I think my CIS might be bad. I only get good print outs occasionally... meaning when they are good, the colors on the paper are dark and when they are transferred to a blank object they are vibrant and crisp.
I know that since I occasionally get really good prints, about 1 in 10, it can't be the ink or the paper and this is actually my second epson 1400 printer, so it's not that, but before I spend $100 on a new cis, I was hoping that someone might have had a similar problem and could offer some insight. The nozzle checks are goods, no clogs, etc.
I hate to rant but how many posts can there be about issues with small epson printers using CIS before people understand that the vast majority do not work correctly and will cost more in testing and unclogging then used creating professional prints? As many before and now many after, I went through this with two separate Epson printers and two separate CIS. If you are running anything but a cartridge based system you might as well open your wallet and empty the contents down the drain. Shame on vendors who keep selling this stuff knowing full well all the issues involved.
This is my fourth epson printer, owning two 1400s, an 1800 and a 1900- used a cis with all of them- and I've never had a problem. I'm not even 100% sure if that's what the problem is now. I think epson printers in general have major issues with clogging nozzles... The only difference is I was paying ten times more for the ink to clean them when I using their genuine epson cartridges.
Does anyone have anything more helpful to offer?
Last edited by Brooke1373; September 19th, 2009 at 04:06 AM.
Are the same person I just got off the phone with? The inks are from China and the CIS is off of ebay? You mostly likely need to be printing with an ICC profile or power driver. Contact the vendor you bought the inks from they should provide you with an ICC profile, power driver or at least be able to tell you which one you need. As I mentioned on the phone, if your have inks that require a power driver and use an ICC profile, your images are not going to come out. I would be happy to but, without that info it is going to be hard for me or others to help.
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Sonya Blackwell - Conde Systems Tech Support
800-826-6332 ext. 205
Hi, Since speaking with you, I think I have figured out my problem... I think it's possible that the CIS I bought was not truly intended for use with sublimation ink because as I said, I get perfect nozzle checks with both the epson ink and the sub ink.
The reason that I do not believe it has anything to do with ICC profiles is because (occasionally-like 1 in 10 times) the print outs look great... bold and dark on the paper and perfect on the substrate. But when they're not great, the print outs look as if they are starved for ink... Even though the colors are right, they are not as bold as they should be.
I had planned to buy a new CIS from your company (RC8004), but I just wanted an opinion from someone with a little knowledge before I did... since I do occasionally get good print outs, I really just do not think the ink is to blame. There is nothing wrong with the printer, so that only leaves the cis unit... (no, I do not believe that cis units are a bad thing as the guy above, but I'm wondering if mine was only intended for use with regular ink).
Instead of a new CIS unit I think I am going to try refill cartrdiges (meant for sub ink) If they don't solve my problem, I will be more apt to believe that my ink has anything to do with it.... That is just so hard to fathom because, on occasion, my print outs look great. I do not think ink works that way.
I agree with Mark, I started out with a CIS on my 1400 and always had to do head cleanings if it sat to long without printing. I switch to refillable cartridges and I haven't had to do a head cleaning in 4 months. You have to stay on top of refilling them but it's a lot better than having to fight with a CIS.
I also agree with Mark; I saw all the problems people were having with those CIS systems and invested in a larger printer with large carts and refill by the litre. I bought a proper RIP and I've never looked back. It was an investment, but it's worth it to avoid all those headaches!
I am using an Epson 1400 with a CISS and sublimation ink and have not had a single problem with it yet. I've been through at least 300ml of each color through the system.
One thing I notice is that I switch the print settings to the paper type - photo paper glossy. I also choose best photo for the print quality.
I've never had a clog yet. Just so you are aware, there are cheap CISS kits and good ones. I've had a similiar problem but with my regular inkjet CISS in another epson 1400 printer I got and it clogged alot. Tried a different brand CISS and it has worked perfect ever since. I need to do a nozzle cleaning about every 100-200 prints and only need to do it 2-3 times and it's good. I have 3 epson 1400's all with CISS. Two of them filled with inkjet and one of them with sublimation ink.
After you press your design.....look at the transfer paper. Is the ink still heavy and is it splotchy? If so, it may be your heat press giving you grief. I had this problem early on with a cheap press and finally bought a good HIX brand and now I get good presses. Before, I noticed that not all the ink was coming off the transfer paper and making my designs splotchy. (hope you understand what I mean by that). I assume that it was because I wasn't getting a good even amount of heat across the platen on the press. I switched to the HIX, and it presses great!
Thanks Ken,
I have used CISS with all of my epson printers as well... and I've had several. I've never had a problem until now, but I'm really hoping that switching to the refill cartridges will help. There is nothing wrong with my printer... and as far as my ink, paper or heat press, they work perfectly also. That only leaves the CISS and I'm pretty sure now that there is nothing wrong with that either... it was just never meant to be used with sublimation ink (???)... even though that it what it was being sold as...
If the refill cartridges do work, I will post it here in case this thread will be useful for someone else eventually.
Trouble with print outs 
