Do Epsons still clog?

As per the subject really.

I had some really bad experiences with Epson printers, so much so that I've been using Canons since.

However, my ip4500 has just started banding and neither standard nor deep cleans will cure it.

I'm therefore considering my options....

Si.

Not that I can tell...

Most of the newer models have anti-clogging technology (my R1900 does anyway).

Most clogging references I see today are from people referring to old models or just speculating. I also suspect people using third party inks are the most likely to experience issues.

http://knoware.epson.com/library/index.htm

Tons of info...check out printers and the ink/paper section

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Doug

If you're looking for a yes/no answer, the answer is yes.

But I don't consider that very useful, because it doesn't tell you anything about the likelihood/frequency of such a thing happening. The modern Epsons have greatly reduced frequency of clogging compared to the ones I used in the past -- a nice improvement, e.g., my 2200 clogged several times a month whereas I've had a total of about 3 or 4 on my 3800 over the past 2+ years (same environment/conditions).
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Eric Chan
http://people.csail.mit.edu/ericchan/photos/
http://people.csail.mit.edu/ericchan/dp/Epson3800/index.html

This is akin to asking, "Do Canon printers still suffer from terminal print head failures"? I've owned many models from both Canon and Epson. The respective printers seem to have their advantages/disadvantages. Though I've owned more Epsons, I've killed more Canon print heads. While some Epsons may have a tendency to clog, usually these are easily ameliorated.

Nothing like they once did. What Epson models did you use?

My 1270 needed a nozzle test and cleanings before every print session. It was printers like this that gave Epson its well deserved reputation for clogging.

When I retired it and got the R2400 I continued to do nozzle checks before every print session out of habit. After seeing that the nozzle checks were always OK, I just stopped doing them. The only nozzle checks I do with the R2400 now are if it's been several weeks since I last printed. Even then, they are usually OK.

I always print to glossy or luster paper using the photo ink. Once a year I print calendars onto double side matte paper using matte black ink. So I switch, print calendars and then take out the matte black ink and put it in a zip lock bag. A year later I put it back in just to see if it would work at all. Although I didn't expect it to, and had a new matte black ink cartridge just in case, it worked flawlessly. I've now used that one matte black cartridge for a couple of days in November for 3 years running. Other than the few days each year in the printer, it lives in a sealed zip lock bag. It shouldn't work that way, but it does.

The R2400's replacement, the R2880 is said by Epson to have better clog resistant features. Since my R2400 doesn't clog, it's hard to believe that they could have improved it by much.

I've only used Epson inks in the 1270 and the R2400.

Tom

Eric Chan said:

If you're looking for a yes/no answer, the answer is yes.

But I don't consider that very useful, because it doesn't tell you
anything about the likelihood/frequency of such a thing happening.
The modern Epsons have greatly reduced frequency of clogging compared
to the ones I used in the past -- a nice improvement, e.g., my 2200
clogged several times a month whereas I've had a total of about 3 or
4 on my 3800 over the past 2+ years (same environment/conditions).
--
Eric Chan
http://people.csail.mit.edu/ericchan/photos/
http://people.csail.mit.edu/ericchan/dp/Epson3800/index.html

Click to expand...

It seems that different people have different experiences even with the same Model printers. For example, Eric is obviously very knowledgeable and also provides help for many people and he has indicated his experience with his Epson 2200.

My 2200 will have been in use 6 years this coming July, 2009 and I have never initiated a head cleaning and likewise have NOT had any clogged nozzles.

Perhaps I am just lucky. I use Epson OEM inks and have gone as long as 5 weeks between printing, however; normally it is 2 to 4 weeks since i seem to print in groups. I also have two R800 printers that I am experiencing basically the same service. I am VERY pleased with my printers and the quality of Printed Photos.
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Vernon...

One area which I think a lot of people overlook is the recommended humidity level for their printers.

For example the Epson R1900 should be in an environment where the relative humidity is between 20 to 80%.

Where I live it gets very dry in the winters. I had a lot more clogs before I paid attention to this.

I had trouble with two R800's from Epson when they were first released, which ultimately lead to me buying Canon thereafter. However, I have had many fantastic Epson printers in the past and I know several people that own them now - none of whom have any troubles at all.

Although I'm extremely happy with Canon, I think you could be equally as happy with Epson. To agree with many other people on the forum, I really think most of the problems relate to 3rd party inks.

Regards,
Craig.

My R2400 is fine with frequent use, but if it sits idle for a couple of weeks or more, there is about a 50% chance that at least one nozzle will have a few clogs. I use only Epson inks, turn the power off when not in use, and keep it loosely covered with plastic. Even briefly powering on and off every few days does not seem to help if there will be a few weeks of no printing.

Having said that, the clogs have not been problematic, except for the ink used for cleaning. I've had about a half-dozen clogs requiring cleaning in a year and a half of ownership. Most cleared to produce a perfect nozzle check pattern with a single head cleaning. I've had two clogs that each required two head cleaning cycles.

If a cartridge is blinking low when I get a bad nozzle check, I won't clean. I just replace the low cartridge. It seems to work as well as a cleaning regardless of which cartridge was blocked.

I also should tell you that even when printing often, I don't print a lot. Some of the cartridges have remained in my machine for eight months. That may increase the clogging tendency.

I wish the R2400 didn't behave that way, but it would not keep me from buying another Epson. It does not clog nearly as often or as stubbornly as my old Epson 1270 dye-ink printer.

--
JerryG

See my galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com/jerryg1

My 4800 clogs if I don't use it for an extended period of time.. But usually clears by the 3 auto-nozzle check sheets.. I either don't print for an extended period of time or print batches like 30 8x10, 15 9x12s..

(But you must have patience.. I run the 3 sheets over 2 days.. first one at night, second one the next morning, the third one the evening and I am ready to print a big job.. running multiple auto-check cycles together usually won't do me any good..)

And once I got a clean check I only have clogging return in the middle of my job once over the few years I have the printer..

(I heard the 3800 has newer technology that doesn't clog..)

• M

Michael Hung said:

My 4800 clogs if I don't use it for an extended period of time.. But
usually clears by the 3 auto-nozzle check sheets.
...
(But you must have patience.. I run the 3 sheets over 2 days.. first
one at night, second one the next morning, the third one the evening
...

Click to expand...

I noticed something like that too with my 2400.

If I find only one or two blocked jets in one nozzle, I can print a little, park the heads, wait overnight, and the blocked ports open up the next day.

I suspect those are surface blockages that are softened and cleared by re-wetting the pads that the heads rest on.

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JerryG

See my galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com/jerryg1

Some where a poster said he done a little extensive work by squirting windex in the hose that feeds the sump....where is this pump located, i have a new 3800 so I dont mind fooling around in the 2200 thats clogged to no print end......A little direction or if i could get a digram.......eh..! !
--
' Sharing produces growth '
http://www.pbase.com/sirlee1
http://Chisholm.zenfolio.com/

I haven't had one single clog with my R1800 in 3 years using Epson inks. Those that get clogs are usually using cheap 3rd party inks. And I have gone a month or 2 without turning it on.

Most of the people I see complaining about clogs have older prints before the R800/R1800/R2400 printers

Yes they do. At least mine finally did to the point that it won't clear in the magenta or yellow ports. Caveat I am using IR CIS. I only used one set of Epson cartridges before I switched to CIS. So no experience with Epson inks, so to speak.

I usually print every couple months and I am sure that has something to do with it.

I have tried IR cleaning fluid that they sell, 4 cleanings worth and even tried the petroleum jelly trick to seal the port as the last resort. So now I am on to looking for another printer that will do B&W as well as color as well as the R2400 did. I would prefer another Epson, but not necessarily a R2400.

--

Yeah my 1st photo printer was an Epson 780, I couldn't keep that thing unclogged! It would clog while you were printing and I always used Epson inks... I'll never buy another Epson printer.

Epson can't be blamed for clogging if their ink isn't being used. I haven't seen any reported problems with clogging on Epson's newer models when Epson ink is used (ex. R1900, R2880).

dnorth12 said:

Yes they do. At least mine finally did to the point that it won't
clear in the magenta or yellow ports. Caveat I am using IR CIS. I
only used one set of Epson cartridges before I switched to CIS. So no
experience with Epson inks, so to speak.

I usually print every couple months and I am sure that has something
to do with it.

I have tried IR cleaning fluid that they sell, 4 cleanings worth and
even tried the petroleum jelly trick to seal the port as the last
resort. So now I am on to looking for another printer that will do
B&W as well as color as well as the R2400 did. I would prefer another
Epson, but not necessarily a R2400.
--

Click to expand...

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--
Doug

Then again my 3800 doesn't clog in an environment where it is very dry year round.

It would seem that the newer models (3800, 2880 and newer) have improved performance. Humidity is certainly a factor however.

YES. It does. OEM, 3rd party inks, good or bad, all clog.

yatesd said:

Epson can't be blamed for clogging if their ink isn't being used. I
haven't seen any reported problems with clogging on Epson's newer
models when Epson ink is used (ex. R1900, R2880).

Click to expand...

Any clogging complaints now are when someone tries to save money by using cheaper 3rd party inks. Why get a good printer if you're only going to use the hardware and not the inkware of the printer?? Seems kind of silly.

I have a pile of empty Epson cartridges, but really the ink cost of the R1800 is rather low at about $0.007 per square inch. I buy ink from Atlex.

yatesd said:

dnorth12 said:

Yes they do. At least mine finally did to the point that it won't
clear in the magenta or yellow ports. Caveat I am using IR CIS. I
only used one set of Epson cartridges before I switched to CIS. So no
experience with Epson inks, so to speak.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

I am a Canon Technician and you will continue to buy the Canon Brand OR I will report you to the Canon PD (PRINTER DETAIL).

JUST KIDDING, but I am a field service Canon Tech for a dealer. I hope you will consider Canon in your search for a new device.

Happy hunting.

Tony