Epson 3880 vs 7890

[astroanalyst]

I print 3d phone cases.
I recently purchased an Epson WF7110 with the CIS system and sublimation inks. I sold it 6 weeks later. I compared the quality of the same print made on a 7890 and the 7890 blew it away....no comparison.

My question... Do you think a 3880 would make a good sublimation printer? Do you think it will be as good as the 7890?

I know that Epson frowns upon making any of these sublimation printers because it voids the warranty but what other choice do I have to get this quality?

[GoonerGary]

£100 versus a £900 printer, I'd like to think that the 3880 was better. 8+1 colour ink set up, which brand of ink will you be using?

[astroanalyst]

Actually the 7890 printer is a $3000 printer (sorry I'm in the US so I'm in dollars)
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/ ... Cookie=yes

and the 3880 is a $1300 printer on sale for $1000
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/ ... Cookie=yes

I'm just wondering if the 3880 will print as good and could I use it for sublimation?
I don't know what inks I would use??

[mags1892]

The 3880 is a great printer the quality is the same as the ink set and the head nozzles are the same size as the 7890.

[astroanalyst]

Thanks for the info Mags1892
How does the ink system work?
When I purchase the 3880 are regular inks already installed?
Can I fill the cartridges that come with it or do I buy new cartridges for the sublimation ink?
Do I buy bulk ink or ink filled cartridges?

[pisquee]

you'll need to buy new, empty refill carts, and then litres of bulk ink
ignore the ink carts that come with the printer

[astroanalyst]

Do all the black cartridges get used for sublimation... matte black, photo black, light black...etc

[mags1892]

You can but refillable carts put cleaning fluid in flush the system and replace with SUB ink , again i always reiterate its at your risk as its against patent.

[pisquee]

The patent which expired a year ago, and was questionable whether its scope even covered using the type of sublimation ink/printers we actually use.

[Justin]

Whilst I have no interest in defending Sawgrass, I did ask the patent expiry question and I've been sent a long detailed response regarding the other patents that protect small format sublimation. I'd be glad to share this if anyone is interested.