Description
Good question. Here’s a detailed, long-form description of the type of printer you mentioned — a very affordable 1.8m / 3.2m I3200 / I1600 / XP600 Eco-Solvent / Sublimation Large-Format Printer (sometimes called “H5”-style) — along with key features, use cases, benefits, and some trade-offs. (Note: “H5” isn’t always a standard model name — it may refer loosely to lower-cost Chinese large-format “H-series” eco-solvent printers.)
Long Description
Overview & Purpose
This large-format eco-solvent printer is specifically built to meet the needs of businesses and startups that require wide-format output (up to 1.8 m or even 3.2 m wide), but at a much lower price point than premium industrial printers. It uses Epson-style printheads — typically I3200, I1600, and/or XP600 — to deliver high-resolution, durable, and high-impact printing. These printers are well-suited for applications like:
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Outdoor banners and signage (vinyl, flex, tarpaulin)
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Advertising materials (billboards, long outdoor graphics)
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Canvas and decorative prints
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Vehicle wraps or decals
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Textile printing (if using sublimation ink)
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Batch production of promotional materials or business signage
Because they support eco-solvent ink, they can deliver weather-resistant, UV-resistant prints. When used with sublimation ink, they can also handle more specialized tasks, such as printing on fabric or polyester fabrics after heat transfer.
Key Features & Capabilities
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Wide Print Widths
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These printers come in very large formats: common models support up to 1.8 m (6 ft), and some go all the way to 3.2 m (10 ft) wide. dosign.en.made-in-china.com+2goosam.en.made-in-china.com+2
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The large width makes it possible to print very wide banners or multi-panel graphics in one pass, which saves time and reduces seam lines.
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High-Quality Printheads
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Printheads used in these machines include XP600, I3200, and I1600. goosam.en.made-in-china.com+2dosign.en.made-in-china.com+2
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These Epson-style heads provide good resolution (many of these machines support up to ~1440 DPI) for sharp, vibrant output. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
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Multiple heads (single, dual, or more) may be offered, giving different tradeoffs between speed and cost. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
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Ink Flexibility
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Supports eco-solvent inks, which are designed for outdoor use and adhere well to vinyl, flex materials, and banners. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
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Many machines also support sublimation ink, letting you switch between banner printing and fabric printing depending on your business needs. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
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Some models may also accept other ink types like soft-UV, depending on the supplier. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
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Durable & Industrial-Grade Build
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These printers are made for roll-to-roll media, meaning they have feeding and take-up systems to handle large reels of material. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
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Many machines come with infrared heating or drying systems to help the ink dry quickly and avoid smearing, which is especially useful for outdoor banner materials. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
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The frame tends to be robust, sometimes with a weight of several hundred kilograms (depending on width and configuration).
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High-Speed & Various Pass Modes
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These printers often support multi-pass printing (e.g., 4-pass, 6-pass, 8-pass) that balances speed vs. quality. Source Printing
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Some models provide both high-speed printing for large banners and high-quality modes for more detailed work.
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Connectivity & Software
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Typical connection options include USB 3.0 for fast data transfer. goosam.en.made-in-china.com
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Printers may come bundled with RIP (Raster Image Processing) software such as Maintop RIP for color management, layout control, and job management. Source Printing+1
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Support for standard printing workflows (CMYK, with options for light colors) makes them versatile.
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Affordable Entry Price
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These “budget wide-format printers” are among the cheapest large-format eco-solvent / sublimation machines on the market. For example, some go for as low as US$1,429–1,500 for 1.3m–3.2m models with I3200/XP600 heads. goosam.en.made-in-china.com
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Another listing for a 3.2m eco-solvent machine with 2/4 XP600 / I3200 heads has a price range of US$3,000–3,500. Accio
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A 1.8m I3200-head printer from a reputable seller starts around $4,500, showing the variation depending on specs. signstech.com
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Some entry models (1.8 m, dual head XP600/I3200) are listed at $1,600–1,700. Accio
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Advantages & Benefits
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Cost-Effectiveness: These printers provide very wide print capacity at a fraction of the cost of premium industrial machines. Great for startups or small-to-medium printing businesses.
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Versatility: Ability to switch between eco-solvent and sublimation inks gives flexibility for different product lines (banners, textiles, wraps).
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High Output: Wide format and optional multiple printheads mean high throughput — ideal for large graphics, long banners, or bulk jobs.
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Durability: Eco-solvent prints are resistant to outdoor conditions (sun, rain), making them ideal for outdoor promotional materials.
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Scalable: You can begin with a single-headed, lower-cost configuration and upgrade later to more heads (if the supplier allows) as your business grows.
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Relatively Simple Maintenance: Compared to industrial machines (e.g., with Konica or Ricoh heads), the maintenance costs may be lower, though printheads like XP600 or I3200 still require care.
Trade-Offs & Risks
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Build Quality Variability: Because many of these are “budget / Chinese-manufactured” printers, the quality control can vary a lot depending on manufacturer.
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Support & Service: After-sales support may be limited or less reliable than established global brands. As some users say:
“Do not buy a china printer with no service support … it’s not that much cheaper and you will hate yourself forever.” Reddit
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Printhead Longevity: Lower-cost heads (or used ones) may not last as long, or they may be more prone to clogging if not maintained properly.
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Ink Costs: While eco-solvent ink is cheaper than some industrial inks, high volume printing will still require significant ink investment.
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Operational Learning Curve: Running a wide-format roll-to-roll printer requires understanding media handling, drying, temperature control, and RIP software.
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Power & Space Requirements: These machines are large (especially 3.2m width), heavy, and may require significant install space plus a reliable power supply.
Use Cases (Who It’s Best For)
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Small to Medium Sign Shops: Businesses that make banners, posters, and signs for local clients.
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Startups & Entrepreneurs: Printing firms just starting and looking for a cost-effective wide-format solution.
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Advertising Agencies / Graphic Studios: For proofing, short runs, or flexible production.
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Event & Exhibition Providers: Making backdrops, trade show materials, or long banners.
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Textile Printers: If using sublimation ink, you could print directly for fabric designs, home décor (curtains, canvas), or soft signage.
Example Models / Suppliers
Here are some specific examples from real manufacturers and suppliers:
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Goosam 1.3 m / 1.6 m / 1.8 m / 3.2 m Eco-Solvent Printer: Supports I1600, I3200, XP600 heads. Eco solvent and sublimation inks supported. goosam.en.made-in-china.com
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Vigojet 1.8m / 3.2m XP600 I3200 Eco Solvent Printer: Very wide-format model with 4-color CMYK, 1440 dpi resolution, compatible with roll materials. Price: ~US$2,100–3,200. vigojet.en.made-in-china.com+1
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1.8 m, 1.6 m Eco Solvent Printer (DoSIGN): Supports I3200, I1600, XP600 print heads, and multiple ink types including eco-solvent and sublimation. dosign.en.made-in-china.com
Conclusion
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This type of cheap 1.8m / 3.2m eco-solvent / sublimation printer offers one of the lowest barriers to entry for large-format printing, using widely available Epson-style printheads like I3200, I1600, XP600.
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It’s ideal for small-to-medium businesses that need wide-format printing for banners, vinyl, canvas, or textile, without paying the premium for industrial machines.
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However, potential buyers should carefully consider supplier reliability, after-sales support, and whether they are ready to manage maintenance (printhead cleaning, RIP software, etc.).
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If you choose the right seller, these printers can deliver good value and enable a printing business to scale affordably.
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