In the world of sublimation and specialty printing, printer reliability is critical. Unfortunately, one of the most common frustrations customers report is frequent printhead clogging—especially with Sawgrass sublimation printers. For small businesses, hobbyists, and professionals, these issues lead to downtime, wasted ink, ruined prints, and costly repairs.
For those seeking a dependable alternative, converting an Epson EcoTank printer using a high-quality conversion kit—such as those available from InkProducts Inc—offers a practical solution that addresses many of the problems inherent in the Sawgrass ecosystem. This article breaks down why Sawgrass printers clog so often and why a converted Epson EcoTank may be the smarter long-term investment.
Common Complaints with Sawgrass Printers
1. Proprietary Ink Formulation and Printhead Design
Sawgrass printers use thermal printheads and proprietary sublimation ink that can dry quickly when not in use. This drying can cause clogs, especially if the printer sits idle for even a few days. Unlike piezoelectric printheads used by Epson, which can handle thicker and more diverse ink types, thermal printheads are more sensitive and less forgiving of environmental changes and downtime.
2. High Cost of Ink and Maintenance
Sawgrass printers are built around a closed ink system, which means users must buy branded ink cartridges at premium prices. Not only is the ink expensive, but the printer's firmware is designed to reject third-party or refillable options. If clogs occur, customers are often stuck with either sending the unit in for servicing or attempting maintenance procedures that may void the warranty.
3. Inflexible Software Ecosystem
Sawgrass printers rely on Sawgrass CreativeStudio and Print Manager software, which may limit user control over color management and output settings. While this closed system can streamline basic tasks for beginners, it often creates frustration for experienced users who want greater flexibility and performance—especially when clogging or color profiling becomes a concern.
4. Frequent Waste Ink Warnings and Forced Shutdowns
Many Sawgrass users report being locked out of their printer due to waste ink tank errors. These warnings are triggered by pre-set print counts rather than actual tank fullness. Once the counter is tripped, the printer may refuse to operate until service is performed—sometimes requiring a full reset or hardware replacement.
5. Idle Time Equals Trouble
Clogging is accelerated when a printer isn't used daily. Many customers only print once or twice a week, which is more than enough time for Sawgrass ink to dry in the printhead nozzles. Even auto-clean cycles sometimes fail to restore print quality, leading to increased ink waste and frustration.
Why Converting an Epson EcoTank Printer Is the Better Choice
1. Piezo Printhead Technology
Epson EcoTank printers use piezoelectric printheads, which are more durable and versatile than thermal printheads. Piezo heads can handle a wider variety of inks—including sublimation, edible, pigment, and dye—without the same clogging risk associated with thermal systems. Because they don’t rely on heat to eject ink, they’re more consistent and less prone to nozzle damage.
2. Continuous Ink System (CIS) and Refillable Tanks
Unlike Sawgrass, Epson EcoTank printers are designed for refillable ink use right out of the box. When combined with InkProducts Inc's custom conversion kits, customers gain a fully open and refillable system tailored for sublimation or other specialty inks. This eliminates the need for overpriced cartridges, dramatically lowering the cost per print.
3. Lower Upfront Cost
A new Epson EcoTank printer typically costs a fraction of what a Sawgrass printer does. For example, a new Epson ET-2800 or ET-15000 model can cost between $200 and $700, while Sawgrass printers can cost $600 to $1,500 or more—with expensive ink refills on top. InkProducts’ conversion kits, which include the correct transfer ink bottles and installation guide, are affordable and designed for easy installation—making the total startup cost significantly lower than Sawgrass.
4. Greater Control Over Color Profiles and Software
With a converted Epson printer, users aren’t tied to proprietary software. You can use industry-standard design programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, Affinity, etc.) and professional RIP software for precise color management. InkProducts also offers custom ICC profiling services to ensure color accuracy with sublimation or edible inks.
5. Easy Maintenance and Long-Term Use
EcoTank printers paired with InkProducts kits are easy to flush, clean, and maintain. Users can perform regular maintenance without voiding warranties or being locked out by firmware. InkProducts provides detailed instructions and phone support to assist customers in keeping their systems running smoothly—even after months of use.
The Bottom Line: Epson Conversion + InkProducts = Long-Term Value
Customers who switch from Sawgrass to a converted Epson printer report greater satisfaction, fewer clogs, and drastically reduced ink costs. InkProducts’ conversion kits are tailored for specific EcoTank models, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation. Each kit includes premium sublimation ink, transfer bottles and full setup instructions—everything you need to get started without hassle.
InkProducts Inc also stands behind its products with knowledgeable support staff available by phone for setup, troubleshooting, and custom configuration advice. Whether you're a home crafter, a small business owner, or a professional printer, InkProducts helps you gain full control over your printing system—something Sawgrass users rarely experience.
Conclusion
Sawgrass printers may seem appealing at first glance due to their plug-and-play nature, but many users find the reality doesn’t match the promise. From constant clogging to expensive proprietary ink systems and software limitations, the total cost and frustration can add up quickly.
By contrast, converting an Epson EcoTank printer with InkProducts’ specialized kits offers more flexibility, reliability, and long-term value. Piezo printhead technology, refillable tanks, lower cost per print, and customizable ink options make it the clear winner for many customers seeking dependable sublimation or specialty printing.
If you're tired of dealing with clogs, costly ink, and limited control, it may be time to convert—and InkProducts Inc is here to help every step of the way.
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