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Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 11:16
by msub
Going to purchase EPSON ECOTANK L1800 starter bundle from ink experts.

I notice it comes with Ink Tec Sublinova Smart ink. As long time Sawgrass user I have been researching this ink.

I found this http://www.inkforinkjet.co.uk/shop/subl ... ation-ink/ which states "do not use in modern heads or desktop printers" then recommends http://www.inkforinkjet.co.uk/shop/subp ... n-desktop/ SUBPRO DS Bright Epson compatible Dye sublimation printing ink. It says that Ink Tec Sublinova Smart ink is for use in wide format 24 inch and above only.

So which is it? Will Sublinova Smart ink damage the printer? Anyone any experience of SUBPRO DS Bright inks or Ink Experts Sublinova Smart inks?

Tried phoning ink experts but no answer.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 12:26
by pw66
The L1800 uses the DX4/5 printhead so Inktec Sublinova smart is the correct one.
There was originaly a licencing issue where Sawgrass had sole rights to produce ink for printers smaller than 42", but that no longer exists.

Sounds to me that Ink 4 inkjet are trying to point you to their own ink.
I have to question Ink4inkjets claims that their ink suits all epson desktops. Some Epsons use Tfp printheads. Inktec make different inks for each type of printheads.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 13:15
by socialgiraffe
I found this http://www.inkforinkjet.co.uk/shop/s...blimation-ink/ which states "do not use in modern heads or desktop printers" then recommends http://www.inkforinkjet.co.uk/shop/s...epson-desktop/ SUBPRO DS Bright Epson compatible Dye sublimation printing ink. It says that Ink Tec Sublinova Smart ink is for use in wide format 24 inch and above only.
Ignore anything that is published on the Inkforinkjet website. He is wrong and is telling you lies so he can sell you his watered down Korean crap. Get the Sublinova ink from Ink Experts and you will not be disappointed.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 13:28
by InkExperts
This has been an ongoing thing for a few years now. Originally Sublinova Smart was marketed for wide format models (back in the time when desktop sublimation was Sawgrass only and the patent was valid)

Since 2016 when the patent ended the market was opened up for desktop sublimation inks, in doing so Inktec sublinova was commonly sold for use in desktop models and for years its been absolutely fine and still is.

The claims made on the mentioned website are partly true the label does state for DX4 / 5 printing heads. But having tested and worked with Inktec directly even they have confirmed compatibility.

In doing so Inktgec have released a company statement by email stating the inks are suitable for desktop and TFP printing heads and have even amended the label on the 100ml sublinova ink bottles to show this.

I have a copy of said email and photographs of the latest bottle stock if needed.

Sadly our phone lines are switched off due to staff shortages and high order volume so if you need us please email.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 13:40
by msub
Thanks for the info, cleared things up. Have just placed order.
InkExperts;143527 wrote:This has been an ongoing thing for a few years now. Originally Sublinova Smart was marketed for wide format models (back in the time when desktop sublimation was Sawgrass only and the patent was valid)

Since 2016 when the patent ended the market was opened up for desktop sublimation inks, in doing so Inktec sublinova was commonly sold for use in desktop models and for years its been absolutely fine and still is.

The claims made on the mentioned website are partly true the label does state for DX4 / 5 printing heads. But having tested and worked with Inktec directly even they have confirmed compatibility.

In doing so Inktgec have released a company statement by email stating the inks are suitable for desktop and TFP printing heads and have even amended the label on the 100ml sublinova ink bottles to show this.

I have a copy of said email and photographs of the latest bottle stock if needed.

Sadly our phone lines are switched off due to staff shortages and high order volume so if you need us please email.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 13:43
by msub
Thanks for the heads up. I did wonder as it seemed like a sales pitch. Surprised they get away with their claims if what you say is true.
socialgiraffe;143526 wrote:Ignore anything that is published on the Inkforinkjet website. He is wrong and is telling you lies so he can sell you his watered down Korean crap. Get the Sublinova ink from Ink Experts and you will not be disappointed.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 03 Jun 2020, 15:55
by GoonerGary
InkExperts;143527 wrote:
The claims made on the mentioned website are partly true the label does state for DX4 / 5 printing heads. But having tested and worked with Inktec directly even they have confirmed compatibility.

In doing so Inktgec have released a company statement by email stating the inks are suitable for desktop and TFP printing heads and have even amended the label on the 100ml sublinova ink bottles to show this.
I contacted Inktec a year or two ago asking if Sublinova Smart was suitable for the newer Epson PrecisionCore heads. They were doing tests but didn't get back to me. Have you tested the ink on these heads?

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 03 Jun 2020, 15:59
by InkExperts
GoonerGary;143558 wrote:I contacted Inktec a year or two ago asking if Sublinova Smart was suitable for the newer Epson PrecisionCore heads. They were doing tests but didn't get back to me. Have you tested the ink on these heads?
Gary, we have been using them in an Epson Ecotank ET-3750 that uses the PrecisionCore head, no issues at all. I assume its the later type as the printer is pretty new to the UK market.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 03 Jun 2020, 17:32
by pw66
Doesn't the L1800 use DX5 printheads like the 1500w? If so then Sublinova Smart is the correct ink for the printer, irrespective of any relabling of the bottles.

Secondly, using the Sublinova Smart in a desktop with PrecisionCore TFP printheads is one thing. If you had spent several thousand pounds on a wide format printer - F500 or F6300 - why would you risk it? The TFP specific Sublinova Sure costs the same price.

Re: Ink confusion.

Posted: 03 Jun 2020, 18:50
by mags1892
Really ???? thats getting a bit legal that mind considering inkforinkjet MAKE ink here in england you may want to remove this sladerous post.
Inkforinkjet ink is BRITISH made words like htis are likely to get you sued.