Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I'm about to get into inkjet transfers and I'm wanting to check in before I buy my printer. From what I've read here, the C88 seems to be the most popular. Is there anything better out there now? Maybe that prints a wider format? I'm just looking for an easy to use printer that produces a quality transfer. Is the C88 the way to go?
Also, do you recommend a bulk ink system? What kind of ink? I don't want to skimp on the ink, but also want to get the best deal out there.
I have a c88 and a all in one cx5000 both epsons and both are only 8 1/2 x 11. I have printed the design and cut it apart to make it appear larger. I hope this helps. Good luck. ..JB
How much are you willing to spend? How wide do you want to go? Anything 13" and under, you will want to consider going with a bulk system if you are producing a decent amount of shirts. A bulk system will cut the cost per print down by almost 50%. The two most popular printers above the C-88 that print 13" wide are the 1280 (6-color) and R1800 (8-color). The challenge with bulk systems is that you need to run a print every day or two to keep it running properly or you will need to do nozzle checks and head cleanings. If you can afford it, the 4800 (8-color) printer is the best for small format because you can get 110 or 220 ML cartridges and not have to deal with the problems of a bulk feed system. The ink lines and printhead is much better on the 4800 as well.
Also, if you go with an 8-color printer, you have the capability of turning it into a hybrid (print 2 different types of inks) later on if you want to. This will allow you to get more out of your printer and save space. Here are the common hybrid setups:
- Dye Sublimation and Inkjet
- Dye Sublimation and ChromaBlast
- ChromaBlast and Inkjet
So, you will need to think about the following questions:
- What is your budget for a printer?
- How many prints do you expect to do a week?
- How often do you plan to print?
- How large of a print do you want to do?
- What size heat press do you have or going to get?
- What type of transfer are you going to want to do when you start and 1-year from now?
Thanks for the info. I have a couple of R1800's already that I use for sublimation and screen printing transparencies, so I'm very familiar with them. Do they sell pigment based cartridges or bulk systems for the R1800? I really don't like being limited to 8.5" wide with the C88, and I've also read a lot of problems with C88 track wheels leaving marks on the papers. So I'm kind of hesistant to go with that.
I use refillable spongeless carts with no chips and I have some with chip that I reset, I keep 2 sets and refill them myself, so I have no cis problems and can buy bulk inks, works great for me.
I use refillable spongeless carts with no chips and I have some with chip that I reset, I keep 2 sets and refill them myself, so I have no cis problems and can buy bulk inks, works great for me.
Thanks Roger. Are refillable carts available for an R1800?
Thanks
Also, if you go with an 8-color printer, you have the capability of turning it into a hybrid (print 2 different types of inks) later on if you want to.
Mark,
this sounds very appealing. I have an R1800 right now that I use only for printing transparencies for screen printing, which only uses 1 special black ink cartridge. So the other 7 printheads are open for use. Can I use this printer to do a 4-color set, CYMK, as well? If so how do I manage the color? Is there a new driver I would load to do CMYK?
I would LOVE to be able to use this for inkjet transfers as well. It would save me about $500 to be able to print wide format. Thanks for your help.
Thanks! Is UltraChrome the inks (the ones they sell) I would want for inkjet transfers? Is it pigment based? Or can I just use any pigment based ink I want?
Yes they are, you have to be carefull on inks as some are better than others, these inks are top shelf, supposed to be a step above durabrite inks but you pay for what you get.
Best Printer for Inkjet Tranfers 
