I actually pulled it off the market. It took a while to soak in, but it made more sense for me to hold onto this system because of the shortcomings that I became aware of on the alternative method I was going to replace this with.

This is a whole new discussion, but it is amazing how each of the various color transfer processes has its limitations and strengths.

My product focus is very narrow with the color transfer process, so I really can't justify having multiple systems. On top of that, the alternative process I was considering requires a much longer pressing time, which was fine, but also a 10-minute post-baking of the metals, which is something that doesn't lend itself well to my type of operation.

David,

Having seen all of the choices and having done full-color laser sublimation, I'm still a proponent of ink jet sublimation.

All full-color systems have their pros and cons, but ink jet has covered more of my bases.

Even with sublimation out of the mix, the HP4550 makes a great printer for OEM custom certificates, post cards and other color office printing tasks.

I will add my '2 cents worth' and totally agree with David on his choices. After buying the 'alternative system' I decided it didn't do what I wanted it to do and have kept my HP4550 and upgraded to an Epson 4800 ... which I LOVE by the way ... I don't see how anyone doing sublimation with any mid-hi level of production gets by with a 1280 (my personal experience, of coure).
I like the 4550 for, as does David for mostly black on silver/gold plates ... plus this printer serves as my office printer and switching the toner cartridge to a sublimation toner cartridge is about a 1 minute process with no residual toner particals/ mess to deal with.