Epson has launched the Stylus Pro 5500, a successor to its 5000 that started the desktop ink-jet proofing market three years ago.


"It will increase our dominance in the desktop proofing market and take us into the fine art photographic market," said Epson product manager graphic products Martin Johns.


It is between two and three times faster than the 5000. Print speeds for a full A3-plus proof range from three to 11.7 proofs per hour.


Maximum resolution is 2,880x720dpi. It uses variable droplet size down to three picolitres and six colours to produce smooth highlights and tints.


The firm claims the ColorFast pigment-based inks enable more accurate colour profiling and process control due to their stability during drying. Colour management experts had criticised the fluctuating colour of Epson's dye-based inks as they dried for use in colour-managed workflows.


They also offer a print life of up to 200 years - opening up applications in fine art printing.


"The Stylus Pro 5500 is the solution that photographers and artists producing fine art limited edition prints have been waiting for," said Johns. "ColorFast inks will last more than a lifetime providing the perfect solution to preserve the work of any photographer or artist."


For art applications Epson has produced a coated watercolour paper for use with the 5500 and ColorFast inks.


A range of software RIPs will replace the EFI hardware RIP used by the 5000, cutting the cost of a complete proofing system to around 3,500. The software RIPs will be launched in April. At the same time a proofing base for the 5500 will also be launched.


A number of third-party developers are also developing proofing RIPs for the 5500, which costs 2,345.


Story by Barney Cox