Hands-On Test Report, Photos, and Video: Epson’s WorkForce Pro WF-4630 A4 All-in-One
While very good overall image quality can be chalked up to Epson’s next-generation MicroPiezo inkjet technology, the DURABrite Ultra pigment inks played their part by providing superior image permanence: color graphic and text output displayed excellent water- and highlighter-resistance, as there was no smearing of prints when subjected to distilled water and a highlighter pen.
There’s no evidence of smearing when drops of distilled water were placed at the intersection of the four colored boxes and on the capital letter “D” in the text. There was also no evidence of smearing when a highlighter was applied.
Overall, image quality was generally very good in both print and copy modes. Black text quality was readable down to 4 pt. font size, and was sharp and clear. Image quality also displayed good resolution and fine-line reproduction, as well as good dot (pixel) control. The system was also able to competitively produce the black, cyan, and magenta halftone gradations in our printer test target, but struggled a bit with the over-saturation of copies. Aside from the resolvable graphic-banding issue described above, there were no other image anomalies such as mis-registration, poor fill, broken text, etc., and no ink bleed-through or smearing was observed. (Note: All image-quality evaluations were based on a visual examination of the printed images themselves, not on the TIFF images shown.)
Tested Productivity
Tested print speeds using our proprietary suite of test originals were competitive at up to 19.37 ppm printing black text using the Epson ESC/P-R print driver, while color print speed was up to 17.57 ppm, which was somewhat slower than Epson’s rated ISO print speed of 20 (black)/20 (color) ppm. Additionally:
- Tested print speeds in copy mode were up to 6.51 ppm (using the ADF), but were significantly faster (16.26 ppm) using the flatbed platen.
- Duplex printing and copying speeds were efficient at 8.81 ppm and 6.70 ppm respectively.
- Tested scan speeds were competitive at 6.68 ipm (simplex) and 4.89 ipm (duplex).
Ease of Use
Ease-of-use, from the control panel and touch screen, to print drivers, and software is very good. The control panel’s touch screen is notably responsive, and print drivers and software, from Epson Status Monitor to Epson Scan Utility, are intuitive and easy to use, especially for users familiar with Epson printers.
The WorkForce Pro WF-4630 is easy to use. Its control panel incorporates a 3.5″ color touch screen shown on the left and a selection of hard keys shown on the right. When necessary, a QWERTY-style keyboard appears on the touch screen.
Above is the main touch screen. The touch screen is very accurate and easy to use. However, a few sub-screens lack OK buttons, and users must tap displayed selections in order to proceed.
Note: For additional photos and screen captures taken during this Hands-On Test, consult our comprehensive Photo Gallery.
Software
The included software is identical to that of recently tested Epson WorkForce/WorkForce Pro models. This ensures easy training and use for those familiar with the operation of contemporary Epson All-in-Ones and printers.
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4630 ESC/P-R Print Driver has an interface that is identical to that of other contemporary Epson AiOs and printers.
Job Arranger Lite allows users to print jobs from various applications and then assemble, manipulate. and paginate a document, and finally print it as a single job using common print settings such as duplex printing.
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