Buying a new sublimation printer is likely to cost you a fortune. It further makes you dependent on high-cost ink used for sublimation printing. Turning a low-cost inkjet printer into a sublimation printer would be good. Pretty good, and it would be great if you could turn the printer you own into a sublimation printer. Yes, these all are possibilities, and all it requires is some knowledge, which can save you from investing heavily in dye sublimation printers.
We are here to help you with the question “How to Convert Epson Printer to Sublimation.” This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you with easy conversion and related information to get the best out of your Epson printer, be it an Ecotank or Workforce model.
Piezo Printing: Ideal for Sublimation Printing
Epson printers work on Piezo printing technology, the only possible technology compatible with sublimation. The print heads of Epson printers have a thin foil of electric charges which vibrates and forces the ink droplets from the print head nozzle to the paper. This way, it doesn’t utilize heat and is compatible with various inks and solutions.
Furthermore, Epson printers have another advantage the piezo heads of the printers have higher resolution than any other printer in the market. It is why Epson printers are preferred by most for sublimation purposes.
Check out our article on how to set up a sublimation printer.
How to Convert Epson Printer to Sublimation: Steps
A brand-new, never used printer is ideal for conversion. Our printer (Epson Ecotank 4760) is new and not filled with ordinary ink, so the process is simple. Insert the sublimation ink directly into the tank to convert the Epson Ecotank series printer for sublimation.
Step 1. Install the Inks
Install the sublimation ink bottles in the ink tanks, making sure to match the colors correctly. When using an Epson printer for conversion with built-in ink tanks, you must pour the ink directly into the corresponding tanks from bottles. Contrary to Epson Workforce models, you won’t need syringes as a medium to transfer the ink from bottles to ink tanks.
Step 2. Load the Paper
As mentioned, you must use a sublimation paper for the best results. Place the sublimation paper into the paper tray with the printing side facing down and close the paper tray.
Step 3. Follow the Instructions on the Screen
Now that the paper is fed, it’s time to plug in the printer with a power source. Afterward, head to the LCD screen on the printer’s front side and adjust the settings according to your needs.
Step 4. Run a Print Test
You can run a test print to ensure the printer functions properly with the sublimation ink and paper. If the test print is successful, the conversion is complete! If there are any issues, try cleaning the print head and verifying that the sublimation ink and paper are compatible with the printer.
Converting Epson WorkForce for Sublimation
The conversion process is a little different for EcoTank and WorkForce models. Follow the steps below to prepare your Epson Workforce printers for sublimation.
Step 1. Installing the Inks
The first step involves the installation of inks. As the Epson EcoTank printers have in-built tanks for ink, you only have to fill the ink tanks with sublimation ink in the corresponding tank for each color. Whereas for WorkForce models, you need to pull out the Epson printer cartridges and replace them with refillable cartridges. First, fill the cartridges with sublimation ink and install the cartridges in the corresponding area of the printer.
Step 2. Installing Drivers
After installing ink, you can move to your laptop or computer to install drivers. The most straightforward approach is retrieving the printer’s necessary printer drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
Step 3. Connecting the Printer
Now you can plug in the printer and set up the time and language it asks on the LCD screen of the printer. The printer then will run an initialization test which can take upto a few minutes. After it is finished, you are ready for printing.
Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation
Epson Ecotank printers are the most straightforward to adapt for sublimation as they have refillable tanks. Setting up a brand-new printer is easy as it only requires filling the ink tanks with sublimation ink. However, the process is complicated if you convert a used Ecotank model. You must completely remove the ink tank’s previous traces, which can get messy.
The following Epson EcoTank models can be set up for sublimation;
- EcoTank-2800
- EcoTank-2803
- EcoTank-2850
- EcoTank-3830
- EcoTank-3850
- EcoTank-4800
- EcoTank-4850
- EcoTank-5150
- EcoTank-5170
- EcoTank-5180
- EcoTank-5800
- EcoTank-5850
- EcoTank-5880
- EcoTank-8500
- EcoTank-8550
- EcoTank-15000
- EcoTank-16600
- EcoTank-16650
Epson WorkForce Printers for Sublimation
Unlike Epson EcoTank models with in-built ink tanks, Epson WorkForce models have ink cartridges that can be filled with ink. It would be best to buy refillable ink cartridges for the conversion process. The following Epson WorkForce models can effectively be used for sublimation.
- WorkForce3540
- WorkForce3520
- WorkForce3640
- WorkForce3620
- WorkForce7010
- WorkForce7110
- WorkForce7510
- WorkForce7520
- WorkForce7610
- WorkForce7620
- WorkForce7710
- WorkForce7720
- WorkForce7210
- WorkForce2750
Conclusion
The preferred printer to convert for sublimation is an Epson model. The Epson printers employ Piezo print technology, and several ink manufacturers have produced inks with excellent color profiles. The process is easy and applies to Epson’s Ecotank and WorkForce models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Epson printer is the easiest to convert for sublimation?
The simplest printers to adapt for sublimation are Epson Ecotank models. The Ecotank makes it easy to pour the sublimation ink if it’s a brand-new printer. However, if you convert a used printer, the process is messy as you must drain the ordinary ink and adequately clean the tank.
Is it worth turning an Epson printer for sublimation?
It is a good choice, considering how expensive sublimation printers are. You can buy a new Epson printer and convert it for sublimation. It is cost-effective and gives the same sublimation results as any other printer.
What makes Epson an ideal printer for conversion?
The Epson printers work on Piezo printing technology, which is necessary to convert a printer for sublimation. Furthermore, the sublimation inks for the Epson printers are abundant, but this is not the case with printers of other companies. Moreover, Epson printers are inexpensive and easy to convert for sublimation making printers ideal for conversion.
How long does sublimation ink last?
Sublimation ink for Epson printers comes from different manufacturers, so the lifetime of the ink varies with each vendor. Unsealed bottles can last up to a year, but sealed bottles typically survive about 18 months.
Is it possible to fill sublimation ink in a used Epson printer?
Yes, it is possible, but not recommended. Before installing the ink cartridges, properly cleaning the ink tanks is required, which is a tedious process. Make sure no traces of the previous ink are left to get mixed with sublimation ink; otherwise, you will not get the ideal results of sublimation ink.
My Epson printer won’t print even though the ink tank is full. Why?
It is possible that your Epson printer didn’t identify the new ink cartridge or its ink level sensor misread it as empty. This built-in ink-checking system can be resolved by performing a simple cartridge reset. Hold the Ink button while lifting the printer’s top cover; that way, it will recognize the cartridges.
Is using sublimation ink worth it?
When choosing sublimation ink, you opt for the dye sublimation method, which is preferred over other printing methods. Inks for sublimation can be utilized for extended periods and are easily accessible. Furthermore, its quality output makes it worth the effort and expenses if used accurately.