Several issues Ricoh 3110DN

[Phoenix]

Hi all, I am new to this, so please have patience with me lol

I Bought a Ricoh SG3110DN printer package from CityInk and I have had no end of problems, I am using Photoshop cc 2015 and have the ICC profiles as directed by CityInk, I have had the following issues so far:

- Air Pockets in printer tube (fixed, seemed it was a broken cartridge)
- Banding (Still ongoing with some images)
- Streaky Images on certain colours (Still ongoing)
- Specs on printed mug, but not on paper (still ongoing)

I am using CityInks Own Inks & refillable cartridges(FotoRite Sublimation ink), Sub paper and their Profile for Photoshop cc as well as their profile on the computer, I have flushed several times, Head cleaned several times, Nozzle checks (all look good), Head alignment, breather holes all open, I have also tried other print paper settings and no luck, CityInk are being helpful but taking time to reply, had replacement cartridge and printer but still having issues now 1 week behind, can anyone help? I am mid process on a big order and have to stop until issues are fixed.

Thanks in advance.
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IMG_0580.jpg (121.42 KiB) Viewed 13 times

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IMG_0580.jpg (121.42 KiB) Viewed 13 times

[socialgiraffe]

The best advice I can give is to throw away the printer and get another one from a reputable dye sub supplier with Sawgrass ink. Without being disrespectful you have gone cheap and it has not worked. I am not suggesting you deliberately went cheap, it can often be a genuine mistake, but the ink you have purchased is woeful and is not up to the standard you require.

Ricoh Printer, Sawgrass ink and a reputable paper (such as TRU PIX) means you can concentrate on your customers and not concentrate on your kit.

You may need to replace your mug press as well (depending on where you got it from), but you may be lucky with that.

[Phoenix]

They have sent me a new printer same model which I haven't used with their inks yet, should I just buy saw grass inks now then rather than flow their inks through the new one, intention wasn't to go cheap at the time but offer seemed good to get started with, who are the best suppliers for paper and inks?

Also so the mug press is blue wave which I believe is a cheaper version to others, but gives even heat and pressing seems fine, and the so connect mugs are the only issue when pressing.

[socialgiraffe]

I think that would be your best option although you may want to call Sawgrass first to check they will warranty the printer for you (they will of purchased from authorised dealers)...

There are loads of reputable suppliers and it would be unfair for me to single out one, just take a look at the list on this forum and purchase. They are all about the same price, with regards to paper, there are slight nuances with each brand. My suggestion would be to get a couple of sample sheets from each manufacturer and stick with the one you like. If you want a good standard make then TRUPIX is the one to get a box of.

Sadly you are not the first, or I doubt the last, to be "tricked" into purchasing cheap. They make it seem as if there is nothing to it and that all their kit is great etc etc. but it isn't and some of it is really awful. Get the best you can buy and get good quality mugs and you will be fine.

Lastly, if you would rather wait before committing another printer, private message me and I will print XX copies here for you to press (at an honest Dave's price LOL!!!). Printer is free this afternoon so depending on the number of copies you may even get them tomorrow.

I will run them on a RICOH 3110, Sawgrass ink and Trupix paper so you will see exactly what you get.

[Phoenix]

That's great info, I am going to look at what you have suggested with sawgrass and trupix, do sawgrass supply icc profiles free or do you have to purchase them aswell.

do you know much about blue wave press as I bought mugs from the same company who sold me the mugs, but have been looking at bms for mugs.

Thanks for the offer, but i have spoken to my customers and aren't urgent as I explained the situation and were fine with it, but not great having to explain this, but that what happens buying cheap lol but good to know there is help there

[socialgiraffe]

The Sawgrass website will have everything you need including profiles and instructions on how to install this on various bits of software. Follow the instructions exactly and you will be fine.

I have no idea about the mug press, sorry.

BMS sell decent mugs and one of the suppliers I would recommend.

[Phoenix]

Ok thanks for the info, I will get on it straight away and update how I get on, if anyone else has more that would be great.

[webtrekker]

I can see you re printer is having some problems but don't just throw money at it until you know exactly what's causing them.

People are keen on recommending changing printer, inks and paper, but I can see one problem straight away that has nothing to do with any of those.

You have an image of two mugs with THE SAME dot pattern on both in exactly the same place.. This is a problem with your image, not with your kit ...

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Seriously, no offence, but you need to learn how to use Photoshop to clean up your images before you print them, especially before taking on large orders.

[Phoenix]

Have checked the image on ps and these specs are not on the image close up or when printed on the sub paper, no splashing from the ink, only after pressing they seem to appear, I printed a tester on a 10oz mug which I showed the customer and no specs, upgraded to 11oz mug as couldn't get the 10oz at the time and now the specs appear, but not with the other image

also the image was a photoshop image from the company

[webtrekker]

Hi. Tiny dots are very hard to spot in Photoshop, particularly when they are nearly the same colour as the background.

Here's a trick for spotting them...

This is a Santa transparent layer. As you can see, the selection box extends to the right of Santa's sack, meaning that there is data in the transparent area to the right of the sack.

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A quick scrub over with the eraser will remove anything in that area, even if you can't see it and you will see the selection box fits snugly to Santa now.

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