How to Convert an Epson EcoTank ET-15000 into a Sublimation Printer
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- Опубліковано 19 жов 2024
- We are stepping up our sublimation game by converting an Epson EcoTank ET-15000 inkjet printer into a sublimation printer with Hiipoo Sublimation Ink. While we started with the smaller EcoTank 2720 model, we quickly realized that we wanted a sublimation printer that could do wide format printing. So when Hiipoo reached out and asked us to test out their sublimation ink for EcoTank printers, we had a great reason to upgrade to the EcoTank 15000 for sublimation.
Traditional sublimation printers can be quite expensive, so converting the Epson EcoTank inkjet printer into a sublimation printer was a much more cost efficient route to go.
We converted this EcoTank 15000 printer into a sublimation printer using Hiipoo Sublimation Ink, which now comes in bottles that fit the EcoTank perfectly--no syringes required! As we show you in this video, converting an Epson EcoTank 15000 to a sublimation printer is an easy process, especially with the new Hiipoo Sublimation Ink bottles.
We also got a pre-release package of the NEW Hiipoo Sublimation paper, which is designed to work with their sublimation ink. We do a few sublimation tests with their ink and paper to show you how it works. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell so you'll be notified when their paper is available on Amazon - we have a special video ready to publish when the Hiipoo Sublimation Paper is available for purchase.
So follow along with us as we convert an Epson EcoTank 15000 to a sublimation printer. And of course, let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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I love videos that are straight to the point. Great job!!
We’re so glad you liked it! 😄
You two are doing a fantastic job with sublimation printing. The results look like the products you have are made at a factory!
Thank you! We love how professional sublimation looks - and how easy it is to do!!
Thanks for the tips 😊 I just ordered this printer and have the ink and paper combo package in the way as well.
Yay - we're so glad to hear that. Happy crafting!
"All I have to say is wow" quote of the video!
Ha! 😂 It is quite impressive!
It is VERY important to get the ink that has the epson tops. I went the other route and I regret it. I lost the Magenta bottle and I thought I was being slick by just washing out one of the other bottles and putting my ink in there. NOPE! Epson made each color have a specific "key" to their tops for each color. Thats great on their part since it helps people not loading the wrong color into the wrong tank. But for sublimation it sucked not having the right top. I cleaned up my ink mess and learned my lesson.
Great video and thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your experience! We’re glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!
Man that looks so good. These videos are making me want to get into sublimation!
Thank you!! You definitely should get into sublimation - you’d have so much fun with it!
its no where near this easy they skipped a MAJOR step or at least major INFO ,,
Your designs have great color. I have the ET 15000 and the Hippo ink but I have been using the A-sub paper and the output never looks like the image in photoshop. Are you using an ICC profile? What color management are you using? I’m so frustrated with the sublimation process and have wasted so much paper trying to get the colors to match. I was using presentation matte not photo matte. I will give that a try. Any further assistance with the color management is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hey! Thanks for watching and for your question. We’re not using any color management/ICC profiles. Have you pressed the images to see how they turn out? The prints never look how the final image will look. 😉
Hey again! We thought we saw a notification that you replied, but it’s not showing up here. UA-cam sometimes deletes comments. So if you did reply, please try again. 😉
Hallo I really like your video, would you please help me with this question. Does Epson EcoTank ET-15000 sublimation printer works on 12 oz canvas bag? Please answer
Hello. After you convert the 15000 into a sublimation printer, you’ll need to print your designs on sublimation paper and then press your prints onto materials that have a high polyester count. So, you’ll need to find out of the canvas is a cotton canvas (which won’t work).
@@JustMightDIY thank you for your answer but I still don't get it. It's just for canvas material. Canvas tote bag
Hi there. You can’t print directly on the bag. Sublimation needs to be heated to activate. So the printout on paper will need to be pressed with a heat press. And it has to go on a polyester material, or it won’t work.
@@JustMightDIY hihi yes I know it can't be direct. I need to print design on sublimation paper and then with heat press to the bag. But since you said that it only works on polyester I am hesitate to buy that printer. Do you have an advice what method or maybe printer should I buy to make costum bag on Canvas material?
You could look into inkjet printable transfers. We have a video on ones by Hiipoo. You can also look into printable vinyls. One last option that would be for sublimation is to sublimate onto a white glitter HTV that you adhere to the bag. Hope these options help!
Love the video and have been looking at the ET15000 for some time to convert. Does the ink automatically stop when the tanks are full? I have the Epson ET 16500 for regular printing and I have over filled the tanks a time or two. Don't want to do that with this one too!
With the fit bottles, we have never had an overfilling problem. This is probably our mist used sub printer
@@JustMightDIY Thanks for responding. I just picked up my ET15000 at Best Buy....wish me luck!
Was i supposed to put the software on my Pc? Did yours come with usb cable?
It didn't come with any USB cable. No software for computer. Once the printer is on it should be "discoverable" as a printer and you would be prompted in case you need any drivers . Otherwise it might need to be tethered via USB. The other way is to go to Epsons website and download a printer tool
Thank you so much. Just got my printer now I’m ready to convert 🤗🤗
Woo hoo! Happy sublimating. 😄
The last sublimation ink kit I bought had syringes. I will never ever do that again. These are next on my list for sure!!
Oh bummer! This is definitely so much faster and easier. Thanks for watching!
@@JustMightDIY yeah the kit I bought worked but the syringe was about 1/10th the size of the tank 😂😂
😂
Hi
You guys are doing great job!!!
But i got a problem i purchased the et 15000 epson prenter and with my poor knowledge or i thought it is the
Ink i can use for sublimations i put the ink comes with the prenter😭😭😭 which it NOT am soooo much disappointed and sad....
Would you pleases help me what i should do or can do ?
this is going to be for my living business.
Pleases i need your help i hope i will hear from you soon
Thank you much
Hi,
If you put the ink jet ink in the printer and intended to use the printer for sublimation then you need to pull the tanks and drain them, clean them and then flush the lines and print heads. This takes a long time to flush throughly and can be done but it's a stress on the machineand will shorten its life span. But once you do you can install the sublimation ink.
Also consider there are media for designing shirts with inkjet ink.
ua-cam.com/video/1pmhCbGLQQE/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/33kxzjmZpJ4/v-deo.html
Did you guys go to the website and set up the driver's? I watched a couple other videos and they did the website. Is it required to set up the printer? Thank you for your knowledge and experience
Hey! Yes we did download the drivers. They’re necessary in order to chose the specific papers and quality settings. Hope this helps!
Hey there, love your videos! I just received my ET-15000 and put my hiipoo ink in but I can't get it to have perfect lines when doing nozzle check. I have looked at the manual and it says to wait 12 hours then try cleaning again. Have you experienced this at all? Wondering what I should do next. Its right out of the box and I figured it would be good to go 😞
Hey there! Have you tried printing a regular graphic with it? On the rare occasion that one of our EcoTanks does this, we've found that it makes very little difference in the quality of an actual print. Hope this helps!
Can you convert to sublimation if it has been used to inkjet?
Yes, but you would need a kit to wash out all the old ink jet ink. It's messy. It costs time. And it really shortens the lifespan of the machine. We think it is more appropriate to get one and start the sublimation conversion immediately. BTW. Ours has been working great for 2+ years now
can you guys demo 13x19 borderless on the et-15000?
Nice presentation.
Thanks so much! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed it.
New sub thank you for the information. I have a question about the 15000. I have been using an Espn 7720 the thing I hate is the false empty cartridge readings. Seeing that the 15000 doesn't use cartridges is it better meaning does it provide accurate on-screen ink level readings and can I top the ink off anytime I want to and does it last longer printing that the 7720? Lastly what maintenance do you perform and how often and does it take a maintenance box?
Hi and thank you for sub and comment! We never got into epson cartridge printers so we can answer some. We never looked for ink level dashboard, especially since you can see the ink level right through the physical windows on the front of the printer. We've been using it for over a year with not needing too refill. Ours is filled with sub ink so it must be used on average once a week to prevent the sublimation ink from congealed. Yes you can top off your ink as you please. Never had a stress with maintenence other than keeping it in frequent use to prevent blockage, but again that's sublimation ink. Hope this was helpful and thanks again
Can you do the sublimating dtf film for cotton fabrics hack with this?
Hey! Great question - we haven’t tried that with this setup yet.
When I ran the initial pattern test it had the gaps so it told me I needed to run a printhead cleaning, I did that but the lines still had those gaps during the set up?
We'll run two printhead cleanings and then let rest for a day then don't again. Usually comes out nice, even after a couple years. These epson et have a little tendency to get plugged up, just a problem because of the sub ink. Printing regularly helps prevent the problem
Please respond.....How is it after having it for 8 months......lots of clogging? Lots of cleaning? Over all How has it been doing???
Hey! It’s been doing GREAT! We’ve had no issues with it clogging or needing extra cleanings, etc.
@@JustMightDIY Thank you!! what ink are you using , may I ask?
Hey! This one is Hiipoo -we included a link to it in the description.
Cosmos Ink and Crafting Besties are the best materials
Thanks for sharing your opinion. We’ve tried Cosmos and found it to produce quality results. However, we continue to be delighted by the performance of the Hiipoo ink. Have you tried Hiipoo before or just Cosmos?
Are you using the et 15000 with cosmo if so what are your settings? I’m starting over and wondering if I should try a different ink.
Our ET15000 is filled with hiipoo ink, as is in the description links. We tried cosmos first, then hiipoo, then starcraft inks. Hiipoo does have good quality ink. Definitely recommend
@@JustMightDIY I’m not getting good quality with the Hippo ink on my 15000… which is why I’m thinking of switching ink.
Thanks for this important information
I have a question can epson l3150 be used for sublimation
Do you recommend me to buy it?
Hey! We haven’t tried that specific one, but if it’s an Epson EcoTank it should theoretically work. We recommend searching for that specific model + sublimation conversion videos to be sure someone else has done it successfully. 😄
@@JustMightDIY thank you very much
What about T-shirts? Any prep or anything or the same was as the mug and coozie? Just use a heat press?
There are many ways to do t-shirts. Simplest is have a 90% or higher polyester count shirt. White or otherwise light colors. And follow same process with a flat heatpress. Happy crafting and thanks for watching
ua-cam.com/video/UADgs17k22g/v-deo.html at time stamp 7:51 shows pressing shirt
Looks great the colours pop!
Thanks Shaun! We’re really happy with how the colors came out. 🌈😃
What printer settings did you use?
@@marie26dawn Hey! We usually print on Premium Presentation Paper Matte with Best Quality. Hope this helps!
You two are fun ti watch. I learn a lot from your videos and get a kick out of watching you. I appriciate you 2.
I have a question about the Epson ET-15000. I have printed quite a few sublimation items. I am using 13x19 paper, I pick photo paper setting, then I apply settings, send it to the printer and I get the paper jam screen. Help, please!! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much! We're glad you enjoy watching and learn a lot. :) We only load in one piece of paper at a time, so you might want to try that. Hope this helps!
@@JustMightDIY thanks! I'll try it.
Besides the EcoTank 15000 can recommend other printers that can accommodate sublimation rectangular placemats?
Hey there! It all depends on the size of the placemats. If you’re looking for EcoTanks that will print wide format (13” wide), the ones that use 4-color ink are apparently the ET15000, 16600, 16650 & ST-C8000
@@JustMightDIY Thank you!!!
I love HIPPO ink
We do, too! Thanks for watching. 😄
Can you sublimate on black mugs?
Not really. The color white is most usual since any color applied to it will be that color. If black is the base then you would have, for instance, red on black and that makes black. Thanks for checking us out
We purchased the XP-15000 and we had to make it Chipless. Do you have to that with the ET-15000? We are wanting to print on the 13x19 paper.
Hey! The EcoTanks don’t have cartridges with chips, which makes things easier when converting to sublimation. There are a couple of EcoTanks that print 13x19, including the ET-15000
Hi, quick question, can i convert my epson et-2400 to ecosolvent?
Hello and thanks for watching! As we haven’t tried that, we couldn’t say for sure.
Not easy for me. My converted sublimation printer eco tank 15000 and hippo sub ink on sub paper and it won't stick at all to my 60% poly shirt. I don't know what is wrong. Plz help ty
Hey! Even with 60% poly, you should see some ink transfer (though for best results, you really need a higher poly count). How are you pressing it?
I noticed the paper you have listed here is for Light Fabric. What do I use for Dark Fabrics? I just bought an ET-15000 after months of hunting every store possible, but I am afraid to convert it if all I can do is light fabric. Thank you in advance for your response.
Thanks for checking us out. There are transfers for dark fabrics. Hiipo, EasySubli and some HTV allow for sublimation on dark and non polyester fabrics. Hiipo only uses regular printer ink instead of sublimation.
ua-cam.com/video/eQjOeEWXxRw/v-deo.html
EasySubli
ua-cam.com/video/2gLNR4CGSYI/v-deo.html
Htv
ua-cam.com/video/33kxzjmZpJ4/v-deo.html
Is hiipo
Okay I followed all the steps up and up to where you did the nozzle check its saying printer busy and won't do the firm ware update
Hey! We didn’t run into that issue. Hope you get it figured out!
In planner on getting the ET 8500 do I need sublimation ink for that?
Hello! If you plan on doing sublimation, you will need sublimation ink. It’s important that you set the printer up with the sublimation ink from the beginning, or you’ll have to go through a process to clean out the regular ink before converting the printer for sublimation.
Dang you guys do good work 👍
Thanks Jeff! We really appreciate the kind words. 😃
where do we buy hippo?
Amazon! Links in the description. 😄
How do you print white with this printer? I am struggling
Hey! Thanks for watching for your question. A sublimation printer like this does not have a white ink. You will need to sublimate onto light surfaces. If you were looking to put a design on a dark T-shirt, you would need to sublimate on top of something like EasySubli or white glitter HTV. Hope this helps!
You show only 4 inks. Mine also has red and gray? Can I convert it
Hey! Some ink makers have the additional colors, and that’s what you’ll need to do the conversion.
this is a random question did you guys have to do any special color profiles for the sub ink ? I'm actually getting my ET 15000 soon and i was gonna actually use the epson T49m ultrachrome dye sublimation ink that goes in the surecolor f170 and 570 just not sure if i have to change profiles i do know to not use the standard epson profile but just thought i would ask thank you
Hey! We’ve never needed to use a color profile with any of our inks. We’ve been really happy with the colors as is. Happy sublimating!
@@JustMightDIY thank you so much you guys are the best and love all your videos...
Thank you so much! 😄
@DJVOICETV I'm curious what the outcome of the T49m ink was. I have an f170 that I use for metal panels. The colors are perfect but I want to print on larger metal panels. I was going to order the et15000 and use the T49m color profiles I already have installed on my iMac. I can't imagine there would be any color issues since its the same ink, same profiles, same brand, but different machine. How did it work for you guys?
Long story short just do it definitely worth it 👌
So we don’t hv to register anything on epson website?
We didn't. That would be primarily for warranty. Putting in sublimation ink violates that warranty. So no point
@@JustMightDIY thank you!! 😊
I dont have photo matt paper, I have photo paper high gloss or semi gloss why can't I see these other options that you have
Hey! Make sure you install the print drivers to get all options.
Hello 😁 I’m looking for one but seems like seller jacked up the price so much . Can you recommend where to get one ? Thank you
Hey! They are hard to find sometimes. You can check the office websites (Office Depot, Staples) and set alerts for other retailers like Adorama. Happy shopping!
Thank you 🙏
One other thing, does it tell you that it is not Epson ink. My WF-7610 that I converted always tells me with each color that it is not Epson ink....pain!
Hey! We didn't get that message.
That would be a pain, but no. None of our ET printers do that😁
Hi can you assist me. My colors are not coming out good at all
Hey! Have you tried pressing them? The printed colors won’t look right but should be correct once pressed. Hope this helps!
how do those inks compare to epson inks?
Hey! We haven’t tried any of the Epson Sublimation Ink yet.
What the difference between sublimation ink and the ink that came with the printer??
Sublimation Ink is designed to turn into a gas when heated, so it can infuse designs into surfaces that have a sublimation-ready coating on them, or high polyester count fabrics. The ink that comes with the printer is just designed to print on various papers.
@@JustMightDIY can I use sublimation ink on paper??
We recommend using sublimation paper - it’s specially designed to release the sublimation ink when heated.
Now that we’re re-reading your question, this may answer it better: sublimation ink isn’t designed to be used for regular printouts. The color will be dull and mismatched (it turns bright/right when heated).
I just got this printer but voiding the guarantee absolutely scares me. has anyone else had this printer before and has it had no issues with the sublimation inks? and how long did the printer last?
Hey! We’ve had no issues with ours so far. Voiding the guarantee is a small risk, but worth it to get a wide format printer for your sublimation inks. You might check in some of the sublimation groups on Facebook to see if anyone there has had significant issues if you’re still concerned. Happy subbing!!
It would be great if its ever in stock. Walmart is price gouging over $1000.00!! ;-(
They can be hard to find! Check Staples and Office Depot websites, too.
@@JustMightDIY I check every day. I am even looking in NY and have someone pick it up. The company says they are not discontinued. am on a few notification lists.
Keep trying! It’s a great printer. We had to refresh sites multiple times a day to find one. Good luck!
I do not have photo shop, so I do not get the photo matte choice. I use pdf to download and print.
Has anyone figured out how to get the ink out of this one? I didn’t know that the original ink that comes with it can’t be sublimated with and I have original ink, just trying to get it out. 😪😥
Thanks for checking us out. We have never tried it but We have looked into it. There are kits for flushing out everything and starting anew but the wear and tear on the machine it causes never seemed worth it to us. Instead of flushing we waited for a good deal on an ecotank.
I ordered this printer from Amazon, they charged me but never shipped the printer. Now I am fighting with them to get my money back
Bummer
I’m using the same ink, same paper, same printer, same picture, same app and did not get the same result🤔.. good thing I just got the printer today…I’m exchanging it in the morning.. mine must be broken.
We hope you get it figured out! Thanks for watching.
This is a really good printer ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 . The reason I gave 4 stars for tech support (which I don't think this would classify as tech support) is because once you turn the printer on, it does require a little bit of start up time which may bother some who are in a hurry to quickly print something. To offset that though the printer prints very quickly. I would definitely purchase this printer again.
We agree! Glad you like it. Happy crafting!
you added ink and just started? I don't believe that for 1 second !! You trying to convince us you didn't add an ICC ? If you didnt then what did you use because we did this step by step...our black is GREEN !!!!!!!!
Hey! It’s true - we didn’t use an ICC profile. Is your black still green after pressing it?
@JustMightDIY so how do we fix the ICC problem?
Great videos, lose the dude, gal has a great flow and voice. Also, invest in a wireless mic to improve sound. Everything else is spot on.
Thanks for watching and commenting, it means a lot to us. And by us I mean she won't let me out of the crafting room any more. I've begged but she locks the door and feeds me scraps from under it. Keeps saying without me it just wouldn't be the same. Please save me in that glittery '64 impala (was that a 289 v8?). Also, we tried wireless. It sucked. 😉
@@JustMightDIY well if u must stick around try to not be a robot being forced to talk about your craft! Lol. But for real, good work, sound i get it you can only do so much. I would still try a mic. As for my 64, it was a 327 v8. I air bagged myself and painted. Now with 2 kids my other 3 just sit. 64 drop, 60 impala, 57 chevy. Keep up the good work. Videos are great and informative without dragging on too long. Ill keep tuning in to see her pretty smile and voice! Lol. U try and hang in there if u must…. Take care
I know how fun a classic can be. Long ago I had a 63 4 door. Just loved driving it. I know some times the computer stuff is a bit over my head but we made this channel together. We inspire each other creatively and play well off the others strengths. As long as we have fun doing it, we're good. Even without wireless mics. For now.
@@JustMightDIY I think BOTH of yall do an amazing job together delivering us helpful informational videos! Thank you for the great content guys!
@@villy4083 Thank you so much! ❤️❤️
Well, yeah. That's cool and all, but you can't eat any of this stuff.
Lol - Yeah but you can make some really cool stuff to eat out of… 😉
Why do all these videos talk about converting a printer? You are not converting anything you're just using a different ink.
Because changing from normal ink to sublimation ink isn't worth the effort. If you want a sub printer, then buy a new one and convert it by just using a different ink. Thanks for watching
@@JustMightDIYand then you can’t go back to normal ink right? It will clog the heads or something correct? That’s why it’s a conversion
utterly unhelpful. I wanted to know how you replace the regular ink with sublimation ink!
There's a reason why that's not what this video covers. It's a waste of time and equipment. You will shorten the life of your printer dramatically and spend hours of your own life on it. Just buy a new printer and save yourself the stress.