Sublimation printers are one of the most expensive printer types on the market. Thus, a lot of people choose to convert their printers for sublimation. Be it HP or Canon, or Epson, the conversion to sublimation printer type is not impossible. 

So, the question is then, can all Epson be used for sublimation?

Yes, for sublimation, all Epson in general, can be used. While some of these printers are actual sublimation printers, most others are inkjet printers that can be converted to sublimation printers. Examples include the Epson WF-2850, Epson Ecotank printers, Epson Surecolor printers and Epson XP 4105. The ET and Surecolor Epson printers can be directly used as sublimation printers if they are new and won’t require any conversion.

Therefore, read along to find out how to use the Epson printers for sublimation printing, correctly. 

Can all Epson be used for sublimation?

Yes, all Epson printers can be used for sublimation. Some are sublimation printers by type, like the Epson F170, Epson F570 and Epson F10070H. However, they are not easily available and highly expensive. There are other models of Epson printers though, that can be turned to sublimation printers using different methods.

The methods are quite similar to the method of converting canon printers into sublimation printers.

Can Epson WF-2850 Be Used For Sublimation?

Yes, the model Epson WF-2850 can be used for sublimation. Although, it needs to be converted  to a sublimation printer first. 

How to Convert Epson WF 2850 for Sublimation?

Step1: Turn on your new Epson wf-2850 and set up the configuration. There are some ink cartridges that came with the purchase. You need to install these. Load the printer with some copy paper. 

Step 2: Turn on the wifi, go to the Epson website and search for your model, Epson WF 2850. Click on the “Support” option and download and run your driver. Uncheck the “Automatically Update Software” box. 

Step 3: Set up your printing presets. If you do not know how to refer to this video below.

Step 4: Install the chipless firmware, from inkchip.net. Select the “Soft” menu at this website and download the software for WF 2850.

Step 5: Unzip and download the Inkchip firmware and click “Allow” on the pop up. Next, launch the firmware updater. 

Step 6: Click “Next”, then “Agree”, then “Next”. Plug in a USB cable when a box appears saying a USB cable is needed like the one below and then select “Next”.

Click “Next”

Step 7: Next, a dialogue box like one below will appear saying the USB is downgraded and it cannot be upgraded. Then you have to manually install the firmware in the firmware update mode. To do this, hold down the cancel down button, the down arrow button, the left arrow button and  the power button at once.

manually install the firmware

Step 8: Now that you have the printer in firmware update mode, hit the “Back” button in the pop up box . Then again press “Next”, so now a box will appear showing “USB Unknown”, highlight this and select “Start” and then “Yes”

Step 9: Click “Ok” on the message that appears on the printer to turn it off. 

Step 10: Turn it on again using the power button. Click “Finish” in the dialogue box that appears to complete the chipless firmware installation. 

Step 11: Run the inkchip firmware again. Download the activation file for the printer 2850. Click on the file when downloaded, select “More Info” and then “Run” on the screen. Re run the file when a pop appears telling you to do so. 

Step 12: Purchase your key from the inkchip.net, and get it via an email. Click on the Inkchip Firmware file and select “New Text Document” to create a document where you paste the activation key. 

Step 13: Go back to your application tool window and select “Activate Online”. Put in the activation code that you purchased earlier in the pop up written “input your SN” and select ‘‘Ok”. Copy the activation code written on the activation tools window and save it in the text document you created in step 12. This is for future reference if you need to re-install the chipless firmware for any issues caused. 

Step 14: Turn off the printer and turn it back on to complete chipless firmware installation. Replace the original cartridges with the refill cartridges, run nozzle checks to finish off setting up the Epson WF 2850 for sublimation printing. 

Can Epson Ecotank Printers be Used for Sublimation?

The Epson Ecotank can not only be used for sublimation, it is one of the best sublimation printers of 2023.  This includes the Epson Ecotank ET-2803, ET- 4800, ET-2800, etc. It is best to use for sublimation if the printer is brand new. However using a bit more lengthy method , used printers can be converted as well.

Epson Ecotank
Source: thecountrychiccottage.net

How to Convert a New Epson Ecotank?

For new Epson Ecotank printers, follow this method of conversion.

Step 1: Use syringes to inject Sublimation Ink directly into the tanks. Hiipoo Sublimation Inks are particularly suitable for Epson Ecotank printers. 

Step 2: Install the ICC profile for accurate color matching. 

How to Convert a Used Epson Ecotank for Sublimation?

For used Epson EcoTank printers, use this method of converting to a sublimation printer. 

Step 1: Turn off the printer and take off the paper trays.

Step 2 : Place a container and turn the printer upside down to drain the ink from the tanks into the container.

Step 3: Turn the printer back to normal and let it rest for a minute.

Step 4: Repeat step 2 and 3 until almost all of the ink has been drained away from the printer.  

Step 5: Use syringes to inject our sublimation ink into the tanks.

Step 6: Refer to your printer’s owner’s manual for a guide on power cleaning. Turn on the printer and perform power cleaning on the printer. 

Step 7: Install the ICC profile to finish conversion.

Can You Use Epson Surecolor T2170 For Sublimation?

All Epson Surecolor printers including Epson Surecolor T2170 can be used for sublimation. For new printers, you can directly use sublimation ink. Whereas, for used Surecolor printers, you have to convert it to sublimation mode first.

Epson Surecolor T2170 For Sublimation
Source: itsupplies.com

How to Convert New Epson Surecolor T2170 for Sublimation?

For brand new Epson Surecolor T2170, follow this method. 

Step 1: Install a set of refillable cartridges containing sublimation ink. 

Step 2: Install the ICC profile for accurate color matching.

How to Convert Epson Surecolor T2170 for Sublimation?

Step 1: Check by printing a copy to see that the printhead is working properly. You cannot convert the printer to sublimation if the printhead is not working properly. Also make sure you have an extra maintenance tank resetter or a spare maintenance tank.

Step 2: Replace the old ink cartridges with refillable cartridges. Fill the refillable cartridges with bottled purge fluid.

Step 3: Do the initial fill procedure to remove old inks, twice, for complete removal of the ink.

Step 4: After discarding the old ink from the cartridges, fill the cartridge with 50 mL sublimation ink, and then discard this as well. FIll the cartridge completely with sublimation ink then.

Step 5: Complete the process by installing an ICC profile. 

Can You Use Epson XP 4105 for Sublimation?

The Epson XP 4105 can be converted to a sublimation printer and used for sublimation. The procedure for the conversion is very similar to that of the Epson WF 2850. If you still need assistance,  here is a video that you can follow. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the cheapest Epson Printer to be converted to a sublimation printer?

The Epson Ecotank series are cheapest printers that you can use for sublimation purposes by converting. The cheapest is the Epson Ecotank ET-2400 followed by the  Epson Ecotank ET-2800 ET-2803.

What Is The Best Epson Printer to be Converted To a Sublimation Printer?

The Ecotank series of Epson printers are the most recommended for sublimation printing purposes. Out of this series, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 SuperTank Printer is deemed as the best one. This verdict is based on print quality. The vivid, colorful image quality makes this printer suitable for professional printing, in fact.

What Is The Difference Between Sublimation and Inkjet Printing?

In Inkjet printing, the ink is in liquid form while being directly printed over the paper. In sublimation printing the ink is heated until it directly becomes vapor and infiltrates the pores of the surface to be printed on. However, both these techniques have different purposes. Inkjet printing is for printing documents on paper. Sublimation printing is used to imprint graphical images onto different types of products. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, that is the answer to the question-”Can all Epson be used for sublimation?”. Hopefully, after reading this article you know which Epson printer model to choose for your sublimation printing purposes. We recommend you follow the guidelines for converting an Epson to sublimation printer carefully to get the best results.