By kbupp on
Aug. 04, 2010
Forums:
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
Location:
United States
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.
Murerase1
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.
Embroidery and Sublimation Supplies
myenmart.com
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. :cool: :cool: :cool:
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.