Epson Artisan 1430 Review
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Introduction
If you’ve been considering the move to a 13-inch wide printer, the options have never been better. With three printers available from Canon, and four models, including the Artisan 1430 reviewed here, from Epson, there is a wide range of choice in both features and price.
There are two basic types of inkjet printers available - dye based, and pigment based. While pigments have historically had the reputation of longer print life, dye inks have had the advantage of producing more vibrant colors. These differences are not as obvious as they once were though, with dyes making great strides in longevity, as well as the types of media they can print on. In the case of the Artisan 1430, Epson is claiming up to 200 years in storage, and 98 years on display - rivaling pigment based systems for durability.
The Artisan 1430 is the replacement for the Stylus 1400. At first I was a bit taken back by the new Artisan tag Epson gave this printer, assuming these were only assigned to the lower end consumer models and all-in-one devices. While the 1430 is the entry level offering in the 13-inch market, it has the features needed to be a valued addition to the digital photographer's studio, especially for those that are less frequent printers.
Epson packages the Artisan 1430 with a full set of six individual ink tanks - black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, light magenta (Figure 1). These inks are Epson’s Claria Hi-Definition inks with improved smudge, scratch, and water resistance. A quick test of this smudge and water resistance showed that the inks live up to their claim - even on gloss paper, water didn’t cause a problem, and it took quite a bit more than normal pressure to see any smudging issues.
Figure 1
Also included is a tray for printing CD/DVD’s with inkjet coating, and a software bundle that includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, Epson Print CD, and driver software. If you’ll be connecting via USB, note that no USB cable is included with the printer.
Installing the Artisan 1430 involves the usual removal of seemingly endless pieces of tape and the installation of the ink cartridges (Figure 5). Once this is complete, turn the printer on and let the ink lines charge, the whole process taking about 15 minutes.
Figure 2
I set the Artisan 1430 up on my network in about 10 minutes (Figures 3 - 5). The software installation guides you through the process, and there were no issues finding the printer and adding it to my network. WiFi supports 082.11b/g/n with n giving about 2.5 time the speed of the previous model that supported only up to the g standard.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
You’ll need to make sure that you’re in the correct mode for your setup - the Artisan 1430 doesn’t have an LCD display like many newer printers do, but there is a very straightforward set of buttons on the top panel that lets you see what the current status is. For WiFi, just press the appropriate button and check for a green light above the WiFi label (Figure 6). Other buttons let you print out a network status page, cancel the current print job, and replace ink cartridges.
Figure 6
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Entry Tags
photo, printer, a3+, a3, epson, dye, Epson Artisan 1430, Epson Artisan 1430 Review, dye ink, 13-inch, artisan, Artisan 1430, Epson 1430
#1 Chris
I have a question, I owned a Epson 1400, for colour prints, I have no problem, it can produce excellent colour, but, for black & white prints, I stil cannot make a good ajustment, it is not pure black & white, in greenish colour. Do you have any comment on this issue with the new printer.
5:26 pm - Thursday, April 26, 2012
#2 Jeff
Actually you can get the $219 price at any dealer since it is obtained via a mail in rebate.
http://www.epson.com/cmc_upload/pdf/Artisan1430-80-EA312-C37222.pdf
7:05 pm - Thursday, April 26, 2012
#3 Debbie Borato
Chris, I might have the answer for you. Same thing I was getting a greenish cast in the whites. Go to Image - Mode - Select Grayscale in your editing program. It will ask to discard color info, say yes. Then when setting up print make you set for Monochromatic inoo the settings. My picture was perfect! Oh that’s in Elements top toolbar and printing from Elements. You’ll just need to look for your tools.
8:59 pm - Thursday, April 26, 2012
#4 Debbie Borato
Thanks Jeff, just printed the rebate.
9:09 pm - Thursday, April 26, 2012
#5 Chris
Hi, Debbie
Thanks for your information, I tried, the medium grey looks a bit blue. In the past, I use manual adjustment, changing the cyan to -4, Magenta to +3 & yellow to -8, the result is very close to black & white, still not pure. From the internet, I saw a lot of issue on the 1400 printer with black & White print. I asked Epson guys, they told me to buy a new model. Thanks again.
4:17 am - Friday, April 27, 2012
#6 Sluggo
Yes, with just a single black ink tank (compared to printers with multiple black and grey inks) you are much more susceptible to getting tones in b&w prints. It has always been this way and you could have learned about this in reviews and forums. It’s simply what you get with a $200-$300 printer - monochrome results simply won’t match results from more expensive printers with multiple black/grey ink tanks.
You may be able to get best results with your printer by using a limited number or papers specifically recommended by the printer manufacturer for your printer, but otherwise you’re out of luck.
If you’re serious about printing, especially b&w printing, you won’t find a better printer than Canon’s PIXMA 9500 Mark ii. (Unless you’re willing to pay hundres of dollars more.) It came out around 2010 and sells for $500-$600 (down from around $900 originally I think) and comes with 3 types of black ink cartridges. imaging-resource .com and northlight-images .co.uk both have good reviews of this printer.
3:05 am - Monday, April 30, 2012
#7 Chris
Thanks, I know more money, more black inks can have better result. I know Epson higher model with 3 difference black inks can have better result. But, I would like to know if I can use the Epson 1400 or the new 1430 can have the same, as this review did not mention anything about black & White printing.
3:32 am - Monday, April 30, 2012
#8 Catherine
I have a question,
this works with Macs, correct ?
do you also use cover stock or thick paper ?
Cathrine
5:16 pm - Monday, April 30, 2012
#9 Matt
Chris, Thanks for your observation about the greenish tint on the b&w prints. I thought it was my eyes. I am also interested in high quality b&w prints without having to pay over $1000 for a printer. I’ll keep watching this conversation to see what folks suggest. What is the next Epson printer up from the 1400/1430 without going over $1000, do you know? I can’t find anything between $300 and $1300 on their website.
6:35 pm - Sunday, June 3, 2012
#10 Chris
I know the 1900 is approx.US$500 or less, this one has 3 kinds of black colour, should do B&W better.
Chris
2:14 am - Monday, June 4, 2012
#11 Chris
The following is the R1900 Epson printer link from Epson.
http://www.epson.ca/cgi-bin/ceStore/jsp/Product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&sku=C11C698202#0
4:15 am - Tuesday, June 5, 2012
#12 Geert
Users that want to print a neutral black and white print with the Epson 1400 should try this:
Select plain paper (even if using other papers)
Other settings: grayscale, no bidirectional, best photo.
Using setting for plain paper + grayscale uses black ink only. Prints are neutral. This may work on a 1430 too, but i have a 1400 only.
2:42 pm - Monday, June 25, 2012
#13 Chris
Hi All,
What I understand is the Epson 1400 printer has a born handicape, the B&W print is always not that good, I don’t think we can use Black ink only, it is auto setting, even if we use grayscale, when the printer works, it uses all the inks together to produce the print. that is the problem. See a 1400 test report I found per the link below. If we follow the instruction, do some small adjustment by ourselve, may have a better results. But I still want the best result, Epson could not give me any best answer even I ask the Epson guy.
http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Epson 1400/Page_7.html
4:39 pm - Monday, June 25, 2012
#14 greg
Hi
this question may seem ludacris.
I often use non-epson inks in my printers for the quick print outs i need.
it’s a massive financial difference.
$7 a cartridge vs $21.
can the 1430 take the aftermarket inks?
cant seem to see anyone talking about it online
thanks
1:48 am - Thursday, August 16, 2012
#15 Leo Bruce
My 1400 BW prints are just fine. I use Epson Premium Presentation Paper, using color print file, with XP Photo Printing Wizard print preferences set to best photo/advanced,photo enhance/tone = neutral gray. I do not set grayscale box! Note that Wizard Print Preview will be in color, however Epson Print Preview, and print, will be B&W. I get really good BW prints this way.
3:41 pm - Thursday, September 6, 2012
#16 Chris
Are you using Windows XP as I am now using Windows 7. I tried you way, still greenish colour. Also, did you use colour photo & printed it in B&W. I am using B&W photo for printing.
5:48 pm - Thursday, September 6, 2012
#17 Leo Bruce
I am using XP print wizard with a color file.
7:12 pm - Thursday, September 6, 2012
#18 Linda
I’m not happy with the color printing of my 1430…what am I doing wrong?
2:51 am - Tuesday, October 2, 2012
#19 donald yorke-goldney
I have had no end of problems with my 1430. the first one was replaced as it would not recognise the ink cartridges, Epson replaced the unit.
Second one arrives and i set up to go, great works wonderful print out approx 15 A3 sheets in ultra glossy, and its fantastic.
ink now low needs replaced,I replace the cartridges and hey presto i have the same issue, wont recognise the ink.
is this a common issue or am i the monly idiot in the world having this issue
4:04 am - Saturday, November 10, 2012
#20 Leo Bruce
I started up my 1430 first using cartridges from my old 1400, then replacing with new cartridges. I have had no problems so far with cartridges. BTW, I think B&W prints are better with 1430.
2:17 pm - Saturday, November 10, 2012
#21 Hetti
Has anyone had experience using this printer with matt non-Epson papers around 250, 300gsm such as Hahnehuhle Bamboo Paper 290?
6:26 am - Tuesday, November 20, 2012
#22 Leo Bruce
My 1430 doesn’t like Inkpress Dou Matte 80 (215 gsm). Prints fine with “Presentation Matte” setting, but rejects a lot of blank sheets unless I keep cleaning the feed roller. I think the printer thickness gauge (if there is one)doesnn’t like the extra paper thickness, and perhaps a bit of dust puts it over the limit? Had same problem with retired 1400.
4:59 pm - Tuesday, November 20, 2012
#23 Hetti
Thanks Leo, what matte/semi matte stocks (and weights) do you find best through the 1430?
Have you used RedRiver’s GreenPix (232sgm / 62lb), a recycled inkjet stock ... it’s not archival but has an alkaline pH so for greeting cards it sounds like a nice alternative.
3:35 am - Thursday, November 22, 2012
#24 Leo Bruce
Hetti . . .I have only used Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Matte (192 gsm)for A3 and 8.5 x 11 prints. The Duo Matte 80 I use only for postcards because Epson doesn’t sell the former in 4 x 6.
8:47 pm - Monday, November 26, 2012
#25 Rod Price
I bought the 1430 three days ago and I am have problems with the reds fading. Anyone have this problem.Thanks
12:54 am - Wednesday, November 28, 2012
#26 Leo Bruce
Is the red fading after printing, or faded during printing? If during printing then cartridge ink is weak (not Epson Ink?), or something wrong with red feed?
4:43 pm - Thursday, November 29, 2012
#27 Rod
Hey leo thanks for your help. The ink is what epson sent with the printer. As soon as the picture comes out of the printer it is faded. So do I just buy a new magenta and try that or would I replace both magentas. Its so close to making a really nice print I hate to take it back. Thanks Again.
3:32 am - Friday, November 30, 2012
#28 Leo Bruce
could also be a clogged nozzle or cartridge, or feed. Is it banding? (lines of missing ink). Nozzle Check or Head Cleaning (see maintenance)might help? So many possibilities . . .
4:42 am - Friday, November 30, 2012
#29 donald yorke-goldney
new problem with this bloody crap epson 1430. it now only prints on the last 3rd of the A3 sheet the printing is poor and there are fine white lines through ti
maybe time to demand my money back
9:01 am - Monday, December 3, 2012
#30 Leo Bruce
My 1430 once printed all except the last 2 inches of an A3. I’m suspecting that it was because of a clump of something that fell into paper feed, causing a paper jam response? I have only experienced this once. Otherwise excellent prints.
3:08 pm - Tuesday, December 4, 2012
#31 tawnyareid
My 1430 Artisan is also not recognizing it’s own ink at times. Complelty locks me out when it does that. I have to shut it down and reboot it hoping it will regcognize it’s own Epson ink again. I am guessing this means that it won’t accept aftermarket inks?
8:55 pm - Friday, December 7, 2012
#32 Chris
You have to follow the changing ink instruction provided by the software, one by one, cannot just unplug the used ink from the printer, then you should change inks or even aftermarket inks too.
11:06 pm - Friday, December 7, 2012
#33 mark
Compatible inks work perfectly with my epson 1400 so I’m not going to upgrade and wait for the next modle
9:46 pm - Wednesday, December 26, 2012
#34 Claire
@Chris
I have a question, I owned a Epson 1400, for colour prints, I have no problem, it can produce excellent colour, but, for black & white prints, I stil cannot make a good ajustment, it is not pure black & white, in greenish colour. Do you have any comment on this issue with the new printer.
——
I studied printing intensively in college (commercial photography) and we used the 1400. You basically want to set your white and black points. I found for me personally, going into curves in photoshop and adding 10 points to my whites and brightening my blacks by 5 or 10 points helped alot. Next you want to go into selective colour on an adjustment layer, go into neutrals and add 1 or 2 magenta. Sometimes I had to add about 5 points. It will look super pink on your computer but it should print out lovely.
1:33 am - Wednesday, January 30, 2013
#35 STEVE
I silk screen onto Glasses, mugs, pilsners etc using epoxy & hi fire ceramic inks. I am looking for a INK Jet Printer that I can print out onto CLEAR VELLUM IN BLACK INK only with a strong opacity. I use this FILM to shoot my screens. DO I need na RIP since I am using Corel Draw for my art file? or can I just print direct from my computerr since I only need SOLID BLACK images & or lettering?? Helppppp
6:03 pm - Friday, February 1, 2013
#36 Chris
Hi, Claire, thanks for your advice, I did increase the Neutrals by 1 or 2 with magenta using Photoshop, now I can print very close to Black & White prints using my 1400, a lot better than before, one more question, you said using Cures with Photoshop, how can I increase the curves white & black. Thanks.
Chris
7:37 pm - Friday, February 1, 2013
#37 geert
To do black and white prints that are truly neutral without tints:
I already described one method in an earlier post. That method uses the Epson driver, set for plain paper, grayscale, no bidirectional, best photo.
Smoother results that are also neutral can be obtained using the QTR software instead of the Epson driver. You will need to combine that with the ink profiles for claria ink available on Paul Roark’s site.
1:38 pm - Sunday, February 10, 2013
#38 Geert De Prest
About making neutral prints:
About making neutral black and white prints:
See my prior post (#12).
You can also print with the QTR software instead of the epson driver, using paul Roark’s ink profiles. This will give the best result.
Using the 1400 printer instead of the epson models that are set up for black and white (1900, 2880, 3000 ETC) has the advantage that you are using dye inks. They look better on gloss paper and metallic paper. Look it up Paul Roark’s site.
Geert
2:16 pm - Sunday, February 10, 2013
#39 von
Having out gassing issues using 1430 using epson Ultra Premium glossy and Premium glossy papers. I’ve tried allot to resolve this issue including : plain paper blotting ( for weeks ), exposing to sun ( for days ), hair dryer, etc. I’m wondering if Claria inks really ever dry. The prints look great though… if they only didn’t fog the glass when framed after three weeks I’d be happy.
8:39 pm - Tuesday, April 16, 2013
#40 Roy
With Epson printers using aftermarket inks,when the message comes up that the ink is not Epson all you have to do is press the ” J ” button on your keyboard and it works perfectly. I use only aftermarket inks for all my prints and nobody can tell me which it is. At $2.90 Aftermarket or Epson for $24.98 / cartridge who is kidding who ?
Plus the aftermarket cartidges are really FULL not like Epson 3/4 full.
I don’t buy refilled cartridges only new compatables.
6:33 am - Friday, April 26, 2013
#41 Roy
Von,,something must be wrong with the printer to have to blot your prints or the paper is not right. I use that paper everyday and never have to go through what you are.
I would email Epson and ask them why it is happening. My guess is the paper but I am not an expert. Does it do the same with matte papers ?
6:39 am - Friday, April 26, 2013
#42 Von
Roy, No problems with out gassing with matte papers but they’re too flat (no Dmax). I’ve switched to Epson Exhibition Fiber - scratches easily but yields beautiful prints. Tested Epson Luster and Ilford pearl papers… no problems. I have an Epson 837 printer which also uses Claria ink. The framed glossy prints have the same issues as the 1430.
4:03 am - Saturday, April 27, 2013
#43 chris
Yes, I tried QTR software, it is perfect for black & white printing, just go Google, search for QTR software, using it’s driver instead of Epson, can print perfect black & whtie prints, need small adjustment to make it perfect. Remember, have to change to TIFF format for Windows. I understand if you are using Apple, Jpeg is OK.
3:13 am - Tuesday, April 30, 2013
#44 TK
is this printer good for transfer paper and how good is the picture once you place them ona t-shirt
5:42 pm - Wednesday, May 1, 2013
#45 Price gouger
Interesting. $199
Now exactly 12 months later $399.
With the $ where it is it should be a lot cheaper not more expensive. I also note that the r2000 and the r2880 are both available for US$499 direct from epson in the US ($100 off ) but $1100 and $1300 here.
What gives epson? not making money on ink? try reducing the cost.
1:26 am - Thursday, May 2, 2013
#46 Price gouger
That last comment was for EPSON AUSTRALIA. Sorry should have made that clear.
1:31 am - Thursday, May 2, 2013
#47 Innah | Inkjet
If you are after quality, smudge-free and flawless results, the Epson Artisan 1430 seems to be the right choice. It will let you print without the inconvenience. It’s definitely a great buy!
7:04 am - Thursday, May 9, 2013
#48 Anton
I’ve had not ends of problems with the 1430. I have a Mac and it just is not well compatible with this printer. I’ve had it for 13 months, and I get a message the ink pads needs changing. Epson does not offer software to reset for Mac, I’m supposed to pay $185 to have it serviced. Help! Any alternatives? Paid $9.99 onliine to WIC/2manual for software & reset number: doesn’t work. Aaargh!
6:49 pm - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
#49 leo bruce
“Ink pad full” was why I switched up to 1430 from 1400, instead of paying service to replace the nickel sponge pad, about the same cost. A really stupid design, that I can’t replace the pad myself. I have chewed out Epson for this, but they ignore me, as they do for all my comments so far. They know better, to hell with the customer. You can bet this feature is “on purpose” to give the service depots a reason for their existence.It backfired with me . . . I bought a new one instead and stopped printing borderless. Borderless is what fills the pad (from printing past the paper edge).
11:56 pm - Wednesday, May 15, 2013