Hiya guys, I'm thinking about getting an inkjet printer to print all my disc covers (to print right onto the disc, which supports inkjet printing). I have quite a few discs that needs this. However, upon researching the availability of the cartridges, I found them to be quite expensive (at least, comparing to my expectation). Just one color (black, or magenta, or whatever) costs around $15, and if I bought the multi-color pack that'd be $77. Basically, if I had replaced all my inks twice, I might as well have bought another printer (which would cost less than the cartridges being replaced twice). Is it worth it? I have about 9 - 10 to print right now, and I plan to print another 10. And then it'll be periodically, 1 to 3 every couple months. Do the cartridges run out quick? Is there ways to find cheaper cartridge? The entire disc will mostly be filled with color. It WON'T just be a word here and there and then some simple picture, and a lot of white left in the space; that won't be the case. Basically, think something like music disc or xbox 360 game discs. Did I just happen to found expensive ink or is there really no alternative source of cartridge (like I have to use that companies, and there are no other companies that produce it) I know a place that if you bring the cartridge over they'll fill it, so cost less than a new cartridge, not sure if it's still there. Thanks!
Buy a CISS. I have printed over 500 discs at a total cost of less than $100.00 USD (not including the cost of the printer, about $80.00).
Wow, thanks. That sounds like a pretty cool system. I'm quite a bit behind on printer tech. I now know CISS is a continuous feed system where you don't need to remove the cartridge ever. Is that for specific printers only (made for that system) or is that something you can convert an inkjet printer to? Or could I just buy the ink and fill it myself if I don't use CISS? (I don't even know if regular cartridges can be opened, but I figure if I could take it to a shop to fill it...it's safe to say it can..?) Frankly a bit over 500 disc for less than $100 still sounds like a bit, that's around $4 - $5 dollars a disc. Would regular non-CISS be proportionately more? Is the cost just something one has to live with if one wants to print the disc? What printer do you use? It seems CISS and disc printing features together might be a bit less common than even disc printing printers.
A. There are only a select few companies that have "print to disc" capability. In the US, it's Epson. In Europe, I believe that Canon also has the capability as well as Epson. I have used the Epson R260, R280, and RX595 for my print to disc needs. An example of my costs for this project: New Epson R280 (Craigslist) - $60.00 CISS (filled) - $35.00 CISS (refill ink) $20.00 Printable DVD (200 Ritek G05) $55.00 So, my total costs for the first 200 discs is $170.00 and I haven't gone through the first ink fill in the CISS. That's less than $1.00 per disc. Disclaimers: 1. Your Mileage may vary. I shop carefully for my equipment and supplies. 2. I live in an area where I can get new printers inexpensively through Craigslist and other sources (Epson refurb) 3. As discussed in other forums, CISS is not for the "faint of heart". I have spent plenty of time cleaning my hands due to "accidents". Installing a CISS requires a certain degree of mechanical ability as you will be making minor modifications to your printer. If you are concerned about being able to refill ink carts yourself then perhaps a CISS is not for you. Another alternative for Epson is refillable cartridges, which are a little more labor intensive to maintain but a little more expensive to maintain than a CISS.
Thanks again. I was hoping the conclusion I came to was wrong - I only saw Canon and Espon with disc printing capabilities as well. Indeed the mileage seem to vary, I'm looking for printers on Amazon and Ebay. At least with the couple of printers you've tried I have more lead. I was looking at all the printers on Amazon and wondering if they were the only ones (and indeed they were). I'm looking at $90 to $120 for a new printer though, and I don't really know if i should trust used printers =/ I've actually seen refill bottles on Amazon for specific printers. They're not CISS, but just refill, and at a good price too (around $25). I don't mind "getting my hands dirty", so to speak, if that's the trouble. I work on my motorcycle from time to time, and I'm sure that's a lot harder to clean. After getting some second opinion from you, I think I'll go for a refill kind of system =/ Thanks! (I saw them on Amazon and it said simply to refill it, with no hassle)
