It can be difficult to track down an Epson printer capable of printing wide format (13 x 19 inches) and can be converted to a wide format sublimation printer.
Although it may be true that it is more difficult than discovering a unicorn, you should continue trying because there is still a chance that you may succeed.
If you have some patience, you can find wide-format Epson capable of being modified for sublimation printing.
They are sometimes accessible at the local retail store, but although their online page claims they are out of stock, the great news is that there is more than one type of Epson printer that you may use. Occasionally, they become available.
As of the summer of 2021, almost all wide-format Epson inkjet printers which can be converted to sublimation were currently unavailable for purchase.
If it is still in stock, it will likely be sold at a price two or three times more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
This is because resellers are aiming to make a profit off of high-demand commodities that have limited quantities.
Reason For The Popularity Of Wide Format Epson Printers For Sublimation
Because of the expansive nature of the prints that wide-format sublimation printers may produce, many sublimation is looking for these elusive machines.
They can print sublimation transfer in a range of sizes, from 8.5 inches by 11 inches to 13 inches by 19 inches. Mugs, mouse pads, keychains, and Christmas ornaments are just some items that benefit from the smaller sublimation transfers.
However, the larger, wide-format sublimation printers can print on 13-inch by 19-inch sublimation papers, which can then be sublimated onto a variety of large sublimation blanks, including garden flags, blankets, door mats, and sublimation shirts in bigger sizes such as L, XL, and up, as well as other items.
Sublimation has the potential to provide their friends, relatives, and, most importantly, their clients with a greater selection of products that have been sublimated as a result of the larger printing capability they possess. They can offer everything they want regardless of the capabilities of their printer.
Why are these printers mostly out of stock?
You are one of many looking for a wide-format Epson that can be converted for sublimation printing. It is practically unavailable at all retail stores and online marketplaces carrying the product.
Its availability fluctuates, so you need to take advantage of it when it is available. This illusive printer is currently unavailable for purchase for several different reasons.
The epidemic in 2020 is the primary problem that generated a domino effect in the supply chain.
Increased Demand
When the pandemic of 2020 struck, many places of employment and educational institutions decided to allow employees to work from home and conduct lessons online.
This increased demand resulted from the fact that many people required additional office equipment for the home offices to complete the work expected of them by their respective jobs.
Because of this spike in demand, there was a rush to purchase every printer accessible to them from various online and retail businesses.
Semiconductor Chip Shortage
Many factories cut back on their production hours or shut down entirely to protect their employees from contracting and passing on the virus.
A lower total number of goods was produced directly from this reduction in factory production hours.
Because of this scarcity in manufacturing, one of the components of the printers that are considered to be of the utmost importance is the semiconductor chip.
In addition to this, the United States imposed sanctions against SMIC, the leading chip manufacturer in China, in March of 2020, and there was a significant fire at such chip plant in Mar of 2020.
The manufacturing of printers experienced a disruption in their supply chain due to shortages in producing an essential component of the printer.
Things To Consider While Buying A Wide-Format Sublimation Printer
Cost
Epson printers suitable for broad formats have a price tag that is noticeably higher than that of their more compact competitors.
Epson Printers converted to sublimation start at $200 for the smaller models (maximum print size of 8.5 by 14 inches), while wide format sublimation printers begin at $600 for the smaller models.
Investing in a wide-format printer makes sense if most of the sublimation transfers you intend to create will be on larger pieces of paper.
On the other hand, if you exclusively produce tiny goods requiring sublimation transfers approximately the size 11 by 14 inches or smaller, investing in a wide-format sublimation printer may not be the best choice.
If you need a larger transfer, there are methods to piece together many sublimation transfers; however, this procedure is laborious and requires much practice to become proficient in.
When deciding, you should consider the price of sublimation papers and the sublimation ink of your wide-format Epson printer.
You probably already know that larger papers cost more, so before you print something on them, make sure that the project requires higher sizes.
Suppose the production of garden flags, door mats, larger shirts, and other items of a similar nature is your primary goal. In that case, you unavoidably require a device of the Epson Sublimation Printer variety.
Space
When purchasing a wide-format Epson sublimation printer, it is important to consider the printer’s size, as it is possible that the printer will be too big for the available area.
If you do not have a large amount of space, consider whether or not you will be able to rearrange your workspace to make room for the printer.
Remember that certain printers include a rear feed region where you need to insert the bigger papers for them to print. This region is located in the back of the machine.
Therefore, when determining how much area you need to devote to your sublimation printer, make sure that you consider this factor.
Heat Press Size
When you use larger sublimation transfers, there is a good probability that you will also want a larger heat press to handle the size of the transfers.
The standard size of a garden flag is 12 by 18 inches, and the size of the sublimation transfer is 12.5 by 18.5 inches to account for the bleed area.
When printing a garden flag of this size, a heat press measuring 16 by 20 inches is the right size because it allows you to press the flag with just one pass.
Suppose you want to manufacture larger things that have been sublimated. In that case, you need to consider the heat press size before purchasing a wide-format Epson sublimation printer.
Conclusion
Concluding you can easily convert a printer to sublimation, but before this, you will have to make sure what printer can be used for sublimation. Suppose you want to manufacture larger things that have been sublimated.
In that case, you need to consider the heat press size before purchasing a wide-format Epson sublimation printer. Investing in a wide-format printer makes sense if most of the sublimation transfers you intend to create will be on larger pieces of paper.
On the other hand, if you exclusively produce tiny goods requiring sublimation transfers approximately the size 11 by 14 inches or smaller, maybe investing in a wide format sublimation printer is not the best choice.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the maximum media width that a wide-format sublimation printer can handle?
Most wide-format sublimation printers can handle up to 60 inches in width. However, some models may be able to handle larger sizes depending on the manufacturer and model.
Is there any special software or hardware needed to run a wide-format sublimation printer?
In most cases, no special hardware or software is required in order to use a wide-format sublimation printer. Depending on the type of materials being used, however, some specialized drivers may be necessary in order to achieve optimum results.
How long does it typically take for a large print job to be completed?
This will vary depending on the size and complexity of the job, as well as the speed of the printer. Generally speaking, however, a large print job can take anywhere from several hours to a full day or more to complete.
Are there any special materials that must be used in order to achieve good results with a wide-format sublimation printer?
Yes, most wide-format sublimation printers are designed to work best with specific types of media such as transfer paper or fabric. It is important to consult your user manual for details about what type of material is recommended for your particular model.