Full Version: ARA "Sublimation Solutions"
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
24 Apr 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#16] 25 Apr 2006
My opinion, is that the 1280 was introduced as a sublimation printer, primarily, because it was a relatively inexpensive solution, for those wanting a print wider than 8.5".
At that time, the Epson 3000's, (which were widely-available, although out of production) were about the only other choice, without going to large format, (which I had originally heard was 24", until Sawgrass Technolgies, for the purpose of their patent-infringement lawsuits, deemed wide format to be 42") but still cost about twice as much as a 1280.
Another opinion: Anything beyond 4 colors (CMYK) for ink jet dye sub, is overkill and simply an added expense, in having to buy the two extra colors of ink (Light Cyan, Light Magenta). 8-color printers have been added to the mix, with red and blue being the additional colors.
I haven't seen enough output from 8-color printers, to form a strong opinion, although I suspect their gains over 4-color output, are marginal.
Compared to the entry-level small format printers of yester-year, i.e. Epson 900/980, the new entry level printers, i.e. C86/88 are flimsy, by comparison.
They do the job, but unless a person is refilling their own cartridges, or fits the printer with a bulk ink system, (which I feel can be problematic, in themselves), aren't an economical way to go.
I think your choice of the Epson 4800, with dual-CMYK carts, was the right call. They're a robust, commercial printer, with cartridges that hold enough ink 110 ml / 220 ml to be considered built-in bulk ink systems, without the problems associated with aftermarket bulk ink systems, that you see used with smaller printers.
EDITED: 24 Apr 2006 by DGL
From: UncleSteve [#19]
24 Apr 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#17] 25 Apr 2006
LOL!
From: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#20]
25 Apr 2006
To: ALL
Just realized I hijacked a fun thread and went serious, sorry. That's the downside of cyberspace, you can still type even when mouth is full of foot. Thanks all for the printer discussions. I have a 1280 in shop now, and a clogged one coming for free with a used bulk ink system originally from www.shopdyesub.com that I know nothing about but the price seemed good. I think that what's important to me now is I can do everything Chuck is doing. I liked his enthusiasm early in this thread and I just want to be like Chuck! And Ed, and David, and David, and Harvey, and my gawd what a list of role models! I am not going to get the press yet but I will talk to Johnson Plastics and see what we can put together as my shop gets finished. I have too much unpacked new stuff to order now so will just plan and research. Who is John Montgomery?
Thanks all!
Jim
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#21]
25 Apr 2006
To: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#20] 25 Apr 2006
Jim,
Keep in mind that Johnson Plastics sells Sublijet ink, and since Sawgrass Technologies has absorbed Tropical Graphics, (as a result of the legal settlement, between the two company's), the purveyors of ArTainium, they may also sell that ink.
You'll find that Sublijet ink, is the most expensive, with ArTainium slightly less.
What Johnson Plastics won't tell you, is that there's a third "legal" (good quality) choice, in the way of Sublibrite ink, from Texas Original Graphics, which costs less than either of the two inks, previously mentioned.
Getting back to the ARA "Sublimation Solutions" seminar, I noticed, when one of the attendees had a question about ther sublimation problem, they were asked, "Which ink do you use? Sublijet or ArTainium?"
I don't know if you could call it good behavior, or just beeing too early in the morning, for me to be thinking on my feet, but in retrospect, I wish I had stepped up to the nearby microphone and asked the panel if they were aware of a high quality brand of ink, which costs less than either of the two brands they were mentioning. (devil)
EDITED: 25 Apr 2006 by DGL
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#22]
25 Apr 2006
To: JimK (JUSTTHE4OFUS) [#20] 25 Apr 2006
Just realized I hijacked a fun thread and went serious, sorry.
Jim, I don't know what gave you that idea, but you did not hijack anything...it's still a fun thread.....like almost all of the threads here.....
I'm not worthy. Thank you for the kind words and for considering me to good enough to be part of that group.
Thanks all!
Jim
John Montgomery is another forum member that does dye sub. He currently is using the 1280 and is frustrated with it. That is why I mentioned to contact him. He might give you some insight I do not have, having never used the 1280 and decided against it based on how it looked.
Johnson plastics does sell Artainium inks....( I have heard conflicting stories about whether sawgrass owns Artainium or just settled the case and now has licensed them to sell the ink and collects royalties.
"MY" opinion that works for "ME" is when starting new with something, go with something proven....and regardless of the patents, lawsuits etc sawgrass is proven....at least from my limited experience.
One thing I do know is that once I got past initial set up I was able to press immediately and with excellent results.
Good luck and keep posting.......
EDITED: 25 Apr 2006 by C_BURKE
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23]
25 Apr 2006
To: UncleSteve [#19] 25 Apr 2006
True but it was a "HULA" skirt....not a mini skirt...... ( insert laugh here).. :D
From: UncleSteve [#24]
25 Apr 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23] 25 Apr 2006
Aw, gee, Chuck.....
Did you HAVE TO bring that mental image up? >.<
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#25]
25 Apr 2006
To: UncleSteve [#24] 25 Apr 2006
It is kinda gross huh?
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#26]
25 Apr 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#25] 26 Apr 2006
Use your spell checker! The proper spelling is..
It is kinda grass huh?
From: ram (MCTAWARDS) [#27]
27 Apr 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 27 Apr 2006
Hi,
Jus now iam entering into sublimation.. too late..
wan to learn its basics?
can any one help me?
with best regards,
Ram
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#28]
27 Apr 2006
To: ram (MCTAWARDS) [#27] 27 Apr 2006
It's never too late.
There's a wealth of information, available at our sister forum, DSSI, which can be found under "Links of Interest", which is a pull down, located at the top-right of this page.
Oddly enough, I've seen identical questions asked, of both forums, which have generated entirely different responses.
I'm not trying to discourage you from asking questions here; In fact, I've had some people send private emails, asking if it's OK to ask dye sub questions here, because they feel more at home.
Different strokes, I suppose.
Regardless of where you choose to post, the main thing is, that you ask your questions and get the information you seek.
From: ram (MCTAWARDS) [#29]
27 Apr 2006
To: ALL
Thanks David
Actually i didnt notice dssi forum sister concern here..
regds,
ram
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#30]
28 Apr 2006
To: ram (MCTAWARDS) [#29] Unread
DSSI is a great site, with many knowledgeable people.
As much as the mainstay of my business has always been engraving, I find dye sublimation utterly fascinating and more fun than engraving.
Well, it's more fun, after you get past what can be an arduous learning curve. :-)
Between the "School of Hard Knocks" (personal experience, trials and tribulations) and years of heavy participation on the DSSI forum, I've come to know quite a bit on the subject.
Dye sub, (or any process that allows us to create full-color images) especially for people in the awards and engraving industry, where imagination and the necessity to separate ourselves from the pack is crucial, is a process I strongly recommend; even if it's monochrome (single color, usually black) sublimation; the ability to quickly produce products, with logos or intricate designs, is an area where the standard equipment, used in most shops, i.e. laser and mechanical engraving equipment, will have a tough time matching.
In fact, yesterday, I was speaking to a friend of mine and a member of this forum, who originally shyed away from full-color sublimation.
He took the plunge, about a year ago and is now a big proponent of the process.
Today, he has an order for 240 plaques to get out the door. The plates include a color logo and a lot of text.
You only get one guess, as to how he'll meet the requirements for the project and that crucial deadline.
There won't be a quiz. :-)
EDITED: 28 Apr 2006 by DGL
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