I'm currently on the hunt for a reliable inkjet that allows direct printing onto CDs.

We're currently using an Epson R285, however this is constantly clogging up and leaving streaks down the page which means I have to faff about for ages cleaning it before it starts working again. This has been with mostly genuine Epson cartridges as well.

One problem is that this will only be used to print on CDs and only about 3-4 a week will need to be printed. I suspect it's this low volume which is causing most of the problems, as well as a lot of ink wastage as it has to clean itself a lot of the time before it does anything.

The discs are only in b/w, yet we still end up replacing the colour cartridges fairly often as it uses no end when it runs through its cleaning cycle.

I've just started looking at canons, however high ink prices, and the potential for the same problem are putting me off a bit.

Any of you chaps with any real world experience on this sort thing?

I use an old R200 to print CDs and don't have any problems. I use cheap cartridges.

You can get similar ones for the R285 http://www.scan.co.uk/search.aspx?q=R285.

In your case you may need to clean the head or even replace it. Cleaning cartridges usually work but I see all the sellers have a disclaimer. They are not cheap. see http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SET-COMPATIBLE-HEAD-CLEANING-CARTRIDGES-EPSON-R265-R285-/220730747427?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_Printing_PrinterInkCatridges_JN&hash=item336493ea23

Never had much problem with the Epsons myself, at least, up until the point where the printer generally started to self-destruct.

You don't say what sort of volume of CDs you want to print nor what kind of quality finish you need? If it's a relatively low run and it's just a way of neatly identifying CDs, I use CD labels that can go through a laser printer. If it's a high enough volume and needs a good finish, there are companies out there that'll professionally print a spindle of blank CDs for you - though these days most people seem to be happy downloading disk images off t'interweb, so it's not something I have much cause to use these days and couldn't recommend a specific one.

Never had much problem with the Epsons myself, at least, up until the point where the printer generally started to self-destruct.

You don't say what sort of volume of CDs you want to print nor what kind of quality finish you need? If it's a relatively low run and it's just a way of neatly identifying CDs, I use CD labels that can go through a laser printer. If it's a high enough volume and needs a good finish, there are companies out there that'll professionally print a spindle of blank CDs for you - though these days most people seem to be happy downloading disk images off t'interweb, so it's not something I have much cause to use these days and couldn't recommend a specific one.

Like I said in the original post, 3-4 a week.

We can't get these professionally printed unfortunately as they will generally have version numbers etc, which may only need to be produced once or twice.

It's only our logo and a some text to identify software version etc. that's on the disc and is only in b/w.

Like I said in the original post, 3-4 a week.

For some reason I read that as every 3-4 weeks rather than 3-4 CDs a week.

But yeah, for the sort of stuff you're doing I use CD labels...

Problem is we used to use sticky labels, and TBH they look crap, especially when being sent out with brochures etc.

Yeah, it looks like a home-made CD, but then that's essentially what it is.

It could be worth enquiring with a local print shop - if they set up the artwork in the first run and then are just changing version numbers in it, the cost may not be prohibitive and you'll be assured of good results...and think of how much "cost" you'll save in your time from cleaning out a printer.

Failing that, investigate thermal/dyesub printers - generally the results from these are spectacular when printing on paper, whether it would work as well on CD I don't know...

Why not use lightscribe disks?

Ahh I'd forgotten about lightscribe. Can you get them with white tops?

Ahh I'd forgotten about lightscribe. Can you get them with white tops?

Typical!

I circumvent the problem and then more obstacles are put in the way lol.

....and in answer to it, I don't actually think you can as the disk label/image is written by light and not ink so needs a compatible surface.

Hmmm... Well maybe a silver disc will still be acceptable.

I'll have a word with the powers that be tomorrow.

Why not use lightscribe disks?

Exactly!!! These are pretty good and can look more "pro" than even the best sticky labels especially for the volumes that you are doing!! make sure your dvd/cd drive will do lightscribing tho' if not by a new standalone one!!

Well I've just "borrowed" a lightscribe burner from a spare tower that was kicking about after somebody left, and have ordered some discs, so I'll wait and see what they look like.

Lightscribe seems to do the trick quite well. If only the burning of the discs was quicker

Typical Sam!

Looking to complete the task in the shortest possible time - or so his ex girlfriend was always saying. ;-)