Epson Ecotank – 2800/2803 – Can You Use it As a Sublimation Printer?
Are you thinking of converting your Epson Ecotank 2800 or 2803 to a sublimation printer? Hold on; there are a handful of things you must know before converting to an Ecotank. Your printer’s warranty will be void as soon as you turn it.
If you’re fine with that, you can print vibrant and durable designs on any surface you want without really buying a whole new sublimation printer.
It’s possible because of the print heads both of these models include. Hence, there are a handful of advantages and some disadvantages of using Epson EcoTank ET-2800 or ET-2803 as a sublimation printer.
I am going to share my personal experience of these models after using sublimation ink instead of the inkjet ink that came with the printers.
Advantages of Using Epson EcoTank 2800 and 2803 Sublimation Printers
As I mentioned, there are a handful of advantages of using Epson EcoTank 2800 and 2803 models as sublimation printers. Here are the most important of them. Have a look.
1. Easy Setup
The most important part of a converted sublimation printer is the complexity of its setup process. Thankfully, EcoTank 2800 and 2803 both of these models offer easy setups.
All you have to do is, keep aside the inkjet ink that came with the printer and use your preferred sublimation ink to fill the printer tank.
As soon as you fill the ink tank with sublimation ink, your ET-2800 or ET-2803 will be converted to a sublimation printer. However, the step-by-step setup process comes with the instruction manual and can be found on Epson’s website also.
Also read: Learn how to convert an Epson Eco tank into sublimation
2. Print Heads
You might know any random print head cannot print sublimation designs. For sublimation, you need a specialized print head that uses pressure to push the ink onto the material.
Epson’s MicroPiezo print heads contain a thin film and offer quick vibration as well as flexion that allows the ink to sublimate on the printing material with complete preciseness.
3. Printing Materials
There are various printing materials you can use on Epson 2800 and 2803 sublimation printers.
You can get sublimation transfers for key chains, Christmas ornaments, metal ornaments, earrings, ceramic plates, coffee mugs, baby bodysuits, t-shirts of all sizes, name cards, labels, bag tags, drink coasters, and more.
4. Print Resolution
Print resolution is the feature that ensures the clarity of designs you are printing on the sublimation blanks. Epson EcoTank 2800 and 2803 meet the complete requirements.
These devices offer a max design resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI when printed with sublimation ink. Whether you are printing a customized t-shirt for personal use or a batch of products for a client, you will get high-definition and long-lasting sublimated designs.
5. Paper Size
Epson Ecotank 2800 and 2803 printers can print up to 8.5 x 47″ paper sizes. I have used 8.5×14″ papers for sublimation.
If you want to print on a small surface, this size will be ideal. But for printing on an XL size or larger surface, you should opt for more wide format printer like Epson ET-15000, or ET-8550.
If you are going for a small format EcoTank like the ET-2800, you can print 4 x 6″ to 8.5 x 47″ paper sizes. So, depending on your requirements, use these two models as sublimation printers.
6. Footprint
Epson has made the 2800 and 2803 models compact. As the printers have a dimension of 15” x 7” x 13.5” (W x H x D), they can be fitted onto a countertop. And it weighs under 9 lbs, so you can easily adjust its position and maneuver it.
7. OS Compatibility & Connectivity
EcoTank 2800 and 2803 are both compatible with Windows and Mac OS. So you can connect your preferred device and directly print the design you have just created or downloaded.
Connecting your printer to the PC is also easy, as you can either set up a USB or Wi-Fi connection. No matter which OS you are using to operate your ET-2800 or 2803, keep the drivers updated to access the latest firmware.
8. Cost
Finally, the cost of Epson EcoTank – 2800/2803 can be a USP to you for converting it to a sublimation printer as these models cost almost two times less than a sublimation printer. The cost of sublimation ink used in EcoTanks is also less. I found it an ideal fit for crafters and small business owners.
Related: read our guide to the best sublimation printers of 2023 right here.
Is Epson EcoTank 2800/2803 Sublimation Printer a Good Choice?
Yes, converting the Epson EcoTank 2800/2803 to a sublimation printer is a good decision if you don’t want tech support. As you use sublimation ink, the warranty of your printer is voided.
But you can print high-quality sublimated designs on different materials with an EcoTank. If you want personalized apparel, ceramic products, and metal pieces, these two Epson models will be perfect for sublimation.
Moreover, you get precisely sublimated designs at a lesser price, as a dedicated sublimation printer will cost you around $400+. If the ET-2800 or 2803 suffice your requirements, you can definitely opt for it.
Conclusion
I have mentioned everything you need to know before using Epson EcoTank 2800 and 2803 sublimation printers. So, you’re all set to print customized products. However, it’s important to get the right print settings for the clarity of the designs, no matter which OS you’re using to run the device. If you have further queries, drop us a comment. Thanks for reading!
