I have an Epson 2100 A3 printer which I am now using to regularly print A3
size prints. I am only using genuine Epson cartridges and I am getting very
good quality and no print problems whatseover. Even after returning from a 2
week holiday I did a nozzle check and had no blocked nozzles at all. Of
course the only problem is I'm spending a small fortune on ink and I'm now
considering changing to either compatible cartridges or something like a
Lyson continuous ink system. I've been steering clear of compatibles up to
now as I know people have problems with blocked nozzles with some of them.
I really do need to cut my costs though while retaining quality and
reliablility.
Any recommendations for either compatible carts or continuous ink systems?
Any to avoid? I might even consider getting another A3 printer just for use
on this project. I've always been happy with the print quality from Epsons
but i'm open to suggestions if there's a better solution.
I use a R1800 at home with compatible bulk ink and a dozen C84 printers at
school with bulk compatible ink from www.inksupply.com . I've been refilling
spongeless cartridges and resetting the chips with a chip resetter for
almost two years on both variety of machines. I like the results of the ink
with the R1800 just fine, and it is supposed to be just as archival as the
OEM. Once and a while I get a minor clog if I haven't used the printer in a
month, but the clog clears within one or two clean cycles. If you take a
look at the site you should find a few different choices of cartridges and
ink available from these folks. They have a good reputation as well as a
tech support department that shows itself to be quality.
There are at least half a dozen other companies around with decent
references and recommendations from other posters on this NG that will
get you quality ink.
--
Jan Alter bearpuf@verizon.net
or jalter@phila.k12.pa.us
"Nodge" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:UFNTi.123$Eq.20@newsfe3-gui.ntli.net...
>I have an Epson 2100 A3 printer which I am now using to regularly print A3
> size prints. I am only using genuine Epson cartridges and I am getting
> very
> good quality and no print problems whatseover. Even after returning from a
> 2
> week holiday I did a nozzle check and had no blocked nozzles at all. Of
> course the only problem is I'm spending a small fortune on ink and I'm now
> considering changing to either compatible cartridges or something like a
> Lyson continuous ink system. I've been steering clear of compatibles up to
> now as I know people have problems with blocked nozzles with some of them.
> I really do need to cut my costs though while retaining quality and
> reliablility.
> Any recommendations for either compatible carts or continuous ink systems?
> Any to avoid? I might even consider getting another A3 printer just for
> use
> on this project. I've always been happy with the print quality from Epsons
> but i'm open to suggestions if there's a better solution.
>
> Thanks
>
> John
>
>
"Jan Alter" <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:15OTi.7870$0l4.4417@trnddc08...
> I use a R1800 at home with compatible bulk ink and a dozen C84 printers at
> school with bulk compatible ink from www.inksupply.com . I've been
refilling
> spongeless cartridges and resetting the chips with a chip resetter for
> almost two years on both variety of machines. I like the results of the
ink
> with the R1800 just fine, and it is supposed to be just as archival as the
> OEM. Once and a while I get a minor clog if I haven't used the printer in
a
> month, but the clog clears within one or two clean cycles. If you take
a
> look at the site you should find a few different choices of cartridges and
> ink available from these folks. They have a good reputation as well as a
> tech support department that shows itself to be quality.
> There are at least half a dozen other companies around with decent
> references and recommendations from other posters on this NG that will
> get you quality ink.
>
> --
> Jan Alter
> bearpuf@verizon.net
> or
> jalter@phila.k12.pa.us
> "Nodge" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:UFNTi.123$Eq.20@newsfe3-gui.ntli.net...
Thanks for your comments Jan. I should have mentioned I'm in the UK so I'm
looking for a UK supplier. Problem is there are so many companies offering
compatible inks I'd like to start off with one that comes recommended from
someone who's used them for a while and had no problems.
I would use non-Epson inks only if you are willing to lose the printer.
The inks are ridiculously expensive but you knew that when you bought the
printer.
Do not be swayed by writers who claim to have no problems with non-Epson
inks. It just ain't so.
It is a fact that Epson print heads are extremely sensitive to any changes
in the physical properties of the inks and can be impossible to clear if
clogged.
A high quality continuous feed system is probably a better alternative but
is not necessarily cost effective unless you print alot. Again, be prepared
to lose the printer if something goes awry.
If color management is important to you, and it should be, if you switch
inks you will be lucky if you then do not have to prepare custom paper
profiles, presuming the non-Epson inks are consistent enough in quality to
make the effort worthwhile.
In answer to John's question I gave a response for the newest printers I
(we) use as to keep the discussion to the most modern printers.
I am the IT person at our elementary school. We use more than 80 Epson
printers and have been accumulating them since 1998. Twelve of them are
C84's that I use them with refillable spongeless cartridges. The rest are
C82's, C80's, more than two dozen Epson Stylus 740's, with another dozen of
Epson Stylus 880's. And the ironic thing with the C84's is that when I used
the Epson OEM Durabrite ink in the very first six C84's every one of them
clogged within two years. It was at that point that I started the last dozen
with dye-base aftermarket ink and refilling cartridges; and these twelve all
are going fine. Well, almost fine. One of the C84's recently developed a
head delamination, but still runs and still puts out decent enough print. I
don't think I can attribute the problem to ink, but probably to faulty
materials, as older C84's we use have not displayed this event happening.
We have been using aftermarket cartridges in all of them since 1998,
and without complaint of any of the aftermarket ink causing headclogs. I
would guess that we've lost four or five printers during that time and
mostly to a CB's (circuit boards) going or pages not being pulled into the
printer correctly. When a printer dies these days it is from failed
electronics and not from the head not pushing ink. So when you suggest that
one should be ready to "lose the printer " for use of any third party ink I
have to wince and wonder what experience you have had to make you come to
that decision. From my nine years of use with this many printers I have
found the three or four brands of aftermarket ink we've used give very good
printing, virtually no difference in head clogging than the OEM ink, and
saved us thousands of dollars for what we would have spent buying Epson's
highly overpriced spread.
There are excellent third party inks available for Epsons as well as
other printers on the market. It is simply a matter of thinking outside of
the box, getting a little information, and reading what experiences other
users have had with particular brands of ink.
--
Jan Alter bearpuf@verizon.net
or jalter@phila.k12.pa.us
"gowanoh" <fac_187@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:hDQTi.63780$YL5.25967@newssvr29.news.prodigy. net...
>I would use non-Epson inks only if you are willing to lose the printer.
> The inks are ridiculously expensive but you knew that when you bought the
> printer.
> Do not be swayed by writers who claim to have no problems with non-Epson
> inks. It just ain't so.
> It is a fact that Epson print heads are extremely sensitive to any changes
> in the physical properties of the inks and can be impossible to clear if
> clogged.
> A high quality continuous feed system is probably a better alternative but
> is not necessarily cost effective unless you print alot. Again, be
> prepared to lose the printer if something goes awry.
> If color management is important to you, and it should be, if you switch
> inks you will be lucky if you then do not have to prepare custom paper
> profiles, presuming the non-Epson inks are consistent enough in quality to
> make the effort worthwhile.
>
>
I have no stake in any ink business, original OEM or 3rd party.
The information stated below by this poster is a load of C*AP.
People would be best to ignore this poster, he/she doesn't know what
they are speaking about. The generalities made are more often not true
than true.
It is true that SOME Epson ink formulations are fairly non-clogging (in
specific the Ultrachrome inks) but I have documented feedback that even
they clog. As for 3rd party inks, some are terrible, most are
equivalent to Epson, and some are superior. If what this person claimed
were true, the massive industry in 3rd party ink sales to Epson owners
would just not occur.
Art
gowanoh wrote:
> I would use non-Epson inks only if you are willing to lose the printer.
> The inks are ridiculously expensive but you knew that when you bought the
> printer.
> Do not be swayed by writers who claim to have no problems with non-Epson
> inks. It just ain't so.
> It is a fact that Epson print heads are extremely sensitive to any changes
> in the physical properties of the inks and can be impossible to clear if
> clogged.
> A high quality continuous feed system is probably a better alternative but
> is not necessarily cost effective unless you print alot. Again, be prepared
> to lose the printer if something goes awry.
> If color management is important to you, and it should be, if you switch
> inks you will be lucky if you then do not have to prepare custom paper
> profiles, presuming the non-Epson inks are consistent enough in quality to
> make the effort worthwhile.
>
>
Arthur Entlich wrote:
> I have no stake in any ink business, original OEM or 3rd party.
>
> The information stated below by this poster is a load of C*AP.
I think that gowanoh really knows what he is talking about. I do agree
with him.
>
> People would be best to ignore this poster, he/she doesn't know what
> they are speaking about. The generalities made are more often not
> true than true.
>
> It is true that SOME Epson ink formulations are fairly non-clogging
> (in specific the Ultrachrome inks) but I have documented feedback that
> even they clog. As for 3rd party inks, some are terrible, most are
> equivalent to Epson, and some are superior. If what this person
> claimed were true, the massive industry in 3rd party ink sales to
> Epson owners would just not occur.
>
> Art
>
>
> gowanoh wrote:
>
>> I would use non-Epson inks only if you are willing to lose the printer.
That is very true
>> The inks are ridiculously expensive but you knew that when you bought
>> the printer.
The same is true for both Canon and HP as well.
>> Do not be swayed by writers who claim to have no problems with
>> non-Epson inks. It just ain't so.
Oh Yeah like many here in this ng.
>> It is a fact that Epson print heads are extremely sensitive to any
>> changes in the physical properties of the inks and can be impossible
>> to clear if clogged.
Once in a great while I hear they get clogged.
>> A high quality continuous feed system is probably a better
>> alternative but is not necessarily cost effective unless you print alot.
Exactly what I have said.
>> Again, be prepared to lose the printer if something goes awry.
Right.
>> If color management is important to you, and it should be, if you
>> switch inks you will be lucky if you then do not have to prepare
>> custom paper profiles, presuming the non-Epson inks are consistent
>> enough in quality to make the effort worthwhile.
Now since you are saying the same thing as me there will be a few idiots
who will claim that you are me and other idiots that claim I is you and
still other idiots that claim both.
>>
>>
Thanks for the comments so far. It's obvious that 3rd party inks are very
variable. Some are not very good and give poor results and are prone to
clogging while others are much better and possibly equal to the Epson
originals. So what I want to know is which are which with respect to UK
suppliers. Anyone care to recommend someone?
I've been using Jettec on a Photo R320 and they seem fine. I'm on my
second or third set, so far.
Charles
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:11:32 GMT, "Nodge" <me@nospam.com> wrote:
>I have an Epson 2100 A3 printer which I am now using to regularly print A3
>size prints. I am only using genuine Epson cartridges and I am getting very
>good quality and no print problems whatseover. Even after returning from a 2
>week holiday I did a nozzle check and had no blocked nozzles at all. Of
>course the only problem is I'm spending a small fortune on ink and I'm now
>considering changing to either compatible cartridges or something like a
>Lyson continuous ink system. I've been steering clear of compatibles up to
>now as I know people have problems with blocked nozzles with some of them.
>I really do need to cut my costs though while retaining quality and
>reliablility.
>Any recommendations for either compatible carts or continuous ink systems?
>Any to avoid? I might even consider getting another A3 printer just for use
>on this project. I've always been happy with the print quality from Epsons
>but i'm open to suggestions if there's a better solution.
>
>Thanks
>
>John
>
I suppose you use dye inks for the C8x series, am I right?
--
Yianni 9jir_2006@yahoo.gr
(Remove the number nine from my email address to send me email)
"Jan Alter" <bearpuf@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:6dTTi.28472$DX.4727@trnddc06...
>
> In answer to John's question I gave a response for the newest printers
> I (we) use as to keep the discussion to the most modern printers.
> I am the IT person at our elementary school. We use more than 80 Epson
> printers and have been accumulating them since 1998. Twelve of them are
> C84's that I use them with refillable spongeless cartridges. The rest are
> C82's, C80's, more than two dozen Epson Stylus 740's, with another dozen
> of Epson Stylus 880's. And the ironic thing with the C84's is that when I
> used the Epson OEM Durabrite ink in the very first six C84's every one of
> them clogged within two years. It was at that point that I started the
> last dozen with dye-base aftermarket ink and refilling cartridges; and
> these twelve all are going fine. Well, almost fine. One of the C84's
> recently developed a head delamination, but still runs and still puts out
> decent enough print. I don't think I can attribute the problem to ink, but
> probably to faulty materials, as older C84's we use have not displayed
> this event happening.
> We have been using aftermarket cartridges in all of them since 1998,
> and without complaint of any of the aftermarket ink causing headclogs. I
> would guess that we've lost four or five printers during that time and
> mostly to a CB's (circuit boards) going or pages not being pulled into the
> printer correctly. When a printer dies these days it is from failed
> electronics and not from the head not pushing ink. So when you suggest
> that one should be ready to "lose the printer " for use of any third party
> ink I have to wince and wonder what experience you have had to make you
> come to that decision. From my nine years of use with this many printers I
> have found the three or four brands of aftermarket ink we've used give
> very good printing, virtually no difference in head clogging than the OEM
> ink, and saved us thousands of dollars for what we would have spent buying
> Epson's highly overpriced spread.
> There are excellent third party inks available for Epsons as well as
> other printers on the market. It is simply a matter of thinking outside of
> the box, getting a little information, and reading what experiences other
> users have had with particular brands of ink.
>
> --
> Jan Alter
> bearpuf@verizon.net
> or
> jalter@phila.k12.pa.us
> "gowanoh" <fac_187@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:hDQTi.63780$YL5.25967@newssvr29.news.prodigy. net...
>>I would use non-Epson inks only if you are willing to lose the printer.
>> The inks are ridiculously expensive but you knew that when you bought the
>> printer.
>> Do not be swayed by writers who claim to have no problems with non-Epson
>> inks. It just ain't so.
>> It is a fact that Epson print heads are extremely sensitive to any
>> changes in the physical properties of the inks and can be impossible to
>> clear if clogged.
>> A high quality continuous feed system is probably a better alternative
>> but is not necessarily cost effective unless you print alot. Again, be
>> prepared to lose the printer if something goes awry.
>> If color management is important to you, and it should be, if you switch
>> inks you will be lucky if you then do not have to prepare custom paper
>> profiles, presuming the non-Epson inks are consistent enough in quality
>> to make the effort worthwhile.
>>
>>
>
>
Epson Inks 
Linear Mode
