Discuss the different brands, makes and models of printers used to print inkjet and laser heat transfers. Also includes information on the inks that can be used to make your own transfers.
Our two month old C120, three ink cartridges ran out of ink, replaced them and no ink ~~ ran head cleanings ~~ reset cartridges ~~ unplugged ~~ one is working, other two still no go.
We replaced the blue, black, magenta ~~ they were replacement cartridges. So we got Epson cartridges, but still nothing. If anybody has any suggestions, we'd love them.
This is frustrating. We are thinking of going to a CIS system, but we don't run transfers every day. Some day we runs a couple dozen, some days a couple, some days none. We that work for us?
Unfortunately, this type of printer is a short term printer. I don't think any of my printers have lasted 2 months, having had c88's, c120's and worforce30's. They are just not made for longterm heavy work.
I've been seeing threads like this on the C120 popping up lately. You aren't the only one. Looks like it's a growing trend with the 120's.
In the last thread, I suggested they unplug the machine the printer *with the carts out*, then plug it back in and re-install the carts, to reset the chips. Clay from Coastal came into the thread right after me and agreed with that... otherwise, neither of us had anything further to offer the other person. It sounds like your situation is the same as theirs, and you've already done the only thing we could think of...
The other person used OEM Epson carts, too, and nothing. No printing. Maybe it is time to call Epson. I do think you should get more time out of your printer based on your usage, but as you worry about, a CIS clogs when not used regularly. It's those days you don't print that may get you. I think you may get clogging issues.
I suspect because the other person used OEM carts the whole time, I will guess this is your printer, not your compatible inks.
I *think* someone here bought a refurb that acted up, and Epson replaced it. I didn't think that was the deal with the refurb's but I'm pretty sure Ashamutt got a c120 refurb replaced. I could ask her if you like, or you could ask her. She's great. If she did (and I think she did) she'd tell you about it for sure, she's really helpful.
Well, good luck to you, hope it works out without too much aggravation. Have a good one, Kelly =)
Thanks for the input. I'd scanned the forum before posting and tried everything suggested elsewhere.
We did finally get it up and going again. It seems that the clogging had to do with a brand of generic pigment ink cartridges we got. The first ones we got from a different distributor worked great, but unfortunately, was out of the colors we needed when I went to reorder, so I tried another.
It seems they clogged the printer shortly after being installed. After a LOT of head cleanings (changed to OEM cartridges), resetting cartridges, etc. we got two of the three working. Finally smacked the s**t out of it and got it working !
I'm watching the forum closely ... I think we're going to upgrade to a heavier-duty printer for our needs in the future, just not sure which one is worth the $$$.
Finally smacked the s**t out of it and got it working !
I loved this!! Well, I hope you find the right printer for you. I can't even say. I have the 1400 and it's cool, but I havent' tried the refill carts yet, so I can't say how it clogs or doesn't.
I have used the Epson C88, now obsolete, with refillable carts, ArTainium Sublimation Ink for my Sub work and Poly T's and the C120 for the rest of my imprinting. I do not imprint daily and as long as I run a nozzle check either using an auto print software or manually, I have never had a head issue. The C88 has printed well over 500 mugs, other hard goods and over 200 T shirts with no issues. The C120, also obsolete, has printed many shirts successfully. I run the standard Epson ink in this printer. The whole trick is to use good quality ink and print something, even just the nozzle check, on a daily basis. I agree that these printers are NOT heavy use printers but they serve my needs nicely. In my opinion, if the CIS system is not used constantly, they plug/clog. I have several of them and they do not suit my printing volume at this time. I cleaned them out and put them in storage.
Thanks for the input. I'd scanned the forum before posting and tried everything suggested elsewhere.
We did finally get it up and going again. It seems that the clogging had to do with a brand of generic pigment ink cartridges we got. The first ones we got from a different distributor worked great, but unfortunately, was out of the colors we needed when I went to reorder, so I tried another.
It seems they clogged the printer shortly after being installed. After a LOT of head cleanings (changed to OEM cartridges), resetting cartridges, etc. we got two of the three working. Finally smacked the s**t out of it and got it working !
I'm watching the forum closely ... I think we're going to upgrade to a heavier-duty printer for our needs in the future, just not sure which one is worth the $$$.
On the Epson Website you can get a 1400 for under $200 with free shipping. Good luck.
Also if you use 3rd party ink, you may search for a high quality one to prevent any clog.
I also agree that C88s and c120s have been doing me good for quite some time, but I'm wondering lately if the droplet size is affecting how dark my black is turning out. I'm using third party ink, and although the washfastness is awesome, the black is more charcoal than BLACK. Anyone have this issue, and do you think if I went with an R1800 or R2200 it would make a difference? Also, have you guys had trouble with refillable carts on newer Epson models. I've recently tried a workforce30 and they absolutely will NOT take other cartridges...I'm so frustrated. :P Sorry to flip this thread around to me. I've been wanting to ask these questions for some time, but never got around to doing it.
Trace back and try to remember when the Black color issue started. Does the printer output a clean nozzle check?? Can you create and do a 7 x 7 print of an all black jpeg?? Any lines will tell you that all the print nozzles are not firing, hence a lighter than expected printout.
The stock Epson carts for the Workforce 30 and the C-120 carry the exact same part number. If you check the numerous sources of aftermarket refillable carts you should find carts for the C-120. They should work with the Workforce, but contact the cart's customer service to verify. Purchase quality ink from a source such as Conde or Best Blanks, etc and if your color software is correct you should be okay. Ken
Yeah, I knew that c120 and Workforce30 took the same cartridges. The Workforce30 will just not recognize them at all. I've already contacted the company and they were no help.
Interesting. Are both sets stock Epson that you are re-filling, or is one an aftermarket replacement cart??
Because the part numbers are exactly the same, the Epson Co will ship replacement carts of that number to users of the C-120 and Workforce 30. They have to be interchangeable.
I'll back off and let the Forum Techs take over. Ken
The company that sold the refill carts should have an info sheet as to how to reset their chips or have a chip reset device they can sell you. There are also auto reset chips available from some suppliers. No external device needed to reset the chip. Removing the cart from the printer resets the chip when it is put back in place. I have both, but I like the auto reset the best. I use that one in my C88+. Ken
Epson C120 & ink cartridge failure 
