¶ Introduction
This page acts an introduction the Epson SC F2100.
¶ Shop Access
A membership or day pass is required to access Digital Textiles.
The Shop Safety Class Direct to Garment, Dye-Sublimation and Heat Press Safety is required to operate the Epson SC F2100 DTG.
¶ Machine Reservations
You can make machine reservations in the following ways:
Click to expand
- In person at the front desk.
- Reserve a machine any time through our Mind Body Portal.
- Call the front desk during business hours at (410) 862-0424.
- Email us at frontdesk@openworksbmore.com. Please include your name, the machine you'd like to reserve, and the date(s) and times of the reservation(s).
¶ Machine Overview
The Epson SC F2100 is a printer capable of printing directly to garments or onto film for transfer to a garment. The Epson SC F2100 prints excellent, photo quality, images on cotton. The printer is capable of printing on dark fabric and black fabric, as well as lighter colors and white fabric. Completed prints are generally soft to the touch. The Epson SC F2100 is compatible with the Garment Creator software, an inuitive design and printing program.
¶ Machines Available
- Open Works has one direct to garment printer available.
¶ Machine Comparison Chart
| Direct to Garment | Direct to Film | Dye Sublimation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Name | Epson SC F2100 | Epson SC F2100 | Epson SC F570 |
| Process Type | Prints directly onto fabric. | Transfer using film. | Transfer using paper. |
| Ink Types | Epson garment ink. Pretreat solution is required for ink to adhere to the garment. | Epson garment ink. Pretreat powder is required for ink to adhere to the garment. | Dye sublimation ink. When heated it turns into a gas that gets absorbed by the polyester fibers or sublimation coating on your substrate. |
| Program Used | Garment Creator | Garment Creator | Standard print function opens Epson Print Preview |
| File Types | .PNG/.JPEG/.TIFF/.BPM | .PNG/.JPEG/.TIFF/.BPM | Adobe .PDF/.AI/.PNG/.JPEG/.TIFF/.BPM |
| Pros | Prints on cotton, prints on dark/black fabric, prints white ink, soft to the touch, photo quality images on fabric, easily customizable, intuitive design and printing program. | Quick, can be transferred onto most textiles, can be transferred onto dark fabrics, can be transferred onto stretchy fabric. | Quick, cheap, can be transferred onto a variety of surfaces. |
| Cons | Expensive, pretreat can be tricky for beginners, can crack when stretched. | Powder can smudge ink, can be expensive, has a plastic feel once transferred. | Only works on polyester and specially coated objects, does not print white ink, only works on light or white substrates. |
| Durability | Will slowly fade over time giving a soft "vintage" look. Lasts a long time if well taken care of. | Durable, but the design may flake at the edges over time. | Durable, the design will be incorporated into the fabric and last as long as the substrate. |
| Care Instructions | Wait 24-48 hours before washing for design to cure. Wash and dry on gentle cycles, inside out. | Wait 24-48 hours before washing for design to cure. Wash and dry on gentle cycles, inside out. | Wash and dry on gentle cycles, inside out. |
¶ Parts of the Machine
¶ Material Considerations
¶ Acceptable Materials:
100% cotton with thick and tightly-woven (ringspun or combed) material
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Polyester
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS :
Wool
Epson garment ink is water based, and fabrics made from natural fibers[1] absorb water, allowing the design to adhere more easily to the fabric.
¶ Safety and Setup
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times for traction and stability.
• Eye protection, gloves, and an apron are strong recommended.
For more information on shop safety visit Digital Textiles under "Safety."
¶ Step-by-Step Guides
¶ Before You Begin
¶ Turn on the Machine
- If not already on, turn on the computer near the DTG machine
- If not already on, turn on the DTG machine.
It can take up to 5 minutes for the DTG to start up.
The machine may ask you to shake the white ink.
Go here for the procedure to shake the ink.
The machine will take 15-20 minutes to reset. If you have not already done so, use the time to pretreat or heat press your substrate.
¶ Install Platen
The Universal Platen for DTG ranges from XS to L.
| Extra Small | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7” x 8” | 10” x 12” | 14” x 16” | 16” x 20” |
¶ How To Install It:
- If Single Size Medium Platen is in place, unlatch the lever under the platen (small black handle) by turning it away from you one rotation, then raise the platen out of the base. You may have to wiggle it a little bit.
- Once the platen is out replace it with the XS size from the Universal Set. The XS also serves as the “core“ for all larger sizes in the Universal Set.
- Once placed, reengage the latch under the platen by turning it toward you one rotation. The latch will stop turning once fully engaged.
- Once you’ve secured the platen you can add the corresponding metal frame, if desired.
The Metal Neck Guide can be used to help center garments and to rest hoods on.
¶ Sizing Up:
If a larger size is desired, build up from the XS by adding the next size until you've reached the desired dimensions. Sizes above Small have silver latches on the bottom that need to be secured prior to use. This can be done either before or after the platen is secured into the base on the DTG.
It may be easier/more stable to complete this step at the table prior to securing the platen.
¶ Leveling and accommodating zippers and buttons
Once you've reached the desired size and the platen is securely latched into the base, you can to add the corresponding green leveling pieces to the center if needed*. Sizes S-L have 2 twin pieces that fit in the center, the XS only has one.
The green slats can be omitted to accommodate items with buttons or zippers.
¶ (Recommended) Perform nozzle check
A good looking test pattern will result in a better final product.
- Press the maintenance button on the machine.
- Select “Nozzle check”.
- Make sure the platen is set to P and the platen is clean and clear.
- You may print the nozzle check directly onto the platen, or you can tape a piece of paper onto the center of the platen. Press start.
- Examine the barcode.
If you need to perform a Head Cleaning, go here for instructions.
¶ Print a Design
¶ Heatpress Direct to Garment Print
¶ Machine Maintenance
- Epson SCF2100 Maintenance Guide
- Nozzle Check
- Perform a Head Cleaning SOP
- DTG Suction Cap Cleaning SOP
- Clean the Epson SC F2100 Flushing Pad SOP
- Replace the Epson SC F2100 Head Cleaning Set SOP
¶ Troubleshooting
¶ References
¶ Video Walkthroughs
¶ Resupply Form
Click here to report any consumables needing to be replenished.
¶ Glossary
Natural fibers: Natural fibers are fibers produced from the bodies of plants or animals. Cotton, wool, linen, bamboo, hemp, and leather are examples of natural fibers. ↩︎