DSF

JMugs;74219 wrote:Ink options?
Looking at a used epson 4880, every search I do brings me back to sawgrass for sub ink, no problems there, but is there another supplier of sub ink cartridges that isn't a cheap chinese pot luck ink?

The problem with finding an alternative to Sawgrass for this model, is finding a good quality ink manufacturer that makes the "light light black" sublimation ink - not many do. I've known people have to stick with Sawgrass for this one ink, and then use another manufacturer in the other channels, and then obviously getting a custom ICC made, which you'd likely want to do to get the best out of a quality machine like that anyways whose ever ink you were using.

....and of course, the 4880 isn't deemed large format either.

Doh!..Doh!

If you're looking at the used market, then you should be able to pick up a printer which is wide format in the eyes of Sawgrass for the same price as a used 17" - the prices don't vary that much, especially on older models.
In terms of ink for such, you don't need to look for ink for a specific printer model. If it's water based sublimation ink, which most is, and made by a reputable manufacturer then it's gonna work on an Epson piezo based printer. You will have more options for which ink manufacturer you use if you stick to printers without the light light black - most other colours are available, (including red, blue and orange.)
So, if you have a large format printer, then your serach would be for large format or bulk sublimation ink - they normally come in litre quantities (or more) for putting into the refill cart systems (usually around 250ml capacity) or some pre-filled carts are also available, but these do work out more expensive in the long run, and not as convenient. Epson printers usually come in ranges of compatibility, so if you're trading up to a different model, you may be able to keep your refill carts (you may need to just change the chips on them.) The same goes for prefilled carts usually being compatible across a number of printers.

Thanks
Gradually getting there.

Janners.

Hi guys, new to the forum but looking for some advice if thats okay? I am after an A2 dye sub printer that I can use to print on dye sub paper in order to print onto polyester fabric. I would also in addition like to orint the usual iphone cases and mugs etc. I have seen 4880's for sale secondhand which would probably work but ideally I want brand new machines. I cannot afford thousands of pounds. my ideal price is about £500. Could anyone recommend a brand new printer at all? I like the look of the epson 3880 which although is £800 I would he willing to pay that little extra but sawgrass do not seem to support this model. the printers will not be used immediately, only sat in their boxes for the first few months so I really do not want secondhand units unless it is the only real choice I have in my budget? Any help would be fantastic as genuinely stuck on what to do. I will be making swimwear made from polyester and need A2 machines. A3 machines are just too small. Many thanks to anyone who can offer some advice. Steve

If you're really wanting to do fabric printing, then you will quickly find that A2 is not big enough. You really want A1 as a minimum, or ideally A0.
For your budget you are looking at the second hand market, and your budget should be able to get you a used 7600 or 9600 Epson Stylus Pro on Ebay, and a set of refillable cartridges. Inks would be on top of that, but bulk wide format inks aren't expensive per ml compared to the smaller desktop consumer inks.
I wouldn't buy a second hand one without seeing it running, and a full nozzle check.

NOTE TO ALL

Large format printers 24 -46" all have separate print heads,the most expensive are epson followed by hp and cannon.As a procurement officer you need to know how many prints the machine has done, ask for a print out service menu,all big machines will give you one.
Example there was a cannon 42" wide printer on ebay,nearly the latest model it was £600>well was it really cheap, lets take a look at printheads needed changing £400 each, and then it said little ink left so as a 12 cartridge machine it was £1200 for the small set of refills .so this little printer suddenly became not cheap.Please check any secondhand printers before either on ebay or any site.See if the warranty is available that ebay offer,because it could be worth its weight in gold

only advice take it or leave it

I have companies I bought from for schools that will give you some good prices,especially Cannon machines.The new models have software to tell you exactly how much ink each print has used and gives you the print out cost so no guessing on production price

Angloman;83341 wrote:NOTE TO ALL...Large format printers 24 -46" all have separate print heads

Our 7600 and 9600 printers only have single print heads.

the most expensive are epson followed by hp and cannon.

Most expensive print heads or printers in general? There's certainly more expensive printers than Epson, I've not looked into comparative head prices though.

there was a cannon 42" wide printer on ebay ... a 12 cartridge machine it was £1200 for the small set of refills

That is a lot for a set of refill carts - the sets for the 7600/9600 printers are only around £100, and can be imported from China for around half that.

only advice take it or leave it

We work on the principal that we are buying old machines, but get them dirt cheap (£250-£500) and know that they aren't going to last forever, and that most likely if they die they won't be worth getting fixed, and that we'll just buy the next good deal on another old one. the refill carts will still be the same, and so will the ink.

My only advice is to do your research before buying, whether it be a printer, or what ink you are going to use.