Review: Canon TC20M ink fill, maintenance cart and media choices. 24" width pigment ink printer

Looking at paper options for the Canon TC20M 24" width 4 ink [pigment] printer. Media options for roll and sheet. Ink filling, topping up and changing the MC-32 maintenance cartridge.
The detailed written review is at: www.northlight...
It includes links to all my other TC-20M videos and list of icc profiles created [email me if interested].
For a basic overview [~6 mins], see
• Initial review. Canon ...
Making a large [24" x36"] landscape print [30 mins]
• Canon TC20M 24"x36" la...
Printing on waterproof paper with the TC-20M [8 mins]
• Canon TC-20 M review: ...
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[@palcente]

Really original and down to earth KZbin channel! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thank you for helping me choose a right printer!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I have to thank someone at Canon for twisting my arm into doing the videos as well as my articles ;-) Glad it's of interest!

[@pavek]

That ink sound is a very fine ASMR example 🙂

[@KeithCooper]

Interesting... that stuff has no discernible effect on me :-) :-)

[@pavek]

@@KeithCooperWell, not that much on me either, but I've come to understand that it's a huge trend for some 😄

[@MrAdsy19]

Very helpful video, thanks. We bought one of these printers for CAD work in the office. Seems to work great.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - it's good solid printer.

[@hollythecrossstitchaddict83]

Thank you! Is there roller paper I can get that are labels as I need to print labels. Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

Not that I've seen in a size which would fit this printer. That said, I don't really have much knowledge of stationary type products...

[@hollythecrossstitchaddict83]

@KeithCooper OK thank you. May need to be the cut paper then

[@k4rl33]

I am experiencing banding with my freshly installed brand new Canon prograf TC 20m. I tryed only A3 format.

[@KeithCooper]

Have a look at alignment options, also do a nozzle clean, even if the nozzle check looks OK

[@mikeschewloka1121]

Hello, when I make a full color print with the device. For example, a poster where all colors take about 25%. How many prints can I make with one color fill?

[@KeithCooper]

Sorry, no idea whatsoever - the testing I do is far too varied to get any useful information in this respect.

[@paologo928]

Hi Keith. Did you have problems when printing with thicker papers? I tried 260gsm Luster paper and i found that the star rollers leave marks on the print. I also found that the other rollers also left markrs on the print when i tried 190gsm glossy paper

[@KeithCooper]

Not with this printer. I did notice that if you didn't let the paper hang over the edge as it came out and went towards the basket, then it could be forced upwards and touch the rollers. It's why the printer is at the edge of the desk - sorry I didn't think of mentioning this. I'll be sure to note it in the full [written] review when I can get round to finishing it [and the video to go with it]

[@paologo928]

@@KeithCooper ohh thanks for the suggestion. Ill try that! I enjoy your videos!

[@max_biz]

​@paologo928 I'm also seeing the same marks with 170 gsm satin photo paper. Any resolutions from Canon?

[@matjazgrafik]

Thanks.

[@KeithCooper]

You're welcome

[@joshgilbert9571]

Hey, another question. I’m having issues printing a dark red wine colour. All colours work and nozzle checks are fine. I’ve tried all recommended settings (ICC profiles, print settings etc). Is there just a limitation to what colour the printer can produce? Are burgundy reds a particularly hard colour to create for some printers?

[@KeithCooper]

Just four inks don't help - but a good profile makes all the difference Remember to try different rendering intents as well...

[@joshgilbert9571]

I’ve had my printer for 6 months or so now. I print for my wrapping paper business. I’ve gone through about 4 rolls of A1 40m. Now I’ve never performed a clean as I use it daily. Yet my maintenance tank is already full. Why is this?? The printer tends to sometimes do some kind of miss print. It starts to print but then freezes, after about 10 minutes it then cuts the paper then starts again. This can happen at any length of the print but usually does it at the first print. It tends to make a lot of noises as if it’s doing something after this error print. I’m assuming it’s cleaning or something, which is why my tank is full already. It’s also wasting a lot of my ink doing this. What do you think I should do? Does this sound normal? What could it be and should I contact canon? Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

Ink gets used at initialisation [clearing the lines of shipping fluid] so the first maintenance cart always fills quicker. You don't have to do a clean, for cleaning to happen. Sounds like a comms problem - have you checked for firmware updates?

[@joshgilbert9571]

Interesting. Well once this tank fills, I’ll replace. Then see how long that one takes. Firmware says it’s up to date. I’ve contacted canon to see what they say. Seems to be a lot of paper issues with this printer. I’m also getting issues where it says the paper is jammed. After fixing this I can see it’s also performing a clean or something every time. Which isn’t helping with the tank and ink issue

[@marcusjames1221]

Hi Keith when I print from the Front paper tray when printing posterboard do I have to take off the Rolled paper tray on the back on the EPSON SURECOLOUR P900 thack you Mark

[@KeithCooper]

No problem ;-) Yes, unclip the roll unit...

[@samuelslater2029]

Hi Keith, thank you for your detailed printing tests!! I am interested in potentially using gone of these printers to print film positives on transparencies to use for screen printing. Ideally I would replace all the inks with black ink in order to make the deepest black/opaque blacks possible. I haven't been able to find any info on anyone using this printer to do that. What do you think? Can I send you a sheet of wet media transparency to test a print on using the normal inks? Thank of your considerations!

[@KeithCooper]

Don't know this one I'm afraid - the printer is back off to Canon at some point, so new testing has finished [I've written, but not yet published the full review]

[@martyloschen8288]

try taking some of the fine art paper off the roll until it fits

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - the one I had was paper I'd paid for for another printer, so I was waiting for it to get used up a bit more ;-)

[@lohikarhu734]

Here's a funny thing, maybe a compliment... I'm not actually interested in this printer, for me, but I simply enjoy your videos! (BTW, were you on stockohoto, or colortheory mailing list?)

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks! Not on Stockphoto, but have contributed to the colortheory list over the years ;-)

[@lohikarhu734]

thanks, Keith, i was quite sure that Northlight rang the proverbial bell. ;-) i remember the days of "8 bit is forever enough..." but, since i had worked in colour since 1976, and worked with display technology for "a while", i just stayed a lurker... Cheers, a 🇨🇦 in 🇩🇪

[@soloesfutbol2962]

Hi Keith! Im very glad to have found your channel. I want to print posters and i check your videos for the canon tc20m, just want to know if I can print on a hahnemühle photo matt fibre 200g 24" roll. I'm new on this world so I would like your advice. Cheers from Mexico!

[@KeithCooper]

The TC-20M only directly supports 2" cores for rolls - I thought HM stuff was 3"?

[@soloesfutbol2962]

@@KeithCooper thanks for your reply, so the only way to print on the HM papers 24" is cutting on sheets? Or there is no way. Sorry for my ignorance but I'm just discovering this.

[@nosublime]

I have one question. On Canon Japan's website, which describes the specifications of this printer, I found the following statement: "If you print on photo or film-based paper, the ink may peel off even after it has dried if you rub it with your fingernail or other object.“ Did you encounter this problem with glossy paper or other paper when you used the printer?

[@KeithCooper]

No, not at all. I'm using standard inkjet papers which work with other Epson/Canon printers. There are papers which don't work with such printers and similarly I'd expect them not to work with the TC-20M The inks do show slight signs of gloss differential - not a lot, but exactly what I'd expect from any pigment ink printer on such papers

[@tevielugg3065]

How can i get the icc profile?

[@KeithCooper]

The profiles I created [for different papers] for the review are listed in the written review [see notes] and available by emailing me. www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@andraegraham9668]

any waterproof sticker media for it available

[@KeithCooper]

Not that I've seen. It may exist, but no-one has ever sent me any to test ;-)

[@celticed8100]

Hi Keith, enjoying your videos. Looking for some help. I run a small print and design business, and my case is unusual, in that I had a large format setup with a Roland solvent printer and all the sign gear, but I finally had to sell it as I just didn't have the space. I now want to get back to offering my customers, canvases and posters, but need to seriously downsize. I'm thinking of a 24" pigment printer. I have narrowed it down to the Epson sc-t2100, HP designjet 210, or the Canon Tc-20m. (I think?) Can you offer any advice?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah... the cheap end of 24" ;-) The tc-20M is the only one I've tested. Good prints but with some limitations worth noting [and ink not as cheap as you might hope] See www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/ For commercial use I'd want at least a Canon PRO-2100 [or 2600, or the commercial version - I forget the number] or an Epson P6500 HP don't return my calls, so no idea

[@eamonnshields7729]

@@KeithCooper Hi Keith, Thanks for getting back to me - I think?!?!. I probably didn't stress the 'lack of space' aspect enough. I wasn't going for "cheap" I was going for "very compact with definite compromises" (as I said, I've been down the road of commercial inkjets) and was just wondering if you had any experience with the other two machines, to compare, as they seem very similar.

[@KeithCooper]

@@eamonnshields7729 Ah - thanks for the clarification not seen the other two I'm afraid - would definitely want to check out the Epson one if I had a chance

[@chusfoose]

I have a question, could you give your opinion regarding CAD printing? Focused on architecture, I am interested in purchasing this Canon plotter to replace my old HP plotter that is already 10 years old and is starting to fail very often. I am an architect and I use the plotter for CAD prints (Construction Plans, Renders, Presentation Sheets, ETC) mainly printing plans.

[@KeithCooper]

I don't have any source materials to print, or any specialist software to generate them. However, if you can spare an image, I'd be happy to include it in a look at such printing since I have rolls of plain paper and other media which might suffice. Contact me via Northlight Images [email] if you can spare an image, so we can discuss options for print etc? PS For me this is a printer used for plot type output - not a plotter. Plotters I used to use had interchangeable pens and were fascinating to watch as they built up the output... [yes it was a while ago] :-)

[@chusfoose]

I sent you some documents so that you can do the tests as indicated, I hope they are useful.@@KeithCooper

[@poorasiantv2389]

after 10 months of seldom use, my printer canon imageprograf tc-20m cyan color is not coming out . . . please help canon . . .

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - lack of use will do that Try a cleaning cycle and nozzle test... are all of the other inks working fully? Do a strong clean, wait for an hour or so and repeat the process, don't just keep repeating without waiting - maybe overnight. If nothing changes after a few days, go to Canon - you may need a new print head

[@martyloschen8288]

I placed a two inch core inside of three inch core

[@KeithCooper]

That's a good idea - I'll give it a go

[@martyloschen8288]

@@KeithCooper of course you'll have to use some of the paper because the diameter will be too large to fit with a brand new role

[@martyloschen8288]

*roll

[@christophermoore7105]

I need help with finding a printer that can print thick cardstock straight. I use the Epson ET-8550 but I can't get a straight print. I spent $800 on the printer and fairly disappointed with the alignment of the printing from the rear manual feed. Please help!

[@KeithCooper]

There isn't much in the way of card printing options, with a flat print path. The P700/900/5000 support this. The 8550 rear feed can have difficulties [see my review and related videos], but I have had someone suggesting rigging guides on a sheet of ply - so the printer sits on a wooden base with screws in it at the back to form a card guide. However I don't have one here to test and have never seen this shown anywhere...

[@christophermoore7105]

@KeithCooper Thank you! I'll watch your review videos and see what I can do I have sort of a rig myself for the ET-8550 but it's very minimal help and not consistent. I'll also check the p700 reviews ans see if that would fix my problem I'm trying to print double sided and cut the cardstock to match both sides

[@KeithCooper]

The trailing margin requirements may be an issue for double sided?

[@anandascapes]

I can't find any info on how to color calibrate this printer. I printed my first sheet and the colors are brownish Help!

[@KeithCooper]

You can't calibrate it. it is possible to make normal icc profiles, as I did in the main review www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/

[@maciejrzepka7109]

inks cost as much as for the pro1000. the question is would it accept some aftermarket replacement without clogging the printhead?

[@KeithCooper]

No idea - this is Canon's printer. Such things are always at your own risk - cheap comes in many guises ;-)

[@maciejrzepka7109]

@@KeithCooper Big headache with the printer choice... I've included this one in the businessplan for my art studio, because of the ciss and pigment. I'm afraid to start with those professional ones like pro1000 because of costs -better to wait for the stable demand of prints. If only 8550 had pigment inks with all the good reviews would be my choice, even being made of plastic entirely ;). I've been considering those big office Epson pigment ink tank printers; genuine inks are 3 times cheaper than here. But not so many reviews and I found one saying it is terrible for cardstock etc. I see no good choice...

[@maciejrzepka7109]

still, thank you @KeithCooper for all the tests you make! :)

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - the problem with 'cardstock' is this usually means non inkjet media and that works poorly on Canon an Epson Pick the wrong media and it will look poor...

[@maciejrzepka7109]

@@KeithCooper I'm aware the paper must be inkjet compatible but I think in that comment about Epson ET16650 I refer to (so hard to trust the only one found), it seemed to be a broader problem with compatibility. Workforce 4760 works fine for this person. The guy wrote about ET16650 on BestBuy page:..................... 'Reality Check - Horrible Printer. Do Not Buy if you are a graphic designer looking for a printer that handles heavier media like cardstock. The specifications on this printer claim that it does handle these materials. Reality is it leaves stripes, wet ink, sprayed ink blots in random places, and the quality -- on any setting -- is absolutely horrible. I tested 27 different paper types in 10 different thicknesses. I also tried numerous settings with each of these 27 paper types (ranging in paper cover wt from 50 lb - 130 lb, in numerous textures and brightnesses, etc.). I lost hundreds of dollars on the media alone. It was so disappointing to wait 7 months for this to come in stock, and ask it to do something relatively simple like print an envelope or invitation and see ink spray everywhere on the media. It absolutely cannot handle a custom paper size -- it lets you enter it, but then it sprays ink all over the custom size print. Another horrible problem is it ruins photos if there is any black in the photo -- the black ink overprints and sprays (even on the lightest settings). Often times, the black ink would take hours to dry as well. Hours. It also smears and makes eyes look like black lines or ovals. It makes shirts or hair or any other dark element look like a black ink blob. I have long been a fan of Epson. I have their Epson SC-F570 24" printer for sublimation and it works Great. I have the WorkForce 4760 and it is Excellent -- and handles pretty thick media for envelope printing on custom settings (even though it is not designed to). This one though is a total fail as a thick media printer or photo printer or mixed media printer. So not worth it. Returning it to Best Buy tomorrow. Don't waste your money or time. Definitely Not Worth It.'.........................

[@marzbarz915]

Anyone have any specific shop where I may buy paper roll for the TC-20? I cant find any 2" core super heavy-weight rolls online.

[@KeithCooper]

Several of my samples came from Dupli in Leicester

[@kored01]

How would you compare this one to Canon Imageprograf Ta-20?

[@KeithCooper]

No idea I'm afraid - this is the only printer of its type I've tested

[@kored01]

@@KeithCooper Thx for fast reply! Would you say 4 vs 5 ink is any deference?

[@KeithCooper]

5 likely helps, but I'm afraid I know nothing about the ta-20

[@kored01]

@@KeithCooper Srsly Thanks so much for the input! Im probably leaning now towards the PRO-2100. Love you videos! Best on youtube by far!!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I have a detailed written review of the PRO-2000 [largely identical to the 2100] if you've not seen it. [predates my making these supplemental videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-imageprograf-pro-2000-printer-review/

[@sidenbladh]

How could Karen not appreciate the lovely certificate - I would’ve been chuffed to get a certificate like that from my boss…mind you I have my own business and the boss is an ass…

[@KeithCooper]

It's on synthetic paper too, so difficult to tear in half as well :-)

[@m.azzettiphotography]

without a shirt? What happen? 😂😂

[@KeithCooper]

As I said - one of the hottest days of the year here in the UK ;-) I have no desire to live in a hot climate...

[@gary4739]

LOL Tiz the first thing I noticed too!

[@llyndenfuturenameplates647]

60mt until you have to change the tank

[@KeithCooper]

I don't know - the printer was loaned to me already set up

[@llyndenfuturenameplates647]

@@KeithCooper I understand, but what I'm telling is that after 60Mt of printing you will have to change the Maintenance tank, also Black ink will need to be refilled after every 30Mt of print at 600DPI. Still testing for 300DPI

[@ladakhticket6195]

SIR how many papers print in A1 size of i set of 1set of ink cartage..... estimate

[@KeithCooper]

No idea I'm afraid - my testing is too varied to get any meaningful data for how much you'll get from a set of ink bottles [not cartridges]