Printer recommendations
Epson vs Brother vs Canon vs HP | |
Home and small business inkjet printers can basically be broken down into two different printhead types. Micro Piezo (electronic) heads and thermal heads. Canon and HP use thermal printheads whilst Epson and Brother use piezo heads. Thermal heads are much cheaper to manufacture and have a shorter life than piezo heads. Thermal head printers tend to be cheaper to purchase (as they are cheaper to produce and wear out quicker) | |
Electromechanical (Micro Piezo) Transfer Method | |
In the electromechanical transfer method, piezoelectric elements deformed by electrical pulses cause ink droplets to be ejected. Deformation of piezoelectric elements puts pressure on the ink chamber through the intermediary of flexible substances, which generates ink ejection energy. The image the the right shows the principle of the electromechanical transfer method. This is the method used in Epson and Brother inkjet printers. | |
Electric Thermal Transfer Method | |
In the electric thermal transfer method, bubbles are generated in the ink chamber, and the expansive force of the bubbles causes ink droplets to be ejected. The ink is rapidly heated and vaporized by the heater in the ink chamber until bubbles are generated. The pressure of bubbles generates the required ink ejection energy.The image below shows the principle of the electric thermal transfer method. A similar method is used in the Canon and HP printers. | |
Which printers do rihac recommend when using an Inklink™ system | |
At Rihac we see thousands of printers and the assessments we make are based on what problems we see with printers both with and without our ink supply systems. Epson printers tend to be the best photographic and general use printers of the bunch. Brother printers seem to offer the best when it come to office printing due to their speed and range of features such as paper tray capacity and scanning cababilities. |
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Epson XP-4200 (RRP $129) Or Epson XP-4205 (RRP $129) | |
Perfect for: Budget This ‘Small-In-One’ is a sleek little printer great for the moderate home user. It delivers great print quality and its rear feed means you can print on to heavy papers and card stock. Including Wi-Fi and built-in scanner with copy functions, this printer is an all-rounder which won't break the bank. The only difference between the two models is that one (4205) is exclusive to Officeworks, Epson does this so that no one has to match Officeworks price. As with most new Epson printer models, Epson have upgraded the chip technology on their cartridges so that no one in the world can make a resetting chip. However, some smart people overseas have managed to make a modified firmware which turns off the need for any chips at all, meaning CISS can be installed. The downside is that firmware costs AUD$59.99 for this model. But when you consider that the genuine cartridges for this printer have as little as 2.4mls of ink inside and cost nearly $80 per set, a CISS contains the same ink as 154 x 49/604 series cartridges which would cost you over $3000!!! Print: A4 | Scan: A4 | LCD: 2.4” | Paper: 100sheets Rear | Speed (ISO): 10.3ppm B&W, 5.8ppm Colour | Duplex: Yes | Connectivity: USB (B), Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Epson Smart Panel, Epson Email Print Chipless Firmware Information: FIND OUT MORE
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Epson XP-970 (RRP $399) | |
Perfect for: Home, Studio The XP-970 is a fantastic photo printer that can be used with a CISS. Its ease of set-up, speed and quality of prints means it is on the top of our list of A3 printers. As a bonus this printer also offers CD/DVD printing and Wi-Fi capability. The XP-970 allows you to produce high quality borderless prints in a wide range of paper sizes, varying from 6"x4" all the way up to A3, meaning it is the perfect printer for people wanting to print a varying range of documents. The rear paper feed means this printer is perfect for using thicker and speciality papers. Print: A3 | Scan: A4 | LCD: 4.3” Touch | Paper: 100sheets A4 Cassette, 20sheets 5x7”, 1sheet Rear, CD | Speed (ISO): 8.5ppm B&W, 8.0ppm Colour | Duplex: Yes | Connectivity: USB (B), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPrint, Epson iPrint, Email Print CISS: FIND OUT MORE
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Canon TR7660a (RRP $199) OR Canon TR8660a (RRP $249) | |
Perfect for: All Round A4 multifunction with an auto document feeder and offers duplex print, scan, copy and fax functions. Connects to your wireless network and works with AirPrint and Canon Print Service. Features an enclosed paper cassette as well as rear tray for your thicker media needs. With fast print speeds thanks to the thermal print head, this printer covers almost every printing scenario and does it with fantastic print quality. These two models are almost the same – however the TR8660A offers a slightly larger touch-screen, SD card slot and Ethernet. Print: A4 | Scan: A4 ADF | LCD: 3.0” Touch [8660: 4.3” Touch] | Paper: 100sheets Cassette, 100sheets Rear | Speed (ISO): 15ppm B&W, 10ppm Colour | Duplex: Yes | Connectivity: USB (B), Wi-Fi, QR Code, AirPrint, Canon PRINT(iOS/Android), [8660: Ethernet & SD Card] CISS: FIND OUT MORE
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Canon TS9560 (RRP $279) / TS9565 ($349) | |
Perfect for: Home, Home Office Multifunction with up to A3 size printing as well as A4 auto document feeder scanning and copy functions. SD card slot built in as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & Ethernet connectivity. Features an enclosed A4 paper cassette as well as rear tray supporting up to 50 sheets of A3. For A3 printing with the convenience of multi document feeder scanning, the TS9560 gives you the features to do most any job you can throw at it. Print: A3 | Scan: A4 ADF | LCD: 4.3” | Paper: 100sheets A4 Cassette, 100sheets Rear, 1sheet Bypass, CD | Speed (ISO): 15ppm B&W, 10ppm Colour | Duplex: Yes | Connectivity: USB (B), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPrint, Canon PRINT(iOS/Android), PictBridge, SD Card CISS: FIND OUT MORE
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Epson WF-C5390 (RRP $655) OR Epson WF-C5890 (RRP $799) | |
Perfect for: Business Printer / Photocopier The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5390 (Printer only) & WF-C5890 (Printer & Copier) use four pigment-based inks with Epson’s high speed and high accuracy PrecisionCore print heads. These printers are made to replace laser printers in office environments with high duty cycles. The refillable cartridges for these models hold a massive 325ml each, which means you can do more printing and less refilling! As with most new Epson printer models, Epson have upgraded the chip technology on their cartridges so that no one in the world can make a resetting chip. However, some smart people overseas have managed to make a modified firmware which turns off the need for any chips at all, meaning refillable cartridges can be installed. Print: A4 | Scan: No [C5890: A4 Duplex ADF] | LCD: 2.4” [C5890: 4.3” Touch] | Paper: 250sheets Cassette, 80sheets Rear | Speed (ISO): 25ppm B&W, 25ppm Colour | Duplex: Yes | Connectivity: USB (B), Front USB (A), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, NFC Chipless Firmware Information: FIND OUT MORE
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Canon iX6860 (RRP $269) | |
A3+ Photos or Edible Inks Printing This single function photo printer is ideal for printing up to A3+ size photos and with the rear tray allows printing on a variety of different papers, cardstocks and other media in super high resolution 9600x2400dpi. While this printer lacks additional ink colours such as Grey or Photo Blue, this makes it perfect for Edible Ink printing. With traditional Auto-Reset Chip equipped refillable cartridges, this printer is a breeze to use as it will notify you when it is time to refill, which when completed will automatically register the cartridge as full again. Print: A3+ | Scan: No | LCD: No | Paper: 150sheets Rear | Speed (ISO): 14.5ppm B&W, 10.4ppm Colour | Duplex: No | Connectivity: USB (B), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Cloud Print, PIXMA Printing Solutions (iOS/Android) Refillable Cartridges: FIND OUT MORE
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Canon iP8760 (RRP $329) | |
Perfect for: A3+ Photos When it comes to single function photo printers, the iP8760 leads the way with A3+ size Borderless photos, boasting resolution of 9600x2400dpi. Print on a variety of different papers, cardstocks and other media all supported on the rear tray with the addition of direct printing on CD / discs. With the addition of Grey ink, all of your prints will have smooth colour graduations even in mono/greyscale. With traditional Auto-Reset Chip equipped refillable cartridges, this printer is a breeze to use as it will notify you when it is time to refill which when completed will automatically register the cartridge as full again. Print: A3+ | Scan: No | LCD: No | Paper: 150sheets Rear | Speed (ISO): 14.5ppm B&W, 10.4ppm Colour | Duplex: No | Connectivity: USB (B), Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Cloud Print, PIXMA Printing Solutions (iOS/Android) Refillable Cartridges: FIND OUT MORE
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Epson XP-15000 (RRP $549) | |
Perfect for: Photographers The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a single function A3+ Photo printer suitable for high volume photo printing. If you’re printing primarily A3 or A3+ photo prints, or high volume A4 photos, the XP-15000 holds up to 200 sheets in the A4 Cassette and 50 sheets in the A3+ Rear Tray. This large capacity along with the direct CD/disc printing make it perfect for power users! This printer is designed for beautiful photos with 6-colour ink configuration including Red & Grey which make for an extra wide colour gamut and breathtaking black-and-white prints. With borderless prints up to 13” x 19” as well as duplex printing, the XP-15000 is a versatile powerhouse which can even produce panoramic prints up to 1.2m long. As with most new Epson printer models, Epson have upgraded the chip technology on their cartridges so that no one in the world can make a resetting chip. However, some smart people overseas have managed to make a modified firmware which turns off the need for any chips at all, meaning CISS can be installed. Print: A3+ | Scan: No | LCD: 2.4” | Paper: 200sheets A4 Cassette, 50sheets Rear, CD | Speed (ISO): 9.2ppm B&W, 9.0ppm Colour | Duplex: Yes | Connectivity: USB (B), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PictBridge, AirPrint, Epson Connect Chipless Firmware Information: FIND OUT MORE
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Epson ET-1810 (RRP $299) | |
Perfect for: Sublimation Making customised goods by heat-pressing printed (sublimation ink & paper) images onto tshirts, mugs and an endless array of other sublimation products, has become hugely popular in recent years due to just how easy it is to get started as well as the availability of printers such as the Epson EcoTank ET-1810. This printer is a high resolution A4 printer with CISS built in which means all you need to do to get started is to fill it with our Sublimation Inks (instead of using Epson's regular printer inks) and start the printer up as normal, then you're ready to go! Since these printers are single-function (no scanner, duplexer or other expensive extras) they are perfect for sublimation printing and so simple to set up, making them a great little sub printer. Print: A4 | Scan: No | LCD: No | Paper: 100sheets Rear | Speed (ISO): 10ppm B&W, 5ppm Colour | Duplex: No | Connectivity: USB (B), Wi-Fi, Epson Email Print, Epson Smart Panel, Epson iPrint(iOS & Android) Sublimation Inks: FIND OUT MORE
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Brother MFC-J6540DW (RRP $399) | |
Perfect for: Home office - Small Business This A3 multifunction is ideal for a demanding office environment. It is a really sturdy and solid machine that can print upto 28 pages a minute in either B&W or colour printing. With 2-Sided (Duplex) Printing up to A3, as well as A3 ADF Scanning it's a great all rounder for the price (RRP $399.00). It has a single paper cassette with maximum paper capacity of 250 sheets as well as a single page rear paper feed slot. There is also the MFC-J5740DW which features 2-Sided (Duplex) A3 Printing, Single Pass 2-Sided (Duplex) A4 Scanning with 2 x 250sheet Paper Cassettes and 100sheet Rear Tray for RRP $419 or the MFC-J6940DW with 2-Sided (Duplex) A3 Printing, Single Pass 2-Sided (Duplex) A3 Scanning and 250 sheet Paper Cassettes and 100sheet Rear Tray for RRP $549 Each of these printers we support with our ultra high page yield LC432XL pigment ink cartridges (BK 3,000 C,M,Y 1,500 ISO pages each) which makes them perfect for any office environment. There is some important information you must be aware of prior to purchasing these, so please ensure you check out our product page below. Single Use Cartridges: FIND OUT MORE
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Please note: Our inks and InkLink™ Systems are not manufactured by Epson, Brother, HP or Canon. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders and are used for reference only |
$69.99