Epson Stylus Pro 3880

[jondon2012]

I will begin by saying I did see a thread from this sight when I googled the question I have. However, I am wanting to verify what I read as that thread was quite old.

I ordered an Epson Stylus Pro 3880, but before I did I was informed by a support representative from Epson that the 3880 prints rolls, and canvas. Needless to say my surprise when I found different. But my concern is that I can't print on canvas at all. I understand it takes a special canvas paper to print on, but can anyone please confirm for me that the 3880 printer can indeed print on canvas?

Thank you, and thanks for this forum.

Jon

[NJMurphy]

But my concern is that I can't print on canvas at all. I understand it takes a special canvas paper to print on, but can anyone please confirm for me that the 3880 printer can indeed print on canvas?

I don't understand. Are you using the 'special' canvas, and it's not printing? Or are you using a different canvas stock?

The specs for this printer at Epson's website doesn't say anything about any 'special' canvas; in fact, it doesn't mention that it will print on canvas at all. It doesn't mention that it accepts roll paper, either.

If Epson support says you can print on canvas, as well as from a roll, then I won't argue. But for $1100, they owe you some answers if you can't print on the media they say you can.

[jondon2012]

The special canvas I am referring to is merely the canvas that Epson sells. The printer has not been delivered yet, but if I cannot print on canvas I may have to cancel the sale.I read through the Epson site as well today and because of what the Epson rep told me yesterday I found it difficult to understand the site because I was looking for specific information when all of a sudden it dawned on me that "Oh, the printer does not support rolls...". Then I discovered that the printer apparently does not print on canvas. But when I Googled the question I found a string on this site back in 2004 that talked about printing canvas on the 3880...ergo: massive confusion on my part. So, I thought I might get some sort of confirmation here before cancelling the order.

Thank you for your reply by the way. Being new to this site I find it difficult to try and find that thread I am referring to...but any advise is desired.

Thanks.

[RABaker]

Here is a link to the Stylus Pro 3880 manual on the Epson website:
http://files.support.epson.com/pdf/p.../pro3880ug.pdf

A quick look at the manual shows that you can use Epson Exhibition Canvas Matte or Epson Premium Canvas Matte in 17x22 inch size. It requires that you use a rear manual feed tray and can load only 1 sheet at a time. You can probably also use canvas paper from other manufacturers, but Epson will never provide this information themselves. You will have to check with the other paper manufacturers to see if they have a canvas paper that is compatible with the Stylus Pro 3880 (and a paper/printer ICC profile).

I saw no reference in the user manual about roll paper.

Good luck,
Richard

[BobF]

You can print on canvas. I have the 3800 and print on canvas with it. I'll take some credit for actually convincing Epson to support canvas printing on the 3800 (and later 3880) because I (and others) hounded them enough and told them how to feed the canvas into the printer so that Epson would provide profiles for their own canvas stocks on the 38xx printers. The 38xx series printers don't; however, print on rolls. You could McGuyver a roll holder but there's no built in cutter so you'd also have to cut the rolls manually when the print comes out.

Feeding the canvas into the printer isn't simple and it can take multiple attempts to get the stock to feed properly. There are instructions on the Epson USA website. I use the back of my hands (knuckles) rather than the front (fingertips) but either method will work.

There are several third party paper manufacturers that make canvas and provide profiles for printing on the 38xx series printers. Premier Art and Hahnemuhle are two. I think Breathing Color might. BC only sells in rolls so you'd have to buy a roll and cut it down yourself (not difficult).

[LouR]

According to the questions and answers under that link, it does NOT take roll paper. As for the canvas, in the same Q&A section, someone that works for Epson answered the canvas question with : Epson does have canvas media that is supported, however if you have your own we can only recommend verifying with the media manufacturer. As there are many different types and thickness, they would be able to determine if compatible with our printer and inks. If you do have the weight and thickness, please contact 1-800-GO-EPSON as they can help determine which Epson printer is best for you.

[jondon2012]

Thank you all for your reply's. You have all been very helpful with this. I hope to harness more experience from here in the near future.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.
Jon

[WRon]

Just a note to emphasize what BobF said about feeding stock through the rear of a 38xx. I have a 3880 and, as Bob pointed out, I get better results by using my knuckles to feed the stock into the rear of the machine. Give yourself plently of room behind the printer so you can feed it as straight and as smooth as possible. It's a little frustrating at first, but, with patience and experience, it works okay. Also, as Bob said, it's not difficult to use rolls and cut the paper yourself. The 3880 is a great printer, and I use it all the time; however, if I were really into using rolls and thick stock such as canvas, I'd probably look into another model or brand. What that model or brand would be, I can't answer, because I haven't explored the possibilities.

[WRon]

By the way: to macguyver is to improvise and make things with whatever material is at hand. MacGuyver was a television show where the main character (MacGuyver) fashioned things out of materials on hand to work his way out of sticky situations. I found the following example on line.
"Bob: Hey Ted what's up?

Ted: Oh nothing much Bob, just MacGuyvering a nuclear reactor with these lemons and those paper clips, and that D-Cell battery."

[mano123]

well its really impressive ...nice talk ..