HOW EPSON MEASURES PAGE YIELD AND PRINT SPEEDS

Methodology

Maximum pages/copies per minute (PPM/CPM) are measured after first page with text patterns in Draft Mode (or Economy Mode, depending on the printer/all-in-one) on plain paper. Actual print/copy times will vary based on system configuration, software, and page complexity.

Testing is conducted with the patterns depicted below in Microsoft® Word. The printer/all-in-one uses plain, 8.5” x 11” paper. Tests are performed at least three times using at least three sample products. Tests do not measure processing time, which varies, depending on the computer configuration, image, software, and connectivity. Timing begins when the second page starts to feed into the product and continues for 60 seconds. Results are rounded down, but not rounded up.

Colour photo print speeds

Colour photo printed without borders in Draft Mode on Premium Photo Paper Glossy measured from start of paper feed. Actual print times will vary based on system configuration, software, and page complexity.

Testing is conducted with the image depicted below using Adobe® Photoshop® software on photo paper in draft mode, unless otherwise specified. Tests are performed at least three times using at least three sample products. Tests do not measure processing time, which varies, depending on the computer configuration, image, software, and connectivity. Timing begins from commencement of paper feed until the photo ejects. Results are rounded down, but not rounded up.

Test patterns used

Word tests
Excel Tests
Adobe® Tests

Testing conditions and equipment used

Tests are run in a climate-controlled office environment (72 ºF, about 40% relative humidity), using current, readily available equipment. As of May 2008, Epson began using Dell® Dimension series desktop computers with Intel® Core 2 Duo 1.86 GHz or Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 2.20 GHz processors with 2.0GB of RAM running Microsoft Windows XP, Service Pack 3. Imaging devices are connected via USB 2.0 cables. Time is recorded by a lab technician with an electronic stopwatch.

The ISO standard is widely recognised as the most reliable method to test inkjet printers under standard conditions for the purpose of comparing achievable ink yields from various competitive printers.

Yields may vary considerably based on images printed, print settings, paper type, frequency of use, humidity and temperature. Since no single yield standard can duplicate a customer’s actual printer usage, Epson recommends that customers choose an inkjet printer based on their expected printing needs, considering page yields as just one factor of evaluation. Other important factors include image quality, fade resistance of prints, reliability and printer features.

Ink Cartridge Yield Testing

Using the ISO Standard

The ISO/IEC 24711 and 24712 standard was created by the International Standards Organization for Standardization (ISO) with the support of national standards institutes throughout the world, independent experts and industry representatives. Representatives from Epson, Canon, HP, Lexmark and other industry-leading manufacturers worked extensively to achieve a standard that provides customers with a reasonable basis for comparing printer performance.

The following is a brief summary of Epson’s yield testing, conducted in accordance with the ISO/IEC 24711 and 24712 standard:

Tests are conducted with at least three printers, each using at least three cartridges of each model, not including the first set of installed cartridges.

A suite of five patterns (shown on the individual product yield pages) is printed continuously, in consecutive order. Cartridges are replaced when the printer indicates cartridges are expended and will not print without replacing the cartridge.

Testing is conducted at a controlled temperature in Default Mode on plain paper with print commands from a late model PC with a Microsoft Windows operating system.

In recognition of various factors that can affect yields, declared yields are rounded down (not up) in amounts that are at least sufficient to fulfill the standard deviation formula built into the ISO standard to assure accuracy and reliability.

About ISO

ISO is the preeminent international standards organization located in Geneva, Switzerland www.ISO.org.

It is comprised of the national standards institutes of over 150 countries. ISO standards are distilled through an international consensus to provide transparent standards for product development and marketing for the benefit of consumers and sustainable competition. The resulting ISO standards are widely respected and accepted by public and private sectors internationally. The imaging and office products industries, in particular, have benefited from many ISO standards, including toner and ink cartridge yield standards, and will continue to benefit from additional standards still in development.

ISO/IEC 24734, or “Laser Quality Print Speeds”

In 2009, the ink jet printer industry adopted a new international standard for measuring print speeds. This standard, known as ISO/IEC 24734, is the most reliable method to test print speeds of inkjet printers, all-in-ones and lasers under standard conditions.

ISO/IEC 24734 print speeds, which Epson terms laser quality print speeds, gives an “apples-to-apples” speed comparison across all printer manufacturers. This permits consumers to compare print speeds from various manufacturers, having confidence that all manufacturers used the same method of measurement.

If you would like more information on methodology, terms and measurements for laser quality print speeds, see laser quality print speeds.

Maximum Print/Copy Speeds

In addition to laser quality print speeds, Epson also provides “maximum” print speeds for text and photo printing.

This refers to speeds measured in Draft Mode. If you would like more information on methodology, terms and measurements for maximum print speeds, see maximum print speeds.

About ISO

ISO is the preeminent international standards organization located in Geneva, Switzerland www.ISO.org.

It is comprised of the national standards institutes of over 150 countries. ISO standards are distilled through an international consensus to provide transparent standards for product development and marketing for the benefit of consumers and sustainable competition. The resulting ISO standards are widely respected and accepted by public and private sectors internationally. The imaging and office products industries, in particular, have benefited from many ISO standards, including toner and ink cartridge yield standards, and will continue to benefit from additional standards still in development.

Epson provides ink cartridge yields based on the ISO/IEC 24711 and 24712 standard for inkjet products.

The ISO standard is widely recognised as the most reliable method to test inkjet printers under standard conditions for the purpose of comparing achievable ink yields from various competitive printers.

Yields may vary considerably based on images printed, print settings, paper type, frequency of use, humidity and temperature. Since no single yield standard can duplicate a customer’s actual printer usage, Epson recommends that customers choose an inkjet printer based on their expected printing needs, considering page yields as just one factor of evaluation. Other important factors include image quality, fade resistance of prints, reliability and printer features.

ISO Throughput Data

Epson provides throughput measurements based on the ISO/IEC 24734:2008(E) standard.

This international standard provides a general method for measuring productivity of digital printing devices under specific parameters. It applies to single-function and multi-function devices regardless of technology, paper feed, finishing or connection method. It allows manufacturers and buyers of digital printing devices to describe the productivity of various digital printing devises with respect to representative office usage patterns.

Draft Print Speed

Print speed (PPM) when printed on A4 plain paper in the fastest mode. 10x15cm photo print speed when printed on Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper in draft, borderless mode. Print speed may vary depending on system configuration, print mode, document complexity, software, type of paper used and connectivity. Print speed does not include processing time on host computer.