[poezoe]

Hey all,

I am about to take a plunge and invest in a laser printer and scrap my inkjet and was wondering if
people had input as to the quality of laser vs inkjet.

I am big on quality and how my shirts turn out and I just can't get what I want from inkjet and JPSS transfers with the borders around the images and cutting everything up.

I was using a Epson workforce 7010 printer with pigment ink and JPSS transfers and am considering a jump to either an OKI 330 or OKI 610 with neenah imageclip transfers.

So am I on the right path and will I get good quality prints with the new setup?

 

[ayukish]

Generally speaking, inkjet will give you better image quality, especially on photo quality heat transfers. Laser will give you better durability.

 

[poezoe]

Has anyone made the jump from inkjet to laser and was it worth it?

 

[RobertTSS]

Has anyone made the jump from inkjet to laser and was it worth it?

There is nothing to stop you from using both depending on the circumstance, job etc. From an initial quality and long-term wear perspective I think ink-jet is better and most would probably agree with that assessment. However, the trade-off is cost in both materials (ink) and speed. Laser is quicker and if you want to eliminate weeding, especially on darks, ImageClip for Dark self-weeding is available for laser. If you want to go with just one technology then it's a question for you because you know your customer base, what's more important to you the quality or the cost?

 

[charles95405]

The oki610 is what I use BUT it is harder to get dialed in and getting the right time temp and pressure will take some testing. I just don't use the laser for transfers any more, further if the paper jams it can damage the first, a $300 mistake.

 

[twosik93]

So what inkjet printer is recommended

 

[Lnfortun]

Has anyone made the jump from inkjet to laser and was it worth it?

I did and never looked back. Inkjet printer clogs, clogs, clogs and clogs. I kept repeating the word clog because that is how many printers I have lost or tossed because of it. I had 2 multipurpose, C120 and PS 1400. The only reason I kept the 2 multipurpose units is they both have scanner functions. The PS 1400 beside clogging just died on me. It quit recognizing ink cartridges even the OEM. I put up with clogging when ImageClip Inkjet for light was still available because the transfer was self weeding.

I like laser because of 2 step self weeding ImageClip Laser light and durable.

Mind you ImageClip Laser for light has its own limitations. It will not work when the color of the artwork is very light, gradient and photo. But I discovered that changing the image to RGB halftone those limitations are resolved.

Attached is the photo to prove it. The artwork has gradients, light greys, other light colors and flesh tone which are taboos using ImageClip Laser light without manipulating the image.

Should you decide with laser printer and transfer particularly ImageClip Laser for light I also attached a PDF file tips for the transfer. The tips will get you started besides the factory instructions.

I would not touch ImageClip Laser for dark or Koncert T nor the single step self weeding laser transfers regardless of brand name. ImageClip Laser for dark lacks opacity if the printer does not have white toner. It gets worse when pressed on cotton blend because of dye migration from the shirt dye.

Koncert T does not yield true white because the toner color used to lift the opaque from sheet B will taint the opaque. I would rather use vinyl transfer. It can be used on dark shirt with transferred image of different color besides white.

Single step self weeding cracks, flakes off and fades.

 

[charles95405]

I switched from laser to DTG. But for any one interested in laser transfers, I would suggest following suggestions by Luis. I have been on the forum for several years and Luis is among the most knowledgeable of this process and in graphics general.

 

[zbchildsheart]

I would not touch ImageClip Laser for dark or Koncert T nor the single step self weeding laser transfers regardless of brand name. ImageClip Laser for dark lacks opacity if the printer does not have white toner. It gets worse when pressed on cotton blend because of dye migration from the shirt dye.

Koncert T does not yield true white because the toner color used to lift the opaque from sheet B will taint the opaque. I would rather use vinyl transfer. It can be used on dark shirt with transferred image of different color besides white.

Single step self weeding cracks, flakes off and fades.

So the image clip for lights...how durable is it? Have you tried washing it several times and if so, how did it hold up? Can I use it on light-colored shirts other than white?

 

[Lnfortun]

So the image clip for lights...how durable is it? Have you tried washing it several times and if so, how did it hold up? Can I use it on light-colored shirts other than white?

It is durable. It has bit of a hand after pressing. It gets better after wash. The photo I posted was freshly pressed and at the time it was not washed. I pressed 3 shirts with the same image. I wore them in bed each night of the week in 3 separate weeks before they were thrown in the wash. So they will get abused so to speak to see any cracking or fading. To date they had 3 washes. No significant fading. They looked as they were just pressed. I am wearing right now a shirt that I pressed front and four months ago with same image. It had at least 12 washes. Again no significant fading and no cracking. The feel had improved dramatically.

BTW the photo that I posted is one of 3 shirts that the transfers were pressed on the shirts that had been pre-stretched with telescoping frame stretcher to minimize cracking.

Check the thread about the stretcher: http://www.t-shirtforums.com/heat-press-heat-transfers/t343609.html?highlight=stretcher

I posted before and after wash in that thread.

You can use Imageclip Laser Light on pastel and slightly dark color without polymer window issue. Bear in mind though that the toner is transparent. So any color of the design other than dark colors will be tainted by the color of the shirt.

 

[Skinbus]

Epson workforce models for larger images, C88+ for 8x10 or smaller.