I am confused about what type of printer to use for screen printing. While I have been doing research for some time, it seems some people choose laser printers and others prefer epson printers.
I am hesitant to spend money on a epson due to the fact that I have read they use so much ink. I will probably just be using black ink so I don't think I want one that uses color too.
Are there any laser printers that work well for screen printing? Which do you guys recommend? Thanks for any advise you have!
I started with Laser and switched to ink-jet a long time ago. I will NEVER go back.
Laser is inexpensive and works in most situations, but halftones and really fine lines aren't always achievable. Also, due to the imaging drum in a laser printer, a dense dense black really can't be printed. It has to do with the charge inside the drum which attracts toner. Only so much can be picked up, but you can maximize your print setting on most ink jets to at least 1440dpi and many go beyond that now.
As for ink usage, you're right, the inks are generally more expensive (for lesser quantities and page yields). But, Epson's R1800 can be modified with a bulk system which uses one slot for black ink and the others with an inexpensive cleaning fluid, since the print head uses the ink to keep itself moist. This will cut your costs on ink usage.
I have an Epson 3000 which has all individual cartridges (C M Y K). Since my printer is older (they've discontinued them for some time now) it doesn't use ink to keep the head moist (i don't believe.) so in my lifetime of using the printer, both as a photo printer and positive printer, I'm on my SECOND set of ink carts, only because after a few years I just felt it was time to go. The cartridges are 110ml, as opposed to 18ml, which is in the Epson R1800.
I reference the R1800 because it seems to be the standard right now in positive printers for ink jet. It's 13" wide and can do roll feed (i think it's up to 40" long). It's around 549, but since the new R1900 has come out I think the price will probably drop to accomodate the new printer.
Also when buying or looking at ink jets, be sure to note if a RIP program is available. Some people swear by them for dense black positives and accurate finelines. Some companies offer demos of their RIP software. I would look into that as well.
I agree, of course, we also run a 3000, but I use bulk in from inksupply.com. I purchased my bulk system from squaredot.com. Excellent products. I bought 4 gallons of ink for around $350. I've gotten my money out of it. We also run a 2nd 3000 that we use for work orders and general printing. With the system we have set up, it is cheaper than running a color laser printer since our ink costs are so cheap.
Thanks Fred, money is a bit of an issue since I am just starting out. I didn' t have any supplies previously so I am ending up buying most of them now. That is why I am trying to stay away from the costly Epsons even though I am sure they are wonderful. The designs I am planing to print are not going to be that big in size so I am also not worried about getting a huge printer at this time.
However, I read somewhere else that if I didn't use an epson that I might have to double up films so the ink is dark enough. Have you had to do this?
We started with an HP LaserJet 5100, which prints 11x17. We still use this a lot depending on the art work. We also have an Epson 4800 which we use for our high end art and where registration is a big issue. Cost was an issue at the beginning that is why we first went with the laser plus originally most our jobs were 1 and 2 colors, but since we are now printing up to 10 colors we had to purchase the Epson 4800.
Laser or Epson Printer? 
Re: Laser or Epson Printer? 
