishers of tips, help, information, and documentation on how to set up your own giclee atelier. Since FLAAR is non-profit we don't mind revealing the ways that you too can produce giclee effectively. After all, this is the role of an educational institute: to do the research first, then the practical first-hand practice, and then write up and publish the results.

If you wish to meet Nicholas Hellmuth and ask questions in person, he is available as a consultant anywhere in the world.

In the last years the entire digital fine art world has seen major technology breakthroughs. Although Epson has been the clear leader for four years..

For 2010 we will bring you evaluations of the Epson printers, including the GS6000, which attempted to take over the giclee market but had a slight issue with color gamut.

FLAAR Reports tell you, bluntly, what a printer can and can NOT achieve. Since we do not sell printers, we don't have to spin hype and mislead you into buying the wrong brand.