How to Convert an Epson WF-2850 to Sublimation Printing: Ink Type, Cartridges, and Setup Guide

Question:
I'm planning to convert a used Epson WF-2850 printer for sublimation printing. Which sublimation ink from BCH Technologies do you recommend? Should I use refillable chipless cartridges or a CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) tank? Can I flush and reuse the regular cartridges with sublimation ink? Lastly, are any additional steps or parts needed for a complete sublimation conversion, including flushing out the old ink?

Answer:

We're grateful for your support and engagement with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions help us refine our technical content and better serve the printer community.

Let’s walk through each part of your sublimation conversion query for the Epson WF-2850.

1. Recommended Sublimation Ink

You can find a selection of high-quality sublimation inks specifically compatible with Epson printers on our Sublimation Ink page (https://bchtechnologies.com/sublimation-ink). These inks are designed to work seamlessly with Epson’s piezo printhead technology and are ideal for transferring vibrant images onto fabrics and coated substrates.

Make sure to choose sublimation ink that's explicitly labeled as suitable for Epson, as using the wrong formula can lead to clogging or poor print quality.

2. Refillable Chipless Cartridges vs. CISS Tanks

Both refillable chipless cartridges and a CISS tank system are viable options, each with pros and cons:

• Refillable Chipless Cartridges are simpler to install, maintain, and troubleshoot. For beginners or casual users, they offer a cleaner, less complex workflow.

• CISS Tanks are great for high-volume printing because they hold much more ink and reduce refill frequency. However, the setup is more intricate, and air bubbles or siphoning issues can occur if not installed correctly.

If this is your first time converting, we typically recommend starting with chipless cartridges, which are more forgiving during setup and testing phases.

3. Reusing Flushed OEM Cartridges

Technically, yes, you can flush out and reuse original Epson cartridges, but there are important caveats:

• OEM cartridges are not designed to be refilled and may have built-in chips that block usage after a certain point.

• Even with flushing, residual ink may remain in the sponge, which can contaminate the sublimation ink and affect color accuracy.

• If you do go this route, a thorough flush using a compatible cleaning solution is essential, and even then, results may vary.

For best performance and reliability, we recommend starting with new refillable cartridges designed for sublimation.

4. Additional Steps and Required Parts

To fully convert your Epson WF-2850 for sublimation use, follow these steps:

• Flush the Printhead: If the printer previously used pigment or dye ink, flushing the lines and printhead is highly recommended. You can use a cleaning cartridge set or a flushing kit with a syringe and cleaning fluid.

• Install Chipless Firmware (Optional): To avoid chip errors and ease cartridge resets, consider installing chipless firmware. Be cautious, as firmware updates from Epson may lock out chipless modifications.

• Use Compatible Sublimation Paper: Always print on sublimation paper to ensure proper transfer and color retention.

• Run a Nozzle Check & Head Cleaning: After installing sublimation ink, run nozzle checks and cleanings to confirm ink is flowing well.

With these steps completed, your WF-2850 will be ready for sublimation printing.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. As such, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accommodate a drop-off. Our services cover full printer repairs or specific part replacements, depending on your needs. We also acknowledge that our rates may not be the most budget-friendly. That’s why we recommend exploring self-repair resources such as online forums or our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar near the "About" section to locate specific topics. With over nine years of content, even we rely on the search function to navigate it efficiently. Plus, YouTube may suggest helpful videos from other creators too.

Thanks again for your thoughtful question. We wish you success with your sublimation conversion, and we’re always here to support your journey!