Choosing the Right Print Head for Your UV Printer: DX7 vs. TX800

DX7 and TX800 print head difference

As a professional UV printer manufacturer, we understand the importance of selecting the right print head for your printing needs. Two popular options in the market are the DX7 and TX800 print heads that Epson produces. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between these two print heads and help you make an informed decision.

Availability and Origin

It’s important to note that both the DX7 and TX800 print heads available in the market are aftermarket products, not original Epson print heads. The DX7 has been well-known for its use with DTG water-based inks, although it also has versions for oil-based inks, which are less common. Some manufacturers may mislabel water-based DX7 heads as oil-based, making it difficult for customers to distinguish between them.

Regarding UV printing, the DX7 and TX800 print heads offer similar performance, with no noticeable difference in print quality to the naked eye. The TX800 can meet customer expectations, even for detailed prints like printing faces. The TX800 was designed for use with UV inks from the start and continues to perform well due to its design.

Price and Value

The DX7 print head is significantly more expensive than the TX800, often costing several times more. Additionally, it can be challenging to find DX7 heads in good condition due to their age, as they were produced four years earlier than the TX800. The recent resurgence of the DX7 in the market is largely due to the low cost of compatible Wellprint print boards, which allows manufacturers to offer this older print head for increased profit margins and sales.

Lifespan and Maintenance

As with all print heads, both the DX7 and TX800 are consumables with similar lifespans. The longevity of a print head often depends on factors such as proper maintenance and the materials being printed. For example, printing on highly reflective materials can lead to clogging of the print head. While the original DX7 print head may have had a longer lifespan than the TX800, currently, only used or refurbished DX7 heads are available, making a new aftermarket TX800 head a better choice in terms of performance and reliability.

Recommendations

When considering your budget and printing requirements, we recommend the following:

  • If you have a flexible budget, opt for new, then go for original Epson print heads i1600 and i3200.
  • For those seeking the best value for money, the TX800 print head offers nice performance and durability at a more affordable price point.
  • Keep in mind that proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of any print head, regardless of the model.

So in a word, while the DX7 and TX800 print heads have their differences, both can deliver quality results for UV printing. The TX800 offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance, making it a popular choice among our customers.