Full Version: Most popular printers Inkjet/laser
From: Peter [#1]
6 Aug 2006
To: ALL
Most popular printers for sublimation both Inkjet and laser.
Most poular ink suppliers
benefits and drawbacks of both systems
Would anyone be kind enough to contribute..
regards
Peter :-)
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
7 Aug 2006
To: Peter [#1] 7 Aug 2006
Peter,
In Epson ink jet printers, the (8-color) 4000's and 4800's are the fair-haired boys.
The 4000 was the replacement for the (4-color) Epson 3000. The 4800 is the replacement for the 4000.
You can run the 4000/4800 as an eight-color printer, or as a "Dual CMYK."
If you want to "test the waters" the Epson C88 is the latest small format printer. The sublimation cartridges are expensive and don't hold much ink. If you go with that printer, you'll definitely want to buy spongeless, refillable cartridges and some bulk ink.
Bulk ink, is the term used for bottles of ink. Most come in a minimum increment of 125 ml.
Most popular ink suppliers? In Australia, you may have more options, but in the US, our choices are limited to Sawgrass Technolgies (Sublijet) and its subsidiary, Tropical Graphics (ArTainium) or Texas Original Graphics (Sublibrite).
EDITED: 7 Aug 2006 by DGL
From: Peter [#3]
7 Aug 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 7 Aug 2006
From: gt350ed [#4]
7 Aug 2006
To: Peter [#3] Unread
This is what I use with spongeless, self-filling carts and bulk ink. It's been working great for me once I learned how to clean properly with distilled water.
Can't address laser printers because, as yet, I have not converted. I'm still watching, reading and evaluating quality of imprints, etc.
Nevertheless, Okidata's 3200 and 5800 seem to get a lot of good press using sub transfer paper and OEM toner.
Say hi to the rappel queen. B-)
From: geebeau [#5]
7 Aug 2006
To: ALL
I do single color (black) laser sublimation. I have an HP-4+ printer and get my tonre from Alpha Supply.
When I first thought about doing sublimation, I contacted Alpha and spoke with Jack Franklin. He suggested to me what I needed and where to get it. I have not been disappointed.
Steve
From: Mike (MIKEN) [#6]
7 Aug 2006
To: Peter [#4] Unread
My former employer (a very high volume shop) discontinued using their laser sub printers and switched to laser transfers because they were unable to get consistent results from laser sub. Their results with gold and silver metals using black were ok but colors were the problem.
I also have a color laser (Pan. 8415 using magictouch). That is good, reliable but the surface is a bit delicate. It's great for t-shirts some nametags, metal plates. Not good for things which will be handled a lot.
From: logojohn [#7]
8 Aug 2006
To: Peter [#1] Unread
We mostly get orders with small plates or badges under 50 pieces but have done as many as 1500 and orders with several 9x12 plaques. Right now it is not running all the time. I will likely get a larger size with bulk ink sometime as it gets busier. My biggest fear is spending more money and having a quality problem with it. With the cheap c88 you can just throw it out and get a new one every year or so if it has problems.(seems like there is no reliable way to clean them which sounds like a problem with the bigger ones to.)
We market it as an upscale way to provide color photos and logos on awards for those that want it so even the high cost of ink cartridges in the c86 has no trouble paying for itself and making a lot of money.
The artanium inks have ICC profiles for printing accurate colors you can get for free (I think) or you can pay different places for a custom one.
But better yet, the sawgrass ink has a free completely separate printer driver that comes very close printing accurate colors. It even has a choice of substrate such as gold or silver meatal and unisub products. It is also better suited for easily fliping the image and other things. It gives you an exact display in % of ink remaining. The regular driver ink level may look about empty but might still have almost 10% left.
I used to dread getting jobs with color before but now it is much easier. Now only takes a couple tweaks to get very close matching colors.
Some people have been disgruntled with Sawgrass for the way they handled some patent issues. But my main wish is to get something that is straight forward, dependable and not a lot of busywork so for me Sawgrass is my choice.
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Just started the laser OEM transfer with the Konica Minolta 2400w. The first acrylic order couldn't be done since I didn't have the pad. Ordered samples over a week ago but nothing so far has been received.
.
.
From: baz (RINGROAD) [#8]
9 Aug 2006
To: ALL
I have both inkjet and laser printers namely Epson 3000 and HP4550.
Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. The Inkjet (Epson)gives out a better image, The quality is a lot better and I use it for this purpose,The paper is expensive and operates slowly.Inks tend to be expensive. However the HP(laser) has a reasonable image and prints very quickly and is ideal for clubwork. It is very economical uses ordinary laser paper and toner suppliers supply direct. I use Hilton Images(subtoner.com) . I think that the new Printers coming on the market that print Acrylic,Glass and wood (lighter wood is great), will take over from sublimation. Cheaper machines out of Sth Korea have been perfected (dont print white as yet but will soon) and are cheap. Machines in the USA are expensive ????