Discuss the different types of equipment needed for screen printing. Topics include manual screen printing presses, automatic presses, dryers, folding machines, starter kits and high end machines.
I have a question for those who use an Epson 3000 for printing positives.
The device has worked fantastically for me, printing from Photoshop with no RIP (dark, dark blacks). The unit came with a nearly full black cartridge when I purchased it, and now the ink is exhausted.
Should I refill the cartridge or purchase a new-old-stock official cartridge from eBay or somewhere else? I ask because in my experiences with 3rd party inks, they have a tendency to clog inkjet printers. I am thinking, though, that since the Epson 3000 is used in mission critical applications for screen printers the third party inks out there may be engineered well, but I am not sure.
I understand a CIS would be best but out of price range for me at the moment, so:
Does anyone swear by official Epson ink?
Does anyone swear by a particular brand of non-Epson ink? If so, why?
Has anyone experienced clogging in the Epson 3000 when using third-party inks?
Do you prefer to refill your cartridges or purchase new ones?
Does anyone swear by a particular brand of non-Epson ink? If so, why?
Has anyone experienced clogging in the Epson 3000 when using third-party inks?
Do you prefer to refill your cartridges or purchase new ones?
Thanks!
Epson ink is best for 3000s
Any time I see clogged heads it's 3rd party inks.
Always buy new ones.
Consider the cost of film, it's hugely more than the ink that you're putting down. Saving pennies per positive may cost you a pound, (or dollar, for our colonial cousins).
Do the arithmetic. If you waste one or two more films you'll be out of pocket.
Quite frankly, yes.
Inks are microfiltered to remove any trace of things that might block a head nozzle and then you slosh ink from a bottle, probably with dried bits around the top, into a dusty funnel etc. etc. etc.
In the end it's an economic decision, whether the savings in ink will outweigh the possibility of a dead printer.
CIS systems are used and they work but I'm sure the failure rate is much higher.
Epson make a fantastic margin on ink and are ripping us off (dealers too, there isn't a big margin) but the cost of a new printer, the wastage of film and the sheer hassle factor of continually cleaning persuades me to use Epson ink.
Have a look at the head on a 3rd party or CIS printer, they are usually gunked-up even if still working.
I gotta agree with Dave, I have used a 3000 with stock Epson ink for 5 years and have not had a problem-except when I tried to save a buck with different ink that was supposedly designed for films. It clogged my nozzles and didn't work, so I went back to stock ink and haven't had a problem. I have read about uv inhibitors in other inks that supposedly works better, but my ink works great, why fix it if it ain't broke. I have bought expired Epson ink for a lot less and never have had an issue
Hmmm...I have seen problems with expired ink on the 7000 (same ink as 3000) but it was well-expired. I thing that it gets more viscous after a couple of years and messes up the output. It shows up when printing halftones especially.
One of the problems I have with third party inks is that you never know when they have changed their formula/supplier and you won't find out til it doesn't work.
It's really down to personal choice, but time & wastage are important factors.
I'm not saying that they don't work and they are cheaper but in my experience 3rd party inks are more likely to clog. Perhaps it's because people change manufacturers - they are all compatible with Epson, but with each other?
It's like the old man that lives to 100 after smoking all his life, doesn't mean that smoking is good for you.
I also got a deal on 3 printers for $100.00 cdn. But problems with each.
Were would I find information to get rid of banding . The second one is clogged and not sure how to correct that and the third has a poor paper feed.It seems to jump a bit.
So it will only be a good deal if I can fix at least one ?
Any ideas?
Thanks
Paul
3rd party worked for me, and I've done a ton of sheets.
Not only has the head not clogged, but the blackness of the ink has been fine. I have printed some serious CMYK Positives, and been able to burn perfect screens.
It could be a problem if you let your printer sit for a while, but so would Epson ink...I think...
I also got a deal on 3 printers for $100.00 cdn. But problems with each.
Were would I find information to get rid of banding . The second one is clogged and not sure how to correct that and the third has a poor paper feed.It seems to jump a bit.
So it will only be a good deal if I can fix at least one ?
Any ideas?
Thanks
Paul
You need to get the nozzle check to print perfectly, one dodgy nozzle is enough to band.
You can keep cleaning.
You can change a head, they're not too difficult for anyone technically minded.
Ditch the third printer, it's probably a cog. It might have a decent head on it though?
Get an Epson 9000 cartridge 220ml & cut the bottom tab and one of the top tabs off.
Thanks Dave
I believe I'm techniacly able to change the print head but, are there any instructions on the web? (I believe in reading the manual first)
I've looked but some times there is to many sites to weed through.
you also mention using a 9000 cartridge, not sure of the reason? is it cost or availablity?
9000 carts are 220ml, that's all, and cheaper.
I haven't seen the procedure on the web, I got taught by a Mimaki engineer.
It's basically turn off, dismantle, replace - 'assembly is the opposite of removal' to quote Haynes manuals.
Epson 3000 ?: Official or 3rd party inks? 
