DSF

Spent a lot of the weekend reading, reading and more reading all the really helpful posts on here.

I want to (eventually - can't afford to purchase everything just now) print mugs, cotton totes/shoppers/bottle bags/mini bags and notebook covers (cover would be kraft card/recycled card).

I have read that I need ChromaBlast inks to be able to print on the cotton items. My question is - can I "simply" (or not) swap the inks in the Richoh SG3110 between the ChromaBlast and the ink used for mug printing or is this wishful thinking and I would need two printers?

The notepad covers - would these print with the same ink as the mugs or canvas?

Maggie

Hi Maggie

Short answer is no

Mugs are printed using a dye sublimation process and require dye sub inks. Depending on your printer will depend on what inks you get, but assuming you are going to go for a small printer (like the Ricoh you suggest) then you will require Sawgrass dye sub inks. Please make sure you purchase the printer and inks from a reputable dye sub supplier as they know what they are doing and you may require help in setting it up. They can also offer the assistance should anything go wrong.

Cotton items and notebook covers require a different type of process and different inks. I have not used the Chromablast system so can not comment. However I can recommend The Magic Touch laser based system for the items you mentioned (and a whole lot more).

To get a bit technical, each time you swapped the inks over you would need to flush through the old ink otherwise your prints will not be up to the job in hand. I have heard that Epsons do not require that much to flush out old ink so if you can only afford one printer then it would be worth looking at them. I have not used Epson for dye sub so can not comment, but there is a thread on here somewhere that mentions the flushing is minimal. However with Epsons you do need to use them regularly to prevent the ink head from clogging.

Some Epson have the cart mounted directly on the print head, whilst others have the carts mounted remotely and feed the heads through lines - these latter ones would require bigger flushings like the Ricohs do.
You are going to be best off in having a different printer for each type of printing you are doing, and if on a tight budget, then focus on the best product type you can do, in terms of ease of production, and profit margin, and what will sell best with your designs to your target market, and get this system up and running first.

For setting up in dye sub, you have the more expensive route which is usually recommended to newcomers, which is to buy everyone from one dealer who can hold your hand and support you, and possibly take over the warranty on your system. This path is best for people who just want something to work, and not have to do a load of their own problem solving and technical things.

The other path, which involves picking your own printer model, inks and other bits and bobs from various sources, can save you money, but you will then be dealing with lots of individual suppliers for support in getting going or if things go wrong. This option is best for people who don't mind tinkering, and working things out and problem solving. In the long run, you will have a better understanding of the equipment and processes you are using.

There is a FAQ, called "which printer" which I suggest you search for and read, if you haven't already.

Thanks so much socialgiraffe and pisquee. I had a feeling that sharing a printer would be a long shot but worth an ask.

Am off to look at The Magic Touch system that you recommend socialgiraffe (and no doubt be back at some point to pick your brains!)

Have read the "which printer" pisquee but could probably do to read it again, memory like a sieve! You make very valid points - decide on which path and get the business head on!

socialgiraffe - can I ask (am finding it difficult to gain much info on the magic touch website) providing they say that my laser printer is compatible, I just need their transfer paper and a press? As long as my laser is compatible I can use it and don't need to buy an adapted laser or special toners?

Correct.

If you are looking for a very cheap laser printer that works then the new OKI 301's seem to be pretty good. A few members on here have them and I have one also. I purchased mine as an everyday cheapo to run invoices etc but I have used it for TMT papers with decent results. A full set of replacement carts for this machine off ebay is £130 I think.

Retail at about £94 plus VAT and are double sided A4.

The key thing is the fusing and also the ability for the paper to run flat. This means that ideally your printer will need an exit tray at the back of the machine, most printers the exit is at the top which means the paper curls round. While that is not a problem for standard paper it can cause problems for transfer papers.

It is worth pointing out that there are other suppliers of laser transfer paper (target transfers for example). Personally I favour TMT because it works and the support is superb. I have spoken to other companies and have no reason to doubt their customer service but as I have not tried their papers I can not really comment. I do know that Target have a downloadable list of compatible printers on their website, but even that I think is a little out of date.

It is also worth keeping an eye on Justin's posts as he will have some exciting news about the 301's soon

Oh my golly, happy days! Have got a OKI 510 for general office work so am hoping that will be okay (and it has an exit tray at the back, yay!) - have emailed to ask them. Am I right in thinking that you are the 'go to guy' for cotton shoppers/totes?

Used to be....

My supplier let me down so stock is very limited right now (there are other members on here waiting on some coloured ones). If you need natural tote and a small quantity (i.e. less than 100) I probably have them.

An OKI 510 will work with target transfers so it will probably be fine. Target you set the paper to ULTRA HEAVY so it is probably going to be the same setting.