Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on a good wide format Epson printer that is still in production and can be bought NEW, that is under $500.00, and uses pigment inks.
It seems like all the models I've seen recommended on here that are in wide format are out of production now (though I'm sure some of them may still be found.)
I will be using it for inkjet transfers, and I am planning on buying a C120 as well, but I hate the thought of having to tape sheets together on any prints that run larger than 8.5 by 11.
Thanks Charles, I wonder if UltraChrome is any better than Durabrite when it comes to inkjet transfer printing. I noticed that the R1800 has 8 ink cartridges...interesting.
The R1800 looks nice, I will have to consider it.
I would be afraid to try a printer that isn't specifically made for pigment inks due to print heads clogging, and all kinds of trouble. It may work but I am not an expert in this area.
I hope Lou drops by in a while. If anyone knows Epson printers, it would be him.
Thanks Charles, I wonder if UltraChrome is any better than Durabrite when it comes to inkjet transfer printing. I noticed that the R1800 has 8 ink cartridges...interesting.
The R1800 looks nice, I will have to consider it.
I would be afraid to try a printer that isn't specifically made for pigment inks due to print heads clogging, and all kinds of trouble. It may work but I am not an expert in this area.
I hope Lou drops by in a while. If anyone knows Epson printers, it would be him.
Just so you know:
R1800 = Pigment
R1400 = Dye
Inks are interchangeable when it comes to pigment & dye inks from Epson.
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BelQuette Inc, 877.202.0886 & Screener's Choice, 330-345-5877
Mod1 Direct to Garment Printer, Made in the USA www.belquette.com
Thanks Jerid. When I was talking about being afraid to use pigment inks in a dyebased printer I was actually talking about the R1400, I know that it is dyebased and I have heard that changing inks on certain printers can cause a multitude of problems due to the added viscosity of pigment inks. I could be wrong though.
I don't know, maybe a google search will pull something up. I am pretty new to the process of shopping for printers, though I've been using them for years. haha
Anthony...not sure if this answers your question but I have a 1400 and am using a CIS with artainium ink and no problems in about 6-7 months or so.
Jerid raised an interesting question in my mind...Are you saying you can take a 1800 cyan cart and put into a 1400 and it will work???
I'm pretty sure these cartridges are not interchangeable. It's the chipsets that determine which cartridge goes with which machine. When you are using different types of inks, it's with either 3rd party cartridges or Ink systems.
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BelQuette Inc, 877.202.0886 & Screener's Choice, 330-345-5877
Mod1 Direct to Garment Printer, Made in the USA www.belquette.com
I'm also using a 1400 with bulk Artanium. There are bulk pigment systems on eBay for the 1400, but no idea if they are worth a s%^t. Seems if they were, the reputable dealers would have them.
Yea, I know it might be the wrong way to look at it, but to me, if Coastal, Imprintables, or any of the other big players don't endorse it, I am usually cautious. I'm sure there are great products out there by small producers. It's just....if you buy something from a source whose reputation has yet to be proven, and if you have trouble or need assistance in the startup, what do you do if you can't even talk to your supplier?
At least with Coastal I know I can pick up a phone and get it all squared away pretty fast.
The problem with off the wall CIS systems is the chipset. If that's not right, it won't work. On the other hand though, if they are selling on ebay with good feedback, you have to assume it is working.
Its just easy to trust a company that you know that you can count on, as opposed to a faceless seller on Ebay. That's not to say that they are all like that though, some are credible, some aren't. That's life.
karl,
I bought a R1800ncouple of months ago and love it. The only drawback is the ink cartridges, they don't last very long and at $15 each, it can be expensive to replace all eight. I was able to get the printer refurbished directly from epson for $350. Right now I am testing other inks and ink systems, but so far the brand name stuff works the best. If I were to do it over again I would still buy this printer, the wide format is great.
Wide Format Epson Printers 
