Laser Printer ?

[Kahboose]

Still seriously looking at some basic sublimation and still lookng at printers ..
I was wondering if anyone uses a Laser Printer to do Sublimation ? I noticed BMS have a printer on special and im very very tempted but
id really like some idea on cartridge replacement costs and quality turn out ??

Is it just standard laser print or is it some special cartridges ?
If anyone as any completed item images done using laser sublimation then if possible could i see one or two ?

Many Thanks
Lee

[bms]

Laser printers aren't used for sublimation. The sublimation inks are inkjet printed.

[JSR]

You can get sublimation toner for laser printers in the US, but I'm not aware of anyone who does them in the UK. There was a lot of talk about it years ago, because it wouldn't suffer the patent restriction of inkjet dye-sublimation. Either it didn't develop as a suitable alternative product, or everyone considered that the dye-sub patent would expire before sublimation toner would become affordable enough to challenge it. Either way, it's a shame that it never really took off in the same way.

[Kahboose]

I see I was really under the impression you could get Lazer printers for sublimation , feeling like a lemon i just went and had a good read up and yes i was looking on an American site and tbh it isnt what i want.
Is the Ricoh a good starter printer Martin ?
The price is definitely in the range i want to spend but i really am a newbie were this is concerned .. Also I know the Inks are quite expensive but approx how many T's can you get done from a fresh re-fill ?

Cheers lee

[Paul]

There is also laser transfer that may b confusing for newbies as in videos look so similar an process is same as with sublimation. With slightly diferent finish

[logobear]

The Ricoh is a great great printer!
there are others who will say you can save a few % messing about with refill cartridges or bulk ink systems.
The Ricoh has profiles gel filled sub ink cartridges that just work, - all the fannying about has been done for you, - just print through the powerdriver software (supplied and easy) and it works.
I left work tonight sending a job of 200 sheets through (the casette capacity)
I love it, it always works, never had any spills, or blockages, if it is unused for a week or two, - the first print is perfect and sellable.
Compared to the time I wasted trying to get results with my previous epsom, bulk ink, or re-fillable systems, - there is no contest.
Spend your time selling - not messing about with a dodgy printer that might potentially only save you a penny or two per mug.
I am not on commision! - just love my Rocoh.
if only all of life was that simple!

[bms]

Is the Ricoh a good starter printer Martin ?

Hi Lee, I think logobear sums it up brilliantly. Yes the Ricoh is a good starter printer, but not just for starters as it has good throughput capacity for a large number of users. As for the number of T's - this is more difficult as the cost depends greatly on the amount of ink coverage and density of ink. A 8" x 10" picture with medium coverage of ink (reasonable white space) would cost in the region of 75-80p with the Ricoh.

[WorthDoingRight]

Well, I agree that if you do not want to mess about then a Ricoh printer is the way to go. I would however like to mention that there are both water slide transfers and hard substrate papers that are laser printer suitable for decorating items (with varied results).

[logobear]

I agree with WDR - our laser printer gets even more use than the Rocoh!

[carter2]

No laser printer do submilation....So forget about it..and please don't compare it with Ricoh...Both the good in their own benefits