Sublimation printing has revolutionized the way we create vibrant designs on products, like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. To get the best results out of this process, you need a reliable and efficient printer that’s up to the task. For any sublimation printing needs, the Epson EcoTank printers are a great choice. They are specially designed with the latest features and technology to make sure you get excellent performance, speed, and image quality.
Here, we will explore the best Epson EcoTank printers for sublimation and help you choose the one that meets your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
- 1 5 Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation
- 2 Overview of Epson EcoTank Printers
- 3 Comparison of the 5 Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation Printing
- 4 Best Overall Epson EcoTank Printer
- 5 Best Epson EcoTank Printer for Sublimation 13×19
- 6 Best Epson EcoTank Printer for A Small Desk
- 7 Best Epson EcoTank Printer for High-Efficiency Heat Press Transfer
- 8 Best Epson EcoTank Printer That Can Be Converted to Sublimation
- 9 Choosing the Right EcoTank Printer for Your Business
- 10 Tips for Effective Sublimation Printing with an Epson EcoTank Printer
- 11 Best Epson EcoTank Printer for Sublimation: FAQs
- 12 Conclusion
5 Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation
- Best overall: EcoTank Pro ET-16600
- Best for Sublimation 13×19: Epson EcoTank ET-15000
- Best for A Small Desk: Epson EcoTank ET-2720
- Best for High-Efficiency Heat Transfer: Epson EcoTank ET-2400
- Best for Converting to Sublimation: Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Overview of Epson EcoTank Printers
Epson EcoTank printers are becoming very popular, due to their lowered cost per page and their large ink reservoirs. These tanks can be refilled instead of using new cartridges, which significantly reduces waste and helps you save money in the long run. They are suitable for home and office use, offering high-quality printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities.
EcoTank printers are available in various models and sizes, ranging from compact models for personal use to larger models for office use. They also support connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB.
Related: Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners – 7 Products For All Budgets
Comparison of Ecotank Printers with Traditional Inkjet Printers
Feature | EcoTank Printers | Traditional Inkjet Printers |
Cost per page | Low (can be up to 90% less than traditional inkjet printers) | High (due to frequent need for ink cartridge replacement) |
Initial cost | High (due to larger ink tanks) | Low (due to smaller ink tanks) |
Ink refilling | Rare (can last up to 2 years with moderate usage) | Frequent (ink cartridges often need replacement every few months) |
Ink capacity | Large (can hold up to several years’ worth of ink) | Small (ink cartridges hold a limited amount of ink) |
Waste | Low (empty bottles can be recycled, reducing environmental impact) | High (empty ink cartridges often end up in landfills) |
Maintenance | Low (no need to replace ink cartridges) | High (frequent replacement of ink cartridges required) |
Benefits of using an EcoTank printer
EcoTank printers come with a lot of benefits compared to other traditional printers. Here are some of its top benefits.
- Lower cost of ownership: EcoTank printers use refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, which leads to a significantly lower cost per page.
- Less waste: The refillable tanks produce less plastic waste compared to disposable cartridges.
- Convenient and efficient: The high-capacity ink tanks can be refilled easily and last for several months, reducing the need for frequent ink replacements.
- Improved print quality: EcoTank printers typically use high-quality pigment-based inks that produce sharp, vibrant prints with enhanced longevity.
- Peace of mind: With an EcoTank printer, you don’t have to worry about running out of ink unexpectedly or being overcharged for replacement cartridges.
- Better for the environment: By reducing waste and consuming less ink, EcoTank printers are a more environmentally friendly option.
Related: Sublimation vs. Vinyl: The Ultimate Printing Showdown
Comparison of the 5 Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation Printing
Epson’s line of EcoTank printers is known for their large ink reservoirs and cost-effective printing, making them an excellent choice for sublimation printing. Here is a comparison of the best models with different features.
Best Overall Epson EcoTank Printer
EcoTank Pro ET-16600
The ET-16600 EcoTank Pro stands out from the rest of the sublimation printers available with its large ink tanks that can print up to 14,000 pages without needing a replacement cartridge. This not only saves money on ink expenses but also minimizes the amount of waste produced.
The printer’s sublimation technology offers vibrant and accurate colors that meet the standards of professional photographers and graphic designers. Additionally, it has wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities – so you can easily print from your smartphone or tablet.
The EcoTank Pro ET-16600 is fast and reliable, with its print speed of 15 pages per minute and automatic two-sided printing to save you time and paper.
Specifications:
- Print Technology: Dye-Sublimation
- Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
- Print Speed: 13″ x 19″ image in as fast as 30 seconds
- Ink: 16 UltraChrome HD ink cartridges
- Ink Capacity: 300 ml per color
- Maximum Print Size: 16″ x 100′ (406mm x 30.5m)
- Print Quality: High-quality prints with vivid, lifelike colors
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB
- Dimensions: 36.7″ x 29.7″ x 15.9″ (932mm x 755mm x 404mm)
- Weight: 44.5 lbs (20.2 kg)
Pros:
- It saves money on ink costs and reduces waste
- Ideal for professional photographers and graphic designers
- Fast and reliable printing
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Not compatible with some software or devices.
Check the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600’s latest price on Amazon.
Best Epson EcoTank Printer for Sublimation 13×19
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is an advanced sublimation printer specifically designed for professionals. It has the capability to produce stunning prints of up to 13×19 inches, making it an ideal choice for photography studios, designers, and businesses that require large-format printing.
The printer comes with an EcoTank system which makes it super economical-refilling is incredibly inexpensive and the high-capacity tanks minimize the need for frequent replacements. It’s also a great cost-effective choice for those who print often.
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 also boasts fast print speeds and a high-resolution printing capability, making it the best option for those who demand the highest quality prints in the shortest time.
Specifications:
- Print Technology: Dye-Sublimation
- Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
- Print Speed: 13″ x 19″ image in as fast as 37 seconds
- Ink: 4 individual color tanks (CMYK)
- Ink Capacity: 220 ml per color
- Maximum Print Size: 13″ x 19″ (330mm x 483mm)
- Print Quality: High-quality prints with accurate, vivid colors
- Dimensions: 24.7″ x 20.8″ x 10.7″ (626mm x 528mm x 272mm)
Pros:
- It saves money on ink costs and reduces waste
- Ideal for sublimation printing and professionals in the arts
- Fast and reliable printing
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Limited to 13×19 inch print size
Check the Epson EcoTank ET-15000’s latest price on Amazon.
Best Epson EcoTank Printer for A Small Desk
Epson EcoTank ET-2720
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a great option for small offices and desks, as it is compact and doesn’t take up a lot of space. It’s also suited for printing materials such as sublimation graphics, making it very useful. With its efficient design and capabilities, it’s no wonder this printer is becoming increasingly popular. Despite its small size, the ET-2720 offers excellent printing capabilities, delivering sharp, clear, and vibrant sublimation graphics with a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.
The ET-2720 boasts of its innovative EcoTank technology that ensures fewer ink replacements and makes printing convenient by providing wireless connectivity. This feature allows you to print from any spot in your home or office effortlessly. It is also a top performer in speed and efficiency. It can print up to 10 pages per minute in black and white and five per minute in color.
Specifications:
- Print Technology: PrecisionCore 4-color (CMYK)
- Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
- Maximum Print Size: 8.5″ x 44″
- Print Speed: Up to 10 pages per minute (black and white), five pages per minute (color)
- Ink Type: EcoTank ink bottles
- Operating Systems: Windows, MacOS, Chromebook, and Mobile Devices
- Paper Handling: 100-sheet rear paper feeder, up to 20 sheets of plain paper in the front manual tray
Pros:
- Compact design: Fits easily in limited spaces
- Efficient printing: Sharp, clear, and vibrant prints
- Eco-friendly: Reduces waste and saves time and money on ink replacements
- Convenient connectivity: Easily print from a computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet
- Fast printing speed: Ideal for those who need to produce high-quality prints quickly
Cons:
- Limited print speed in color
Check the Epson EcoTank ET-2720’s latest price on Amazon.
Best Epson EcoTank Printer for High-Efficiency Heat Press Transfer
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 sublimation
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is the premier heat press transfer sublimation printer on the market, offering top-notch performance and versatility. With its innovative EcoTank technology, users can save time and money by refilling the ink tanks instead of constantly replacing cartridges.
With its innovative ink tank system, you’ll be able to print thousands of pages with low running costs. It boasts a high-resolution print capability of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, which ensures that your images and graphics are sharp, vivid, and true to color.
The printer’s fast print speed of up to 10 pages per minute in black and white and 5 pages per minute in color makes it a great choice for high-volume printing jobs. It is also versatile, and able to handle a range of media types and sizes, making it the ideal choice for all your sublimation projects.
Specifications:
- Print Method: Sublimation
- Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
- Ink: Sublimation ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black)
- Operating Systems: Windows and Mac
- Print Margins: 0.12 inches (3.0 mm) on all sides
Pros:
- Low ink costs with EcoTank technology
- High-quality, vibrant prints
- User-friendly and easy to set up
- Cost-effective for small businesses and home users
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for large-scale industrial printing
Check the Epson EcoTank ET-2400’s latest price on Amazon.
Best Epson EcoTank Printer That Can Be Converted to Sublimation
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a great choice for individuals or businesses who wish to upgrade their sublimation printing. It offers high-quality and versatile features that make it one of the best Epson printers available. It also can be easily converted for sublimation printing with ease.
The ET-2800 offers an efficient ink tank system, cutting the need for frequent cartridge replacements and significantly reducing the cost per page. Additionally, it has a high resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi to deliver sharp and vivid prints that can be used on various applications such as sublimation print.
Due to its advanced features, this is the go-to printer for producing high-quality sublimation prints on different materials like t-shirts, and mugs, among others. It supports a range of media sizes and thicknesses, giving you the flexibility to handle any project you have in mind.
Specifications:
- Print Technology: Inkjet
- Maximum Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Print Speed: 15 pages per minute (black & white), eight pages per minute (color)
- Ink Tank System: Yes, ultra-low cost per page
- Borderless Printing: Yes (up to 4 x 6″)
- Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Duplex Printing: Manual
- Input Capacity: 100 sheets
Pros:
- A large ink tank reduces the cost per page.
- High-resolution produces sharp and vibrant prints.
- Supports multiple media sizes and thicknesses.
- User-friendly interface and fast print speeds.
Cons:
- It may need help with heavy media.
Check the Epson Ecotank ET-2800’s latest price on Amazon.
Choosing the Right EcoTank Printer for Your Business
Choosing the right EcoTank printer for your business can be a daunting task. Many models are available, and you may need help determining which one fits you. Here are some factors that you need to consider.
Business Size and Volume of Printing
The size of the business and the volume of printing are essential factors to consider when choosing an EcoTank printer, as they determine the amount of printing that will be done daily or monthly. Large businesses with high-volume printing needs will require a more robust printer with higher printing capacity. In contrast, a small business with low-volume printing needs can do with a smaller, more affordable printer.
Printing Quality and Resolution
The printing quality and resolution determine the clarity and sharpness of the printed documents. If your business requires high-quality printing, a printer with a high resolution would be more suitable. On the other hand, if printing quality is not a priority, then a printer with a lower resolution would be appropriate.
Cost-effectiveness
EcoTank printers are known for their cost-effectiveness, but it is still essential to consider the cost of the printer, the cost of ink refills, and the cost of maintenance when choosing a printer. A printer with a lower upfront cost may have higher long-term costs in ink refills and maintenance, so weighing the costs against the benefits is crucial.
Maintenance and Refill Costs
EcoTank printers are designed to reduce the cost of ink replacements, but it is still essential to consider the cost of maintenance and refill. Some printers may require frequent refills and maintenance, so it is critical to consider these costs when choosing a printer. Look for a printer that has a low cost of ink refills and care and is easy to refill and maintain.
Related: How to Print Sublimation Images – A Step-By-Step Guide
Tips for Effective Sublimation Printing with an Epson EcoTank Printer
There are many tips that you should take into consideration for you to get the best sublimation printing experience. Here are a few.
- Choose the correct type of transfer paper: Go for high-quality sublimation transfer paper compatible with your printer’s specifications.
- Calibrate the printer: Make sure your Epson EcoTank printer is calibrated to the right temperature and pressure settings to achieve optimal results.
- Adjust color management settings: Proper color management can help achieve accurate and vibrant colors in your sublimation prints. Consider using ICC profiles to adjust your printer’s settings.
- Use high-quality sublimation ink: Using high-quality sublimation ink will ensure that your prints are bright, vibrant, and long-lasting.
- Pay attention to the printing process: The sublimation process can be sensitive to transfer time, pressure, and temperature. Ensure that you are following the recommended guidelines for your specific sublimation setup.
- Consider pre-treating the fabric: Pre-treating the material can improve the quality of your sublimation prints. This can involve washing and ironing the fabric to remove any contaminants.
- Practice makes perfect: Like any printing technique, sublimation printing takes the approach of mastering. Experiment with different settings and methods until you find what works best.
Related: Sublimation vs. Screen Printing: Understanding the Process and Applications
Best Epson EcoTank Printer for Sublimation: FAQs
Which Is Better for Sublimation, ET-2720 or ET-2760?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is a better option for sublimation due to its advanced MicroPiezo AMC print-head technology. That offers a broader color gamut and improved overall print quality.
Is Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Suitable for Sublimation?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a good option for sublimation printing as it features an integrated ink tank system, which helps to reduce ink costs. It also offers high-quality prints with vivid colors and sharp details.
What Is the Best Wide-Format EcoTank Printer for Sublimation?
The best wide-format EcoTank printer for sublimation is the Epson SureColor P800. This high-end printer is designed for professional photographers and artists and can produce exceptional color accuracy and a wide color gamut. It also features advanced technology such as Epson UltraChrome HD ink and Epson’s Advanced Black and White mode, which provide improved tonal transitions and deep blacks, making it ideal for sublimation printing.
Can an Epson EcoTank 4800 Be Used for Sublimation?
Yes, the Epson EcoTank 4800 can be used for sublimation. It is a versatile all-in-one printer with many features, including high-quality printing and scanning capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Epson EcoTank series of printers are a perfect choice for those looking for a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and high-performance solution for sublimation printing. With their large ink reservoirs and low cost per page, they offer the perfect combination of affordability and quality.
The EcoTank series has a model to meet your needs and budget, from the best overall printer – the EcoTank Pro ET-16600 to the EcoTank ET-15000, which is the best option for large-format printing. Its features, like wireless connectivity, fast print speeds, and high-resolution printing capabilities, make these printers meet the demands of professional photographers, graphic designers, and businesses alike.
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