WIR Test Report Traditional Chinese Version: ChromaLuxe Durability Analysis
Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR)
Test Report Technical Analysis
Understanding the Wilhelm Test Reports | Traditional Chinese Translation
In 2016, Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR) conducted durability tests on ChromaLuxe metal prints. This is the first public release of the full test report. Below, we have compiled the detailed contents and supplementary information from the report, aiming to provide the most comprehensive and professional technical understanding of the test results.
This report is one of the most important scientific documents in the field of physical image production. We have translated and systematically organized it to provide every creator and collector with the most robust data when making decisions about "image archiving," allowing their painstaking works to face the test of half a century with composure and elegance.
What were the test items and results?
This test used two different ink systems to test ChromaLuxe metal prints under the stringent standards of Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR):
- Epson 4-color UltraChrome DS Ink
- Sawgrass 8-color Sublijet HD Pro Photo XF Dye Sublimation Ink
What were the specific test data?
- 65 Years: ChromaLuxe metal prints achieved this WIR display permanence rating using the Epson ink set.
- 64 Years: ChromaLuxe metal prints achieved this WIR display permanence rating using the Sawgrass ink set.
Interpreting "Display Permanence" and Illumination Environment
What does the "Display Permanence" rating represent?
This rating is equivalent to the number of years before any visually perceptible fading or color balance change occurs in an image under intense light exposure. According to WIR's fading criteria, after this rated time, compared to a newly printed image, some fading may be visually noticeable. However, under normal lighting conditions, we expect ChromaLuxe metal prints to last over 100 years.
What were the test setting standards?
These data were calculated using WIR's "Visual Weighted Endpoint Standards Set v3.0," extrapolating conditions to a display environment with 12 hours of exposure per day at 450 lux light intensity.
What is Lux? Do these results apply to all lighting environments?
Lux is a unit of measurement for light intensity. These results do not apply to all lighting environments. Lighting conditions vary in homes, offices, museums, and galleries. Color images will last longer when displayed under lower light intensities; conversely, if displayed under illumination stronger than the test standard of 450 lux, the lifespan of metal prints will be proportionally reduced. Below are typical lux values for common daily life scenarios:
- Museums and Galleries: 50 – 150 lux (depending on material)
- Hotel Rooms: 100 lux
- Home Environment: 150 – 300 lux
- Retail Stores: 300 – 500 lux
- Outdoor (Overcast): 1,000 lux
- Outdoor (Daylight): 10,000 lux
Compared to other output media: Why do metal prints stand out?
1. How does display permanence compare to silver halide photographic paper?
When publicly displayed, frameless metal prints made with the latest generation ChromaLuxe have a display permanence rating that is more than three times better than Kodak silver halide photographic paper mounted under glass. Under identical test parameters, Kodak Endura silver halide photographic paper mounted under glass was rated for only 19 years.
2. Does placing ChromaLuxe behind glass help?
No. This is one of the huge advantages of metal prints. They are durable and therefore do not need to be protected behind glass. WIR's tests show that placing them behind glass has almost no effect on the test results.
3. Are acrylic mounts (Diasec) and acrylic better?
Not necessarily. Acrylic mounts are typically made with photographic paper, which fades faster under the same environmental conditions. Even if the surface is laminated with acrylic, it only provides a small improvement of about 25-30%, meaning ChromaLuxe still performs approximately 2.3 times better. Furthermore, many adhesives can degrade over time, and acrylic is prone to scratching and is heavy.
4. What about direct UV printing on metal?
This is a completely different process and cannot achieve the extremely high gloss and color saturation of dye-sublimation. UV printing has a smaller color gamut and is designed for signage, not for high-end fine art archival purposes.
Debunking industry myths: Differences in authoritative test standards
I've seen ads claiming Kodak silver halide photo paper can last over 100 years. How is that possible?
Kodak developed its internal image permanence testing method, which has been used for many years. It's crucial to understand the differences between Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR) and Kodak's testing methods:
- Kodak Internal Standard: 120 lux, 12 hours per day.
- WIR Stringent Standard: 450 lux, 12 hours per day.
Under Kodak's lower light conditions, reaching the 100-year benchmark is easily achievable. However, under WIR's strict testing, ChromaLuxe metal prints have a lifespan that is 3 times longer. Currently, Henry Wilhelm's testing method has become the widely recognized highest industry standard in the imaging industry.
Beyond fade resistance: Other important key points
While fade resistance is the most important aspect, the report also indicates that ChromaLuxe metal prints have high resistance to moisture, high humidity, and ozone. These additional properties make them a perfect choice for high-end photography needs.
- ChromaLuxe is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. This makes it ideal for display in museums, galleries, hotels, public spaces, and homes.
- Does not require mounting under glass or acrylic, avoiding reflections that reduce visual viewing experience.
- The glossy surface is more vibrant and lively than any other glossy photographic medium.
- There are indeed some archival photographic papers with a lifespan of over 100 years, but these are all matte or semi-matte papers.
- A few glossy art papers often contain barium sulfate (Baryta) and do not meet the acid-free standards for top-tier fine art.
This Chinese translation was initially generated using an AI language model and then manually reviewed and proofread by Weis Imaging (Metal Print Studio) for proper nouns.
For original English data, please refer to the original document published by Wilhelm Imaging Research.
