AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH - my brain hurts!!

[4binlids]

Right lovely people - I REALLY need someone to give me some helpful advice in a language I might actually understand! I'm afraid there's a lot to cover here but I'd be so very very grateful for some pointers.

a) I have just bought an Epson 1400 that I want to run as a sublimation printer. I will purchase a CISS system and sub inks. When I look at sub ink sellers they all say only licensed for use in 42" wide format printers! If that's the case how do I get someone to sell me sub inks for an A3 printer?

b) I already run an A3 printer using Vivera inks that I then use to make up transfers for 100% cotton items. Am I right in saying I cannot use the 1400 with sub ink to print on fabric unless it has some polyester content? If so what amount of polyester does it need to have. (just trying to ascertain whether I could use the 1400 setup for fabric work). Sub ink is not suitable for 100% cotton is it?

c) Please could anyone recommend good suppliers for CISS system, sub inks and sub paper?

Thanks in advance for any help and guidance anyone can give me and I'm sure I'll be back bleating with other questions later! )

[Justin]

To run the 1400 with a CIS you need to be looking at the Supplier section here. Personally I prefer refil carts to CIS but if you need to source one, City Ink Express are very good quality. Bets deal would be to get one ready filled.

To print sublimation inks you have to go onto white/very light clothing, with a high polyester content....the higher the better. Take a look at Vapor/Xpres shirts to give you a good idea. Vapor are thinner and Xpres are quite a thick shirt.

Paper, I always use Xpres (can be bought through Xpres or BMS) It's the cheapest and for me at least, the best. Official inks you'll find at many of the suppliers on our list.

[4binlids]

Justin- thankyou. Might I ask why you prefer carts to CIS and any advantages you feel they have? This is a sideline to my main business and as I currently only print on 100% cotton items I'm guessing I will stick with my current setup for this. I don't expect to do a massive amount of printing with the 1400 so have reservations about a CISS as I know they are not without problems if they are not used regularly. Would the refillable carts work out about the same price as using CISS? Thanks again.

[JSR]

a) I have just bought an Epson 1400 that I want to run as a sublimation printer. I will purchase a CISS system and sub inks. When I look at sub ink sellers they all say only licensed for use in 42" wide format printers! If that's the case how do I get someone to sell me sub inks for an A3 printer?

When you're first setting up with supported inks and CISS, your best bet is to buy the inks with CISS from one of the suppliers in the list Justin links to.

This is a typical example: http://www.printerowners.co.uk/sublimat ... inters.htm You'll get all 6 inks (100ml of each colour), plus the CISS - all set up with ink in the system. It should be as easy as plugging in the cartridges, and off you go. As you'll be buying the set, you should also get a CD containing the appropriate ICC colour-correction profile and instructions that walk you through setting everything up. If you have any questions while setting up, just phone whichever supplier you decide to buy from.

I've used an Easyflow system in my Epson 1400s in the past. These days I use a different set-up, but I can't imagine they've changed much.

[Justin]

Justin- thankyou. Might I ask why you prefer carts to CIS and any advantages you feel they have?...........Would the refillable carts work out about the same price as using CISS? Thanks again.

More of a personal thing really. You don't have to have the bottles sat next to your printer, saves a little room and is tidier. if you're not printing a great deal the cart's will last a good while anyway. I've had air leak problems with cheaper CIS in the past, touch wood my 'Official' CIS has been good other than one problem where the cart assembly had to be replaced.

As JSR has mentioned, it's a good starting point to get the official CIS with inks pre-filled, otherwise you're looking at buying the empty carts and then the bottles of ink, would be slightly cheaper to get the ready filled CIS.

[4binlids]

Justin - would I need to buy empty carts for the epson 1400? The printer has come with 6 carts 40% full of ink. I guess under no circumstances should I install/use these if I want to use this as a sub. printer. Do you know if the suppliers (as listed) sell empty carts? Thanks

[Paul]

couple of them do. but most of them sell ciss already refilled with ink.

[Justin]

Coralgraph sell empty carts for the 1400.

[4binlids]

Sorry - another question. What is difference between dye, pigment and sublimation ink? Is pigment ink sublimation ink? Thanks

[Paul]

Pigment and sublimation are two diferent formulas. You want sublimation ink