Epson A2 SC-P800 - Will be putting to dye use soon

We have purchased an Epson SC-P800 with the intention of converting for use with Inktec Dye Ink (bought from inkexpress.co.uk) and so thought I would create a post to keep interested parties updated.

It might be a week or so until we can get all the equipment set-up and a ICC profile generated but if it works then this would be a good choice for those who want to go bigger, use rolls of 17" paper rather than sheets and not have the expense of wide format printers such as Sawgrass 24" VJ628.

Items purchased for trial:
Epson SC-P800
Media Roll Adapter
Refillable ink cartridges with auto-reset
17" paper roll
Inktec Smart inks

We currently have a super Epson SC-P600 (may be for sale soon!) with a CISS from InkExpress (those guys are just great by the way) and in theory the P800 is just the same inside but wider.

So I will keep you all posted with photos once set-up along with print out examples.

Olly

Was waiting for this for months lol! Since InkExpress posted a review of the P600 with Inktec ink. On what substrates will you do tests ? Thanks.

Following this with interest.....

Been a while since we were at only 17", but would be worth you checking if you can get InkTec's transfer paper too at that roll size

More interested in the P800 than the P600. The 600 just seems an expensive way to print A3+ when compared to the old 1500w.
Following with interest.

I'm interested as a replacement for my 1500 which I keep for specific prints. I wouldn't be without my VJ628 for day to day sublimation as it's such a workhorse with superb print quality. Yes the VJ628 is expensive initially but you soon forgive it that. The P800 looks excellent but I can't see it being as good a workhorse but no doubt better than the 1500. 17" roll is good and I often run this or 24". Does the roll holder accept the TruPix papers?

We upgraded to the P600 from 1500 and slowly working up to 24" but hopefully P800 will keep us going for a while. Just need to look at larger heat press now which can fit through our door!

Haha, yeah, we had that problem. I wanted the large format press then measured the doorways! had to take a window out to get the Latex in :-)

So what will you print with A2?

I just want the roll facility. I do regular mid to large run t-shirt jobs on my two 1500w printers. I usually get two prints to an A3+ sheet. The problem is that every 10 or so sheets both 1500w's will mis feed the paper, so they can't be left totally unattended while I do something else.

We want to go a little larger both for roll feed (print endless coasters/placemats) but also to do door mats which a lot of our clients want. Only issue is that we cannot press A2 at the moment on our Adkins press. Would need the Beta Maxi and until we move to new business unit next month not sure if it will fit.

The reason I asked was when I was considering the Pressmech, I thought I should future proof myself with the A2, but since coasters or Chromaluxe only take a minute in the press, I couldn't see the benefits what with the additional huge costs of press and printers and the all important space.

Keep us posted Olly, did the ally sheets arrive ok with your ink order? If you need any advise on getting the profile made just give me a shout.

Alex

Hi Alex. Inks not turned up yet but if via Parcel Force then not until about 4pm. Just setting up printer and roll feed as we speak.

We have partial lift off! The studio looks like a drug den with needles everywhere and magenta colour sprayed across both myself and the desk whilst getting the ink into the cartridges. The printer is charged, connected to PC and about to run off a sample using existing P600 ICC profile. Then will look to get a proper one done once I can work out how to attach the paper roll!

Following with interest, would be nice to go back to A2, already have the press here but had to dismantle it to get it in!

Janners

Initial tests good. Using Inktec Smart Dye and A3 110gsm sheets both from Ink Express with same ICC used on P600 then virtually same results as P600. Was expected. I did a number of coasters to compare models.

I then fitted the paper roll adapter with 17” TruPix paper but ran out of time to test printing. Hopefully tomorrow!

I find when I have new equipment I am like a child with a new toy, my wonders why in the early hours of the morning I am still in the studio!

Any news ?

Sorry we have been exhibiting at a trade show all this week. We will probably start testing with 17” on Monday as a day of chasing potential clients awaits.

Apologies for delay. Just to say we have been using the P800 for a month now and absolutely brilliant. Inks from ink express, refillable chipped carts, truepix 17" roll and custom icc profile. Non stop printing has helped so much and having upgraded to an A2 Adkins press we can finally do large cushions and door mats. I wonder if we are the first to use this set up Hmm.

Did you notice a significant print quality vs. a 1500W, P600 or 3880 ? Thanks!

Better than 1500 but roughy same as P600 as probably same print head but by taking 17" roll it is more ideal for larger runs.