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emberrayne · May 25th, 2009

I have an Epson 4000 printer that I bought used and will be using for printing transparencies.
Here's what I've got so far, please tell me if I'm on the right track, or make suggestions if you've got them:

-I'll be using dye ink instead of the Ultra Chrome ink that comes with the printer. I've got the Epson Cleaning solution to flush out the heads and will be running it through a CIS through all the colors to clear the lines before installing the dye ink.

-Once I switch to dye inks I'll be using BLACK dye ink in ALL the carts and using AccuRip to make the printer print black using all heads to avoid clogging of heads and to achieve better coverage.

-I'll be using waterproof Ulano roll transparency to print on from Texsource Screen Printing Supplies, Screen Printing Inks and Equipment (a one-day ship via UPS to Virginia, a trusted source and a fair price were the deciding factors for the company, the waterproof transparency is a requirement for the dye ink, right?)

-I will be using a Continuous ink system and disabling the ink counters for the printer using a script. (There is no warranty anyway as I got it used for 200 bucks and I have it on good authority from an Epson tech that this will not damage the printer as long as the CIS is never allowed to run dry.The main worry would be sucking air into the heads, not the printer no longer monitoring the ink levels so this should work nicely)

-I will be using the printer for transparencies ONLY as I have another one for dye sublimation. I can't use the same inks for both as I understand it. Is this correct?(got that one for $250! Amazing what you can find if you dig hard enough huh!) Or can I use the same inks (dye sublimation ink purchased in bulk for the dye sub printer) for the transparencies? If SO, what kind of transparencies do I use???

-I ALSO got an Epson 9600 ($900 bucks and works like a dream; can you say, SCORE!!) and I'll be converting it to ECO SOLVENT ink... Any chance I could use the black from THAT??? I'd love to have 2 printers running on the same ink if possible...

Anyway, any thoughts would be appreciated as I'm staring at the three printers and scratching my head lol!

PositiveDave · May 26th, 2009

Dye sub inks do not work for positives, The Epson Ultrachrome will be great for positives, you do not need to convert to dye.

emberrayne · May 26th, 2009

Thank you! That's what I was trying to figure out!
Since Dye Sub ink WILL NOT work for transparencies I'll stick with Ultra Chrome.
As for the SECOND Epson 4000 that WILL be used for dye sublimation, any recommendations on a good bulk dye sub ink that can be used across a wide range of items such as aluminum license plates, mugs, textiles such as t-shirts and mousepads, and banners (all the thinks I think we'll be doing...)
Also, think I remember something about a spray that can be used on NON-dye-sub items such as American Apparel t-shirts that will make them accept dye sub ink...
Is this true?

irish · May 27th, 2009

There are only 2 dye sub inks available for the Epson 4000 and both are owned by Sawgrass. The Artanium inks tend to work a bit better. Both inks work on all dye-subbable surfaces. It is the paper that makes the difference between hard and soft surfaces. There is no bulk system, but you can buy the large carts that will save you money. I would recommend that you have your system set up for dual cmyk, it will save you money on the inks as well.

emberrayne · May 27th, 2009

Thank you!
I actually have my tech guy BUILDING a CIS for the Epson 4000. (Easier than you think and a tech to come with photos when he's done... patience and careful planning seem to be the key, the carts are SO simple to hack for CIS that it's kinda inviting...)
As for Sawgrass inks, I've seen them... wow they're expensive... sigh... at least it's not a whole system purchased!
As for the paper, any recommendations anyone?
and what about the spray that "magically" makes regular t-shirts and sweatshirts dye subbable???
Was this just a dream???
Thanks guys!!!

On-line Jerseys · May 30th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by emberrayne


	Thank you! I actually have my tech guy BUILDING a CIS for the Epson 4000. (Easier than you think and a tech to come with photos when he's done... patience and careful planning seem to be the key, the carts are SO simple to hack for CIS that it's kinda inviting...) As for Sawgrass inks, I've seen them... wow they're expensive... sigh... at least it's not a whole system purchased! As for the paper, any recommendations anyone? and what about the spray that "magically" makes regular t-shirts and sweatshirts dye subbable??? Was this just a dream??? Thanks guys!!!

Kind of reinventing the wheel. Would it not be smarter just to buy the refillable cartridges and a chip resetter?

emberrayne · May 31st, 2009

Well the refillable carts run around $200 for the set for starters. Converting the carts we already HAVE is less expensive. Also, it's a fun project for a friend of mine interested in the problem. Further, once the CIS is installed, it won't have to to be removed each time to refil the carts, and seems like it should be easier to maintain...
Not really re-inventing the wheel, just making a set of spinners from stuff you have around the house as a back-porch project ; )

Anyone have any word on making non-dye sub items dye-subbable??

deenastee · May 31st, 2009

Did i read that right? did u say eco solvent in ur 9600. i thought that the solvent ink would disolve the heads?

emberrayne · May 31st, 2009

I have NO idea... I'm doing the research. Epson is tight lipped... Working with my epson tech friend to see if there's a way to do it...
otherwise, is there any way to use an epson 9600 to print on vinyl??
If NOT it's still way useful for banners (especially at the price I paid for it- it in perfect working order PLUS a 4000 in working order for 900 bucks) but I was hoping to print on vinyl with it.... Just trying to figure out what I've got honestly lol...
Advice appreciated...

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