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New to Sublimation Printing and Need Advice on Equipment

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Old August 4th, 2010, 09:01 PM   #1 (permalink)
kbupp kbupp is offline
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Default New to Sublimation Printing and Need Advice on Equipment

I'm very interested in starting my own small sublimation printing business but need some unbiased guidance about what equipment to buy in order to get me started at a minimal cost but without sacrificing quality.

I plan on doing most of my printing on athletic tech (synthetic) shirts......no hates, mugs, etc. I talked with a rep from Conde today and he suggested the following setup

Ricoh GX7000
Geo Knight DK20

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could provide. Thanks in advance!

Kevin
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Old August 5th, 2010, 09:09 AM   #2 (permalink)
murerase1 murerase1 is offline
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Default Re: New to Sublimation Printing and Need Advice on Equipment

This is a pretty good recommendation for printing T Shirts. You would need a different press for cups, but Conde can fix you up with those as well. Presses are a lot like boats - before long whatever press you have isn't big enough. Don't have a solution for that, however.
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Old August 5th, 2010, 04:39 PM   #3 (permalink)
EnMartian EnMartian is offline
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Default Re: New to Sublimation Printing and Need Advice on Equipment

The George Knight is a good press and the Ricoh 7000 is a good printer. It is, however, the top of the line Ricoh model. If you're just starting out, you might want to consider the Ricoh 3300. It will not do 13 x 19 prints, which may be a consideration, but it is a durable printer and provides good color.

EnMart has a starter package that features the Ricoh 3300 for $399.

If you're looking at doing very large prints or a very heavy volume of prints you will be better off with the Ricoh 7000. If you're o.k. with mostly doing 8 1/2 x 11 or 8/5 x 14 prints, the Ricoh 3300 should work for you.
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Old June 14th, 2011, 03:15 PM   #4 (permalink)
Flint54 Flint54 is offline
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Default Re: New to Sublimation Printing and Need Advice on Equipment

IMO for the best VALUE check out http://www.cobraink.com/printers.htm not only do they have great printers but they install their own proven CIS and have replacement ink at pricing that leaves others in the dust. Everyone that I have spoken with that use their systems/inks report outstanding customer satisfaction. Start out with the WF-30 or the WF-1100 if you need the large 13 x 19 ability. For the cost of a 3300 plus ink you could get 3 Epson WF-30 printers < http://www.cobraink.com/epson30.htm > with CIS using high temp (Sublimation) inks, dye ink and pigment ink. Thus you could do dye sub, photo and inkjet on cotton/blends. For heat presses check out http://www.heatpressessentials.com , for the $$$ the business packages are great, reports are positive on the equipment and Lou will stand behind his sales. Later if you want to upgrade to a brand name press you can and will have a good standby in case you have problems. Why start out spending 900 plus on a heat press in the very beginning when 3-400 will do the work, and have a solid warranty. Be frugal with your cash in the beginning and buy paper/product and practice QUALITY PRODUCTION.

Just my take on the subject.
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Old July 9th, 2011, 04:30 PM   #5 (permalink)
ocprinting ocprinting is offline
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Default Re: New to Sublimation Printing and Need Advice on Equipment

I am currently using the GX7000 and the DK20S, I started off with the 3300 but for full adult front designs on a T' I found I was going to need 13x19 on my second job. The DK20S is a tank and a workhorse you cant go wrong. I would purchase the best equipment I could afford just lke if I were sky diving I wouldnt buy a cheap parachute, if you are new you will need good support and Conde is tops IMO. Also keep in mind if you are new you will have a learning curve when it comes to color matching and setting pressure on your press. Also look for some lightly used equipment if you want to save a few bucks but want top equipment. People are either upgrading or getting out of the business and it could be a chance to save 30% or more. Good luck.
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