Printing For Front Panels

[motters]

Hey Everyone,


In my spare time I design electronics for fun. Just small devices that do all sorts and I need a method for printing durable, profession looking front panels for the cases I put my electronics in. Originally i was a web developer so I love aesthetics haha.


For this reason I am looking to use sublimation to transfer a front panel design to a polycarbonate or polystyrene / hips sheet and then stick them to my metal case.


The main requirements are for the printer to be:
• High resolution so small text can be read on the front panel
• Ink bleeding to be very low.
• A3 size would be nice (might do some stuff for my motorbike)


I'm happy to spend anything between £150-300, if I need a bit more I can stretch. I'm happy to pay more if it's really worth it.


From reading around on this forum (which has been a massive help) it seems people recommend the Epson 1500W as a good all round platform. Have I got this right? Or do you recommend something else?
What do you guys / gals think about this kit on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Epson-1500w-S ... SwAuNW8ENK




Thanks again,


Sam

[ArferMo]

Why not use aluminium panels from sublimetals and sublimate them

[motters]

That is deferentially an option that's what's super cool about sublimation.

I'm just unsure which printer to select and whether the Epson 1500W is any good ahaha

[ArferMo]

I've had a lot of epson printers and they all went the same way............ blocked heads. Got 4 Ricoh's all several years old, some get turned off for months at a time, turn them back on do a head test..... surprise no blocked jets and hey-ho start printing.

But then many on here say epson has the edge on print quality but to be honest with sublimation that's a bit of a mute point.

[mags1892]

Keep the printer inna good environment no issues i had a 1400 epson for many years never missed a beat and i rarely print.

[logobear]

we had issues with epson, but Richo still good after over 4 years.
Our unit is unheated so can get close to 0c in winter.

[motters]

Cheers for the advice everyone.

I want the Epson 1500W as it is A3 and possibly creates better prints. But I do like the sound of the reliability of the Richo, plus from what it looks like there the official printer just rebadged.

I won't be using this printer often, it may be used say once every 1-2 weeks. Would you say in this case I'm better going for the Richo?

[James990]

I have three different types of Epson, R220, 1400 and 1500w, two with sub inks in, and the R220 with ordinary ink. All using CISS and not had any problems with any of them, Have had these machines for years.

James

[socialgiraffe]

I won't be using this printer often, it may be used say once every 1-2 weeks. Would you say in this case I'm better going for the Richo?

In my humble opinion - without a shadow of doubt. Although if you are only going to be using it every couple of weeks why not sub contract out the work?

Firstly it means you have zero investment in a printer (a good few hundred quid saving), no issues with reliability as that will be someone else's problem and lastly, sublimation ink has a shelf life. Depending on how many prints you are doing I suspect the ink will need replacing because of the date long before you run out of ink. Pretty sure there are loads of guys on here that will do the prints for about £2-3 a sheet for you (not me as I don't have A3 anymore).

Then all you need to do is get a decent sublimation metal (speak to Nikki at Subli Metals) and a good heat press.

Just an idea for you

[ArferMo]

Very logical.