Epson printheads offer satisfactory technical benefits and are compatible with a wide range of printers. That’s why they are used more often. Today, in this article, the models under discussion are XP600 and I3200 printheads. These two are the most popular versions available in the market.
Businesses need to know the detailed difference between them before opting for one. Ultimately, your choice will impact the print quality, speed, and resolution. So, go on and read this detailed analysis, and then make your choice to be the best.
Epson XP600 and I3200 Printhead Overview
Epson XP600 Printhead Overview
Release Year: Around 2018.
The Epson XP600 printhead is an economically cheap model and is widely accepted in the market. It has six channel heads and is water-based with moderate stability. The expected life of this printhead is nearly 4-6 months.
Specifications:
- Nozzles: 1080 (6 rows: 180 nozzles per color for CMYK, 360 for LC and LM)
- Resolution: 180 npi/row, 360 npi/2 rows, up to 1440 DPI theoretical maximum
- Ink Types: Eco-solvent, water-based, and UV inks
- Ink Drop Size: 3.5–40 picoliters
- Effective Print Width: 25.4 mm
- Print Speed: Up to 16 m²/hr (draft), 14 m²/hr (production mode)
- Grayscale Support: Yes, but limited compared to I3200
Applications:
Being a low-cost printhead model, it is suitable for everyday printing needs. They are most suitable for small solvent ink printers for printing photos or daily office tasks.
Epson I3200 Printhead Overview
Release Year: 2020 (I3200-A1 model for water-based inks).
Epson I3200 printhead with 8 8-channel heads that offer high resolution and smooth color transition. They are durable, which is why they are a costly choice for commercial environments.
Specifications
- Nozzles: 3200 (8 rows)
- Resolution: 300 npi/row, 600 npi/2 rows, up to 1200 DPI
- Ink Types: Aqueous (I3200-A1), UV (I3200-U1), Eco-solvent (I3200-E1)
- Ink Drop Size: As small as 3.8 picoliters, with advanced Variable Sized Droplet Technology (VSDT) for smooth gradients
- Effective Print Width: 33.8 mm
- Print Speed: 26–33 m²/hr (4-pass mode), much faster than XP600
- Grayscale Support: Advanced, with multi-level grayscale for high image quality
Applications:
It is commonly used in industrial settings where high-quality printing is needed. Industry applications include textile printing, signage, and direct-to-film printing.
Technical Specification Comparison
| Specification | Epson XP600 Printhead | Epson I3200 Printhead (A1/E1/U1) |
| Resolution | Up to 1440 dpi | Up to 1200 dpi (600 npi/2 rows, 300 npi/row) |
| Oil Film Type | Micro-Piezo (no thin film MEMS) | Thin film MEMS, PrecisionCore MicroTFP |
| Ink Drop Size | 4-6 pl | Less than 4 pl |
| Nozzle Rows | 6 rows | 8 rows |
| Nozzle Resolution | 180 npi/row, 360 npi/2 rows | 300 npi/row, 1200 npi/4 rows |
| Print Speed | 10 m²/hr | 120 m²/hr |
| Effective Print Width | 25.4 mm | 33.8 mm |
| Durability | 3–6 months typical lifespan | 1-3 years |
Pros and Cons Analysis
Epson XP600:
Pros
- budget-friendly and easily accessible
- Compatible with a wide variety of applications
Cons
- Moderate stability may not suit bulk printing
- Low printing speed
- Short lifespan
Epson I3200:
Pros
- High printing speed and resolution
- Long service life
- Best for Industrial use with high clarity
Cons
- High initial price
When to Choose an Epson XP600 Printhead
Choose the Epson XP600 printhead if you have a limited budget, run a small business, or need a printer for light to moderate use. This printhead is a good fit for entry-level DTF printers. For example, LINKO L-A3. Suitable for home offices and small shops, it is best if saving money matters more than having the fastest speed or the highest resolution. The XP600 supports different ink types, including eco-solvent, water-based, UV, and DTF inks. It makes a good option for printing photos, basic promotional items, and limited daily printing documents.
The Case for Choosing the Epson I3200 Printhead
Choose the Epson I3200 printhead if you require high speed, high resolution, and robust performance for demanding or industrial applications. The I3200 is best for businesses that print a lot, including textile factories, sign makers, or commercial print shops. It offers fast output, smooth color gradients, and support for many ink types. Its durable build and advanced technology make it a smart choice for places where print quality and efficiency are very important. We offer two models of Epson I3200 Printhead, one supporting 4 colors and one supporting 8 colors.
Cost Analysis
Both the printheads offer different price points. The XP600 printhead seems to be very efficient when buying, but it comes with a shorter lifespan. Therefore, you will need to replace it again within a short time for quality and efficiency. On the other hand, the I3200 printhead may be a high investment in the beginning, but it’s effective in the long run(1-3 years). Additionally, you would be free from the hassle of replacing it after shorter durations. Thus, after analyzing both the printhead costs, you may choose according to your budget needs. If quality is the preference, go for the I3200, while for a budget-friendly deal, users must opt. XP600 printhead.
Maintenance Tips
- Use high-quality, recommended inks to prevent clogs and protect the printhead.
- Run the printer regularly, even if only for test prints, to keep the ink from drying in the nozzles.
- Clean the printhead using the printer’s cleaning function or with proper cleaning solutions if needed.
- Keep your printer in a clean, dust-free area and control humidity to avoid ink drying.
- Always follow proper shutdown steps so the printhead stays capped and protected when not in use.
Conclusion
After reading the detailed analysis, you must be clear that these two printer models cater to two different needs.
Epson XP600 is a budget-friendly option for users who do not want to spend a lot of money in the beginning and have low production efficiency. So, for small businesses or someone aiming to start up with a low investment, the Epson XP600 is a fair deal.
Epson I3200 is excellent for those who want highly accurate prints with exceptional color transitions and can’t compromise on quality. Additionally, the significant initial investment is not a problem. Overall, the Epson I3200 printhead may be a suitable option for commercial businesses with high production volumes.
Select the best option after considering your specific requirements, including your printing needs, budget, and intended application use.
FAQs
What are the prices of XP600 and I3200 printheads?
The prices vary for both versions. XP600 can cost around $299.99, while I3200 can cost between $1,250 and $1,300.
What is the life of XP600 and I3200 printheads?
The Epson XP600 has a shorter lifespan of 4-6 months, which means it will need to be replaced after a shorter interval. On the other hand, the Epson I3200 printhead has a life expectancy of 1-3 years. The service life of these printheads depends on how they are used.
Which printhead is better for small DTF printers?
For small DTF printers, the XP600 printhead would be a better option. There are several good reasons for that. They are economical and suitable for daily use by hobbyists or small businesses with low production needs. If budget is not a problem, consider buying the I3200 printhead; it will yield the best results.
How do you maintain the printhead of a DTF printer to avoid clogging?
Use quality inks. Clean the printhead often and print regularly. Keep the printer in a clean, humid place. Also, always shut it down properly to prevent clogs.
Is the I3200 worth the high initial cost?
Yes, the exceptional professional capabilities of the I3200 justify the higher price point. It benefits the user with high production runs, smoother color transitions, and a longer lifespan. Also, the superior performance can lower costs over time for demanding operations.
