XP600 vs i3200 Printhead — Which One Should You Buy in Kenya?

May 4, 2026 — Charles

If you have been shopping for a large format printer or DTF machine in Kenya, you have definitely come across these two names — XP600 and i3200. Every supplier has an opinion. Some say the XP600 is fine for beginners. Others insist the i3200 is the only serious option. So which one should you actually buy?

Let us break it down properly — no sales talk, just real information to help you make the right decision for your business.

What is a Printhead?

The printhead is the most important part of any inkjet printer. It is the component that fires tiny droplets of ink onto your media — film, vinyl, canvas, or fabric. The quality of your printhead determines your print quality, print speed, and how long your machine lasts without problems.

Both the XP600 and i3200 are piezo printheads made by Epson, but they are completely different in generation, technology, and performance.

The Epson XP600 Printhead

The XP600 is an older generation Epson printhead that was originally designed for Epson desktop printers. It was later adapted for use in wide-format eco-solvent and DTF printers. It is popular because it is affordable and widely available in Kenya.

• Print width per head: 21.6mm
• Maximum resolution: 1440 x 2880 dpi
• Fire frequency: Moderate
• Cost: Lower — replacement heads are cheaper
• Best for: Startups and small volume operations

Our 1.8m large format printers with XP600 printheads are some of our most popular entry-level machines. They are perfect for someone starting out who wants to test the market without a huge investment.

The Epson i3200 Printhead

The i3200 is the latest generation Epson printhead and a serious upgrade over the XP600 in every way. It was designed specifically for industrial-grade production environments and has become the standard for serious print shops across Kenya and East Africa.

• Print width per head: 29.9mm — 38% wider than XP600
• Maximum resolution: Up to 2880 dpi
• Fire frequency: Up to 50,000 times per second — much faster
• Ink compatibility: Wider range including aggressive eco-solvent inks
• Best for: Medium to high volume daily production

Our 60cm DTF printers with dual i3200 printheads and 3.2m large format printers with i3200 printheads are built for businesses that need to print fast and print a lot — every single day.

Head-to-Head Comparison

So Which Should You Buy?

Here is the honest answer:

Choose the XP600 if: You are just starting out, you have a limited budget, or you are not yet sure how many orders you will get per day. It is a solid machine that will serve you well as you build your customer base.

Choose the i3200 if: You already have customers, you know you will be printing daily, or you want to grow fast. The i3200 is faster, sharper, and more durable. Yes, it costs more — but the speed alone means you can serve more customers every day, which means more income.

Most serious print shops in Nairobi that started with XP600 machines have eventually upgraded to i3200. If your budget allows it, start with the i3200 and save yourself the upgrade cost later.

What About Maintenance?

Whichever printhead you choose, maintenance is non-negotiable. In Kenya’s climate — especially in humid coastal areas or during rainy season — ink can settle and clog printheads if machines are left idle. Always use quality eco-solvent cleaning liquids and run your machine daily if possible.

At Vignette Printers, we stock both XP600 and i3200 replacement printheads so you are never stuck if something goes wrong.

Talk to Us Before You Buy

Still not sure which machine is right for you? That is what we are here for. Our team has helped hundreds of printers across Kenya choose the right equipment for their specific situation and budget.

👉 Browse our full range of printers or chat with us on WhatsApp and we will give you a straight recommendation based on your budget and needs.