What is the difference between a "high quality" and "low quality printer? Laser Toner composition? Can anyone tell me?

NoXid said:

It is not a matter of quality, it is compatibility. Some transfer papers will stick to and wrap around the HP fuser. Just make sure that the papers you use are said to be compatible with your printer, many are not.

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So you are saying it's a heat issue for compatibility? Because everyone I have emailed has just told me it's a low quality printer, but they never say why, I have tried the following paper without a problem.

Digi-Trans Laser no weed
Techniprint EZP
Laser 1
ImageClip for light.
and Paropy - Paropy did not transfer sheet to sheet ok. But everything prints just fine, the Paropy was a transparency.

The transfer makes it but I am after the longevity of the wash and people are telling me it's the toner? Is it not?

thx

Ty.

The Waffleman said:

I am new to this forum so bare with me here,

I am really wondering what makes the difference in a "High Quality" laser printer for t-shirts, wash-ability and transfer process, vs a "Low Quality? I have to assume it is toner. With that being said I am having no luck finding what each companies toner is made of and what are the differences between a HP/Brother (what I am told is low) to a Oki (which I am told is high).?

Help? Does anyone have this information, I know it's not a printer heat problem because I am currently running an HP having decent luck with Digi-Trans laser no weed amongst other papers no jamming no melting and the design seems to be holding through one wash for sure.

Welcome any feedback or comments that can help me with my side business journey, as I wanted a cheap startup but want to sell a decent product.

Thanks

Ty.

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I believe you'll find that the only printer manufacturer who makes units specifically for t-shirt transfers is Okidata. With that, a number of transfer makers (i.e., FOrever and Paropy) make their paper for use in the OKI white toner printers.

One side comment (and please don't take this wrong - just offering constructive comment) ....

You say that you want a cheap setup and to sell a decent product. Those two concepts - "cheap setup" and "a decent product" are rarely, if ever, going to be used in the same sentence in "any" business.

Just as in pretty much anything in life .... cheap and quality are two words that just don't go together.

If you're serious about getting into the t-shirt business - make the decision whether you're going to be a high volume production guy (i.e, screen printer), a walk-in retail outlet (i.e, DTG), or a specialty low production/online guy (laser - inkjet transfers). Once you make that decision, either buy quality and jump in or stay out. Otherwise, plan to be consistently frustrated by issues that will arise every day from equipment and from customers.

The Waffleman said:

I am new to this forum so bare with me here,

I am really wondering what makes the difference in a "High Quality" laser printer for t-shirts, wash-ability and transfer process, vs a "Low Quality? I have to assume it is toner. With that being said I am having no luck finding what each companies toner is made of and what are the differences between a HP/Brother (what I am told is low) to a Oki (which I am told is high).?

Help? Does anyone have this information, I know it's not a printer heat problem because I am currently running an HP having decent luck with Digi-Trans laser no weed amongst other papers no jamming no melting and the design seems to be holding through one wash for sure.

Welcome any feedback or comments that can help me with my side business journey, as I wanted a cheap startup but want to sell a decent product.

Thanks

Ty.

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High quality and low quality printer? Out problem here is all responses will be subjective. However an objective response is possible. The objectcive measures will include lines of resolution and color fidelity. For the first print on the highest quality media the manufactures includes in their sample packet. I will likely be glossy photographic paper.
Place the target on the glass and print and count the horizontal and vertical lines.

For color fidelity, the classic 'SHIRLEY' provides a neutral density and color graph.
Without a spectrometer one must rely on their eye as a comparater. Eyes are good comparater.
It should be noted Epson and HP turned down the opportunity for me to review a printer and write an OBJECTIVE review.

But I think your real question is which printer is the best for printing on garments: Cotton AND synthetics AND Hard surfaces AND porous surfaces AND 'glassy' surfaces AND uneven surfaces...and on and on.
The answer is NONE!

Each have their strong points, they each have the purpose(s) for which they were designed. In this case success if defined by MONEY.

I like the Francophile approach. They do not celebrate the $50 bottle of wine. It is EXPECTED to be good. However the good bottle that cost $3 is worthy of celebration.
A printer that meets you budget provides more than you need but not more than you want for $3 will be the winner.

I liking the 330TX Plus a LOT!
Budget wise, I prefer the NIKKO DGT.
Such information is of no value to you because there are no parameters surrounding the recommendation.

It is your job to define your business. What do you plan to print and what will your outsource. Then better recommendations will come forward.

PS: Don't place inordinate faith in the glossies from the manufacturer of a new product. Stay away from Version 1 of ANYTHING.