The answer is: you can convert any inkjet printer to eco solvent, as long as you use the right ink and follow the proper steps. Eco solvent printing is a great way to produce high-quality graphics and images on various substrates, such as vinyl, canvas, and other flexible media. Eco solvent ink is biodegradable, non-toxic, and water-resistant, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional solvent-based ink. However, not all printers are designed to work with eco solvent ink, so you may need to modify your printer to make it compatible. In this article, we will explain how to convert your inkjet printer to eco solvent, what are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so, and what are some of the best eco solvent printers available on the market.
To convert your inkjet printer to eco solvent, you will need to replace the original ink cartridges with eco solvent ink bottles or cartridges. You will also need to clean the print head and the ink system thoroughly to remove any residue of the old ink. This is important to prevent clogging, mixing, or damaging the print head. You can use a cleaning solution or a flush kit to do this. You may also need to adjust the printer settings, such as the print quality, the drying time, and the media type, to optimize the performance of the eco solvent ink. You can find the recommended settings in the manual of the eco solvent ink or on the manufacturer’s website.
Some inkjet printers may not be compatible with eco solvent ink, even after conversion. This is because some printers have a thermal print head, which heats up the ink to create droplets. Eco solvent ink has a higher boiling point than water-based ink, so it may not work well with thermal print heads. You should check the type of print head your printer has before converting it to eco solvent. If your printer has a piezoelectric print head, which uses electric pulses to create droplets, you should be able to use eco solvent ink without any problem.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Converting Your Inkjet Printer to Eco Solvent
Converting your inkjet printer to eco solvent has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making the decision. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of eco solvent printing:
Benefits
Eco solvent ink is more durable and resistant to fading, scratching, and water than water-based ink. This means you can produce outdoor graphics and signs that can last for years without fading or peeling.
Eco solvent ink has a wider color gamut and produces more vibrant and accurate colors than water-based ink. This means you can create stunning images and graphics that stand out and attract attention.
Eco solvent ink is more environmentally friendly and safer than solvent-based ink. It does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm the ozone layer and cause health problems. It is also biodegradable and easy to dispose of.
Eco solvent ink is cheaper and more economical than solvent-based ink. It has a lower ink consumption and a longer shelf life than solvent-based ink. It also does not require expensive ventilation or extraction systems to operate.
Eco solvent ink requires more maintenance and care than water-based ink. You need to clean the print head and the ink system regularly to prevent clogging and ensure optimal print quality. You also need to store the ink in a cool and dry place to avoid evaporation and contamination.
Eco solvent ink takes longer to dry than water-based ink. You need to wait for the ink to cure before handling or laminating the printed media. You may also need to use a heater or a fan to speed up the drying process.
Eco solvent ink may not be compatible with some substrates or media. You need to test the ink on the media before printing to ensure proper adhesion and quality. You may also need to use a primer or a coating to improve the ink compatibility.
Best Eco Solvent Printers on the Market
If you are looking for a printer that is designed to work with eco solvent ink, you have many options to choose from. Here are some of the best eco solvent printers on the market, based on the shopping search results from Bing:
Epson Surecolor S40600 Eco Solvent Printer: This printer is a 64-inch large-format printer that can produce high-quality graphics and images at a speed of up to 327 sqft/hr. It uses TR2 ink in 8-new eco-solvent ink configurations that offer the most detailed color reproduction and expanded gamut. It also has a 7-inch LCD touch-panel control, auto-calibration, and other intuitive features that make it easy to use and operate.
VersaSTUDIO BN2 Series Desktop Inkjet Printer Cutter: This printer is a 20-inch compact printer that can print and contour cut apparel heat transfers, decals, labels, posters, and more. It uses Eco-Sol MAX 2 or Eco-Sol MAX 3 inks in CMYK or CMYK+Wh configurations that offer high-quality and durable prints. It also has a highly versatile and efficient design that makes it ideal for small businesses and home users.
Eco-Bright Eco-Solvent Ink For Ecotank Printers: This ink is compatible with any Epson Ecotank printer that uses water-based ink. It is a high-quality and eco-friendly ink that can produce bright and vivid colors on various media. It is also easy to refill and use, as it comes with a syringe and a needle for each color.
Eco solvent printing is a great way to produce high-quality and eco-friendly graphics and images on various substrates. You can convert any inkjet printer to eco solvent, as long as you use the right ink and follow the proper steps. However, you should also be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of eco solvent printing, and choose the best printer and ink for your needs. We hope this article has helped you understand what printers can you convert to eco solvent, and how to do it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading!
