Mimaki TS330-1600 vs TS300P: What Is the Difference?

Mimaki offers a range of dye-sublimation printers tailored to the textile and soft signage markets. Two of the most frequently compared models are the TS330-1600 and the TS300P. While both are capable 1.6-metre-wide sublimation printers, they target different production environments and budget levels. Understanding the differences between these two machines is essential for making a purchasing decision that aligns with your business volume and growth plans.

The TS330-1600 was released as a successor to the TS300P, incorporating several key improvements in print speed, ink technology, and media handling. The TS300P, while older, remains a reliable workhorse that many print shops continue to operate successfully. Below, we break down the major differences across the categories that matter most to production managers and business owners.

Print Speed and Productivity Comparison

The most significant difference between the two models lies in production speed. The TS330-1600 is equipped with advanced printhead technology that allows it to reach speeds of up to 140 square metres per hour in draft mode. In high-quality production mode, it still delivers approximately 20 square metres per hour. The TS300P, by comparison, tops out at around 68 square metres per hour in draft mode and roughly 14 square metres per hour in high-quality mode. This means the TS330-1600 offers roughly double the throughput, making it a far better choice for businesses that run high-volume shifts or need to meet tight deadlines.

Both printers support bi-directional printing, but the TS330-1600 improvements in carriage speed and media transport contribute to its faster overall output. For a growing business, the extra speed can translate directly into higher revenue per machine per day.

Ink System Differences

The TS330-1600 uses Mimaki Sb620 ink, a newly formulated sublimation ink that offers a wider colour gamut and improved colour vibrancy compared to the older Sb420 ink used in the TS300P. The Sb620 inks also provide better storage stability and reduced odour during printing. Both printers utilise a bulk ink supply system, but the TS330-1600 introduces a larger ink capacity option that reduces the frequency of ink changes during long production runs.

Another important difference is the deaeration mechanism. The TS330-1600 includes a more advanced deaeration unit that removes air bubbles from the ink before it reaches the printhead, reducing the risk of missing nozzles and improving print reliability. This is a practical advantage in production environments where consistent output quality is critical.

Media Handling

Both printers accommodate media widths up to 1,620 millimetres, but the TS330-1600 features a heavier-duty media take-up system that can handle rolls weighing up to 40 kilograms. The TS300P standard take-up system is rated for lighter rolls. For shops printing long runs of fabric or transfer paper, the heavier capacity reduces the number of roll changes and allows for unattended operation over extended periods.

The TS330-1600 also includes an improved media edge sensor and a tension control system that reduces the risk of media misalignment during high-speed printing. The TS300P is perfectly capable for short to medium runs, but operators running at high speed on lightweight media may encounter occasional tracking issues that the TS330-1600 is designed to avoid.

Which One Suits Different Business Sizes

The TS300P remains an excellent entry-level machine for start-ups and small print shops. Its lower purchase price, proven reliability, and lower ink costs make it a sensible first investment. Many businesses begin with the TS300P and upgrade to the TS330-1600 once their order volume justifies the higher capital expenditure.

The TS330-1600 is better suited to medium and large production facilities that require high throughput, superior colour quality, and minimal downtime. If you are printing more than 500 square metres per week, the speed advantages of the TS330-1600 will quickly offset its higher upfront cost through increased productivity.

Both printers are well-built and supported by Mimaki global service networks. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to your production volume, budget, and growth trajectory.

Contact Luminacolor for available machines, inks and spare parts.