Discover the Best Sublimation Printer
Whether you’re a business or an individual, sublimation printing is a great way to get high-quality, durable prints. As technology has progressed, sublimation printing has become more accessible, and there are now a lot of sublimation printers available. In spite of this, it can be a bit challenging to choose the right one out of the many available.
The purpose of this article is to discuss the best sublimation printers on the market as well as what it is important to look for when buying one.
What is Sublimation Printing?
Using pressure and heat (between 350 – 400 degrees), sublimation printing transfers designs from sublimation paper onto fabrics or other materials. By converting the solid particles of ink into a gaseous state, the sublimation prints and transfers make it easy and cost-effective to personalize products that are used by both companies and individuals.
Over the past few years, the sublimation process and sublimation printing have become increasingly popular due to its high-quality end product. However, in order to be successful with this form of printing, it is essential that you have a good understanding of how to design the designs (by watching tutorials and reading guides such as this one). Please read the explanation below to better understand how sublimation printing works.
When the process is performed incorrectly, white creases may appear on the designs or ghosting patterns may appear. The result of this can be a loss of both time and money. Test a few designs before doing it in bulk, so that you can become more familiar with the machines and how the designs will appear on the fabric.
As a starting point, you may want to try a simple design rather than a design that covers the entire fabric. It’s fun to experiment with more detailed creations once you’re used to them.
The Best Sublimation Printers Reviewed in Detail
Many designers, DIY artists, and hobbyists have carved out niches in sublimation printing, a form of printing that uses heat, pressure, and special ink, to print on surfaces like fabrics and metal.
Printed t-shirts, metal cards, decorative ceramics, and wooden signage are all being sold by young entrepreneurs around the world. Almost all of them use high-quality sublimation printers.
Sawgrass sublimation printers are one of the best sublimation printer brands in the US market right now, according to these professionals.
Our tests showed that not all printers of the models were rated as the best sublimation printer for sublimation printing by their respective users. To find the best ones, we tested them for hours across various projects.
We’re talking about our findings from that exam in this guide. You can read sublimation printer reviews of the top models right now, their pros and cons, and a FAQ section at the end to help you pick the right one.
1. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 – Sublimation Printer
The Sawgrass Company has been around since 1988 and pioneered digital ink and dye. In the market today, it’s a leader thanks to its cutting-edge sublimation printers and several US patents. One of the company’s most popular series is the Virtuoso series.
There are times when the desire arises to turn your passion into a profession, a side project, or something that you can moonlight. The Virtuoso SG500 is designed for individuals who are interested in setting up a sublimation or screen printing business while releasing their creativity to the public.
Due to its compact design, desktop publishing capabilities, and auxiliary support, the Virtuoso is considered one of the best sublimation printers for beginners.
Additionally, you will be provided with a subscription to the company’s CreativeStudio Online Designer and Color Management Software. With this software, you can design your own prints, manage the color scheme, and print out the most beautiful products for your clients.
What really stumps us about the Virtuoso SG500 is the quality of its ink. Initially, we tested the printer on a polyester t-shirt with a colorful graphic design. Not only did the output match the digital design, but it also adhered to the individual thread strands of the fabric.
Using Sawgrass’s pioneering SubliJet UHD Sublimation ink technology, this is possible on a wide range of surfaces, including aluminum panels, tiles, hardwood, glass, fiberglass, and slates.
It has now ceased to be a hobbyist’s tool and has become a machine that is preferred by creative entrepreneurs, boutique business owners, and freelance designers.
With Wi-Fi connectivity, high-resolution printing up to 4880 x 1200 dpi, and power efficiency, this printer is among the best in its class.
The Virtuoso SG500 offers everything you need in a sublimation printer print and remains one of the most reliable and best sublimation name printers on the market.
Summary of Findings
If you are looking for high-quality sublimation printing, along with sweet extras that will speed up your work, then you should consider this Sawgrass sublimation printer. You cannot avoid being impressed by this beast, which sits on your desk and produces some of the most impressive designs you have ever seen. Make sure you get it today!
2. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 – Printer For Sublimation
Epson is a Japanese brand that dates back to 1942. You know how capable Epson is if you’ve ever worked in an office, so let’s stop wasting your time.
You can do a lot with the WF-7720, including faxing, scanning, copying, and printing in color. In reality, it is a hybrid printer designed for inkjet sublimation printing and can be used with inkjet ink to print on matte, glossy, and cardstock papers. The machine cannot be used to print directly on t-shirts or other fabrics.
Its USP is its wireless printing capabilities, which make it a popular choice among office users. Do you have a PDF sent to your smartphone by a client on WhatsApp?
All that is necessary is to check the settings and send it to the Epson WF-7720 so that it can be printed. The Epson printers will respond the same way to print signals sent via near-field communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi. As a result of the dual paper trays, you can separate the types of paper according to your needs.
In addition to its high capacity and quick printing capabilities, the Epson 7720 sublimation printer is perhaps best known for its high capacity. It is an investment that will reduce your waiting time and printing time by half (compared to the average) with the ability to hold 500 sheets and print out papers in a matter of seconds.
It should be noted that while the maximum printing size is 13 x 19 inches, the scanning option (via the bed) allows for a surface size of 11.7 x 17 inches. It is not bad for a machine that is a good all-rounder and requires only periodic ink replacement.
Even though Epson claims that the ink consumption is low, we found that the indicator decreased after printing about 30 sheets for a test project. Ink consumption is high with most inkjet printers due to the small number of ink trays (only four).
The printer is a beast (massive in size, too), but it performs well without causing lag or problems with paper jams. You will be able to recognize the Epson printers’ quality as soon as you open the box and begin printing.
Summary of Findings
With this device, you are able to take advantage of the features of multiple devices as well as the feature of sublimation printing. In order to run a small business, you do not need another printer. Now is the time to try Epson WorkForce 7720!
3. Epson WorkForce WF-7210 – Printer For Sublimation
Another Epson printer with a competitive price but without the ability to copy and scan. Most of the aspects of the WF-7210 are similar to those of the above model that we reviewed. In spite of its modest price and the absence of critical features such as copying, scanning, and faxing, it does pretty much everything else with the same efficiency.
Using a smartphone or a wirelessly connected laptop, you can send printing commands, insert different types of paper sheets, and adjust the printer ink according to your needs. It may be marketed by Epson as an inkjet printer for offices, but it can also be used for sublimation printing. (In most aspects, the Epson WF-7210 is like a younger cousin of the above model we reviewed. Modestly priced and without the critical functionality of copying, scanning, and faxing, it pretty much does everything else with the same finesse.)
Send printing commands to the desktop printer via a smartphone or a wirelessly connected laptop, insert different types of paper sheets in the dual trays, and tweak the printer ink according to your own sublimation print needs. Although Epson markets it as an inkjet printer for office use, you can use it for sublimation printing as well. This printer can be converted from a regular inkjet printer into a sublimation printer by changing the ink system to accept foreign cartridges and inks.
In addition to the controls, the entire setup is simple and straightforward. As a result of its plug-and-play configuration, it has become a favorite among users. What makes it a top contender for office use is its low energy consumption. We agree with Epson’s claim that it uses 80% less power than its competitors due to the machine’s low heat dissipation, low noise, and smooth operation.
The only drawback we encountered was with the printer heads. They cannot be removed, and cleaning them can be a hassle over time. You should not buy a printer that has maintenance issues unless it is being offered at a significant discount.
Summary of Findings
The Epson WorkForce WF-7210 is a good option for those on a budget who are looking for a cheap sublimation printer that produces good results. Despite its affordability and reliability, you will be able to use it for many years to come.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Sublimation Printer For Shirts
Printers are considered to be expensive because they must be used frequently or the ink will dry up and need to be replaced. It is the Epson Ecotank printer ET-15000’s aim to defeat this notion.
The reason for this is the use of the innovative EcoTank ink bottles in this Epson sublimation printer, which are the first of their kind. This is a wonderful improvement over the usual cartridges which dry up if they are not used and will drain after a few prints. Due to the design of this bottle, the nozzle is only compatible with the container for the ink refills designated color of the ink cartridge.
As a result, you do not have to worry about overfilling it or filling it when you do not need to. You can check the ink levels both digitally and physically (you can see the levels directly), which we believe is highly useful when managing an office.
The ET-15000 was designed specifically for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners with startups in the field of t-shirts and clothing printing. In order to reap the benefits of a printer investment, it needs to be used occasionally. It is a relatively high cost that can only be justified by those who run a business.
Epson does not mention that its EcoTank ET-15000 can be used as a sublimation printer for shirts in its marketing literature. Adding the right sublimation printer and ink (foreign brands work well) to the ink containers is all that is required for a purpose-built sublimation printer. You do not even have to adjust the ink system as you would with the WF-7210. With the large color tanks, you will be able to maintain efficiency and ensure that your customers receive the best quality sublimation prints possible.
It is an excellent choice for an office setup due to the added functionality of faxing, scanning, and copying.
Summary of Findings
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the ideal sublimation printer for t-shirts if you are looking for the highest quality output. You can also manage your typical office administration tasks with added functionality such as faxing, scanning, and copying. This is a life-saving tool.
5. Epson SureColor T3170 – Large Format Sublimation Printer
There are times when you need to print on big sheets of paper. You can always count on Epson to assist you.
Most of the above four models were restricted to the use of short sheets of paper or other fabrics. This particular one is intended for large formats. In this case, we are discussing sizes up to 24 inches. In other words, you can print in a variety of sizes, such as A1 and A3, regardless of what type of print you do or what business you operate.
For an engineer working with AutoCAD, a large piece of card paper will be required to print a plotter. Providing high performance and high reliability, the T3170 is the answer to their needs.
A single sheet of A1-sized paper can be printed in less than 40 seconds, according to Epson. The duration took a few extra seconds in our tests, but we must give credit to the brand since we were printing a plotted blueprint. Our favorite feature of this model is its speed. It is perhaps the fastest model on this list when it comes to processing speed.
It should also be noted that this is not a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer available for dye sublimation inks. You can use the Epson T3170 to print designs on card paper, but it cannot print on fabrics or vinyl. It is recommended that you use Epson sheets in order to achieve the best results.
With this model, Epson really outdoes itself by offering a large print area aimed at designers, architects, engineers, and small business owners. As a result of the wider cartridges, better ink flow is also provided, which, in conjunction with the PrecisionCore MicroTFP Printhead, ensures that the outputs have a consistent color tone.
This product is recommended for business owners who want to create and print designs, plots, and posters for their work using Plotter software. There may be a disappointment for individuals seeking a versatile, affordable sublimation printer for beginners. Alternatively, you may wish to consider one of the four models listed above.
Summary of Findings
It is a large-format sublimation printer, but it is only capable of printing on paper sheets and cards. Engineering and architecture professionals are attracted to its inkjet capabilities and wide printing area.
6. Brother MFC-J995DW – Inkjet Printer For Sublimation
Brother is another Japanese company on this list that produces a wide array of electronic and electrical equipment. Brother is perhaps most well-known for its sewing machines and sergers. The company’s printers are also pretty popular in the US.
Brother MFC-J995DW is a sublimation printer designed for home use. The machine also serves as a versatile workstation with support for OCR scanning, faxing, and copying.
If you are the owner of a business and are seeking an all-in-one printer that is easy to set up and can also be used for both sublimation paper and transfer paper, (paper and cards only), then you have found what you are looking for.
Among the highlights of this model are the intelligent page gauge system and the manufacturer’s claim that the ink will last for a very long time.
This Brother model will automatically print any type of page with the correct settings regardless of the type of page. The result is no lags, no stuck papers, and no wasted time.
As an additional benefit, Brother guarantees that its ink cartridges will last longer than average. This claim is not true for sublimation printing, but if you use the MFC-J995DW primarily for printing in the office, it may make sense. For sublimation printing, you will need to replace the machine’s cartridges with sublimation ink cartridges.
Print commands can be sent via Wi-Fi, NFC, or USB, which is now a standard feature for most all-rounders. Dual-page printing works the same way. This is the best printer that you should buy if you are looking for a suitable printer for your home office.
Summary of Findings
You should consider this model if you have been recommended a Brother printer for sublimation. Compared to other models in this price range and feature set, it is the most versatile.
7. Canon imagePROGRAF iPF770 – Dye Sublimation Printer
One side of the equation is the Epson loyalists. On the other hand, there are Canon enthusiasts. In terms of performance and speed, Canon has proven to be a formidable competitor. It is no different with this large-format sublimation printer.
The iPF770 aims to compete with other affordable sublimation printers by improving its performance, speed, and ink capacity. When compared with models in the same category, all three aspects of this machine are on the higher side.
Firstly, there is the 36-inch printing area, which can produce vivid-looking posters and sheets in a record amount of time. There is no doubt that A1 sheets are being printed with impeccable accuracy in a matter of a few seconds. Based on Canon’s own claims, the speed is faster than that of the Epson SureColor T3170 that we reviewed previously.
Canon also offers a handy option for sending print commands via its cloud portal system. This can be very useful if you have an always-on printer at your office and would like to send something to be printed from another location.
However, it does have its share of shortcomings. Printing is not possible on fabric or thick boards, but only on paper sheets and film papers. For wide-format sublimation printers, this is a serious limitation. There is no doubt that you can get wide plots of sublimation blanks and blueprints with exceptional color consistency and speed, but it will not perform as well as the Sawgrass sublimation printer we featured at the start of this listing.
In spite of the drawbacks, we believe the status monitor and eco-mode (where less ink and power are consumed while printing) compensate for them, making this printer a reliable unit. You won’t be disappointed if you operate a small t-shirt printing business out of your home and need to print large designs and plots.
Summary of Findings
A Canon iPF770 sublimation printer is an excellent entry-level sublimation printer for beginners with a wide printing area. Be aware that it cannot be printed directly on fabric before making a purchase.
8. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 – Sublimation Printer
SG500 is designed for startups and creative solopreneurs, while SG1000 is designed for small businesses that require more power, versatility, and speed.
SG1000 could be described as SG500 on steroids. It is rather its stronger cousin since it offers the same features but with an increased capability to print directly to garments (DTG) and manufacture apparel and soft goods.
Essentially, this Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 is focused on the ability to create replicas of your designs at a faster rate than the previous one. You can conveniently place the machine on your desk and it will provide you with seamless output without causing any stress.
Additionally, we are pleased with the backlit LCD and control panel which are easy to operate and handle, similar to the SG500 model. You should consider this product if you manage a boutique business or a gift shop, or if you require stronger support (if you already own a Sawgrass sublimation machine).
A further advantage of the SG1000 is that it is backward compatible with SG500 and SG800 accessories, which makes it an ideal choice for loyal fans of the brand. It is not necessary to mention the model’s automatic maintenance cycle, one of its most loved features.
Summary of Findings
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 is one of the best sublimation printers for small businesses. There is no doubt that it is a reliable piece of modern technology that only exists for the purpose of simplifying your life as an entrepreneur.
9. Sawgrass Virtuoso VJ 628 – Wide Sublimation Printer
There are times when you require a beast in order to complete a high volume of work at a faster rate without sacrificing quality. There is a professional sublimation printer available for these purposes, the VJ 628.
Our list of the best sublimation printers includes the Virtuoso VJ 628, which is truly a marvel in the making. For two reasons, we have included it last: it will be quite expensive and is only appropriate for advanced users who run a steady business. It is not a hobby purchase, but a long-term investment.
As a result of the high cost, you receive some of the best performance. Consider, for example, the DX7 printer head, which has an extended lifespan and is known for its high performance. With the DX7, you will never have to worry about smudges or inconsistent coloration. The Virtuoso HD Product Decorating Systems bring in a level of vividness and sharpness that cannot be matched by even the best Epson printer, and Canon models that we have examined thus far.
Additionally, what is there to say?
With Mutoh’s patented Intelligent Interweave (i2) printing technology, you can print your documents at a reasonable rate without having to stop your work. Even though the speed of long-format printing depends on the number of colors and the type of design, we observed that Sawgrass printers can really jump the ladder in this situation.
A sublimation printer must have the appropriate balance of the heat transfer, and the best sublimation ink to achieve the desired results. A combination of SubliJet-HD inks and a superior printing mechanism is what makes the Sawgrass VJ 628 so distinctive.
Regardless of whether the Sawgrass VJ 628 is being used for a photography project, a personalized coffee mug, or signage for a high-profile client, the output will be beautiful and an exact digital reproduction of the design that you provided.
There is something magical about HD-quality images that appear magically on fabric or card stock, making the art of sublimation printing more enjoyable. With this model, you can ensure that it happens every time. Additionally, you have the option of selecting either the 8-color system or the 4-color system.
For photographic prints and posters, Pro Photo colors are used, while Flex and Dual CMYK are used for fabric and home decor.
Summary of Findings
You can print t-shirts, coffee cups, or metal plates. Consider running a business to sell them to your most loyal customers. You’ll never regret buying the Sawgrass VJ 628 if you expect high-volume orders and want to delight your customers.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Sublimation Printer
You should decide which printer is best for you before making a final decision. Decide whether you want to purchase a sublimation printer or an inkjet printer that you can convert to sublimation.
It is also important for you to consider the size of the sublimation printer prints that you need, the amount of money you wish to spend, the cost of sublimation printer ink refills or replacements, and the amount of technical support you require in the event that you encounter problems. It is important to have a clear understanding of what you expect from your best sublimation printer to print out before choosing a true sublimation printer yourself.
Size
It is important to consider the size in this case. Decide what the largest print you will require so that you can choose a sublimation printer that is capable of producing that size. If you are only intending to sublimate mugs, keychains, ornaments, or anything small, then printers that can only print 8.5 x 14″ paper are ideal for you.
It is important to note that if you intend to sublimate garden flags, door mats, and T-shirts larger than 8.5 x 14”, you will need a sublimation printer that can print larger. In the printing industry, these printers are known as wide-format printers. A wide-format Epson printer can be converted or you can buy a Sawgrass SG1000 or Epson F570 Pro.
What’s the Budget?
The cost of a sublimation printer can start at $170 and go up to $90,000. Higher-end sublimation printers are for big companies, while lower-cost ones are perfect for beginners.
A mid-range price range of $400 to $1500 can be a great choice for most subliminal printers. It is important to take into account the cost of replacing the ink when setting a budget for your printer.
Sublimation Ink
When selecting a sublimation printer, you should also consider the cost of the sublimation ink. The cost of the added sublimation ink itself can range from $12 per color to more than $130 for printers of non-industrial size.
To avoid voiding the warranty, certain printers require you to purchase their branded ink when refilling the printer. The warranty will automatically be void if you choose a “converted” printer, as these are not technically designed to print sublimation.
The Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty is included with all new printers. In most cases, the warranty is for one year, and in some cases, it is for two years with unlimited technical support. Converting an inkjet printer to a sublimation printer automatically voids the warranty and technical support.
If a problem occurs with the printer or if you encounter some technical difficulties, you will be left on your own to resolve the issue. There are numerous forums with helpful sublimation information in today’s age, and many people are willing to share their knowledge and offer assistance.
Technical Support
Technical support is offered by most printer manufacturers, which is very useful.
Additionally, authorized Sawgrass Printer vendors, such as Conde, provide their own technical support in addition to what the manufacturers provide. Generally, they are available during weekends and respond much more quickly than manufacturers.
You will not receive any technical support if you convert an inkjet printer for sublimation, and if you encounter issues, you will have to resolve them yourself.
The Benefits of Sublimation Printing
Materials containing 80 percent polyester or PES are required for successful printing and sublimation prints and for sublimation transfers too. You should also pick a light background if you want your logos, images, and motives to look good. You can get sublimation transfers and prints on everything from key rings to medals to cellphone cases.
The process of sublimation printing is also fast and cost-effective. As a result, you can produce large quantities of items in a short period of time using the dye sublimation printing technique. Depending on the customer’s requirements, you may be able to print small gifts, customized promotional items, or similar items on-demand or in stock. When you have a dye sublimation printer at your disposal, it is easy to produce high-quality motives.
It is also important to note that the designs are long-lasting. When you use sublimation printing, your designs will not peel, crack, or fade, regardless of how many washing machine cycles they undergo.
The Disadvantages of Sublimation Technology
Due to the fact that sublimation printing uses special printers and inks, it is more expensive than other printing methods. A further disadvantage is the slow speed of the printers. In addition to polyester fabrics, other materials may be used, but they must be coated with the core material. If the motif features white or light colors, you need a white background. For most sublimation print designs, you need to account for 1-5 percent shrinkage.
Alternatively, you can use white toner or a white toner printer. As a result, the motifs will be transferred to a sublimation transfer paper foil, which will be then connected to a B-paper using a heat transfer and heat press. In order to bond you’ll find a head-activated adhesive that bonds with the print on the foil, which can be found on B-paper.
It is possible to transfer the design onto any textile item after the P-paper and A-foil have been separated. Unlike with sublimation transfer paper, with this print method, you do not need to be concerned about the choice of material.
Among the textiles that can be printed are mixed fabric, polyester, cotton, and felt. The printing process can even be applied to other materials, including cardboard, wood, and silk. Additionally, white toner can be used to print colored and dark backgrounds efficiently.
It is also important to keep an eye out for white creasing. Due to the fact that sublimation printing involves printing on white fabrics, certain areas of the garment will remain white in the case that the design is unable to reach them. What is the outcome? Transfer paper can be damaged by accidental folding or instances of moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sublimation printer and a regular inkjet printer?
Printing on different surfaces such as shirts, metal plates, wood, cardboard, vinyl, etc., makes this printing system unique. Furthermore, it uses a special, stronger type of sub-ink to create a permanent impression. Additionally, an inkjet printer can only print on thin sheets of paper, as opposed to DTG printers.
When producing large-scale textile products (e.g., sports jerseys), it is preferred to use a wide-format sublimation printer rather than a desktop inkjet printer because it allows for seam-to-seam printing.
What is the best type of printer for sublimation printing?
Among the sublimation printers reviewed above, only desktop inkjet printers (Epson, Canon) and sublimation printers (Sawgrass) are capable of sublimation printing. Several factors contribute to this, including the special type of ink they use, the stronger printer heads, and the ability of the special ink to transfer heat and explore it over the surface for a longer period of time.
How do I get started using a sublimation printer?
The only thing you need for sublimation printing is a workpiece such as a shirt or cardstock, as well as a design file (in any format) to get started. As opposed to foil lamination, a sublimation printer can be used immediately after being unpacked.
For regular inkjet printers, you will have to convert them for sublimation before you begin. You may find this process quite challenging if you are not familiar with it, but there are several guides available online to assist you. However, it is still recommended that you go through the instruction manual before beginning the first operation since different machines have different settings.
Sublimation printers need what kind of computer?
The majority of modern sublimation printers are compatible with most types of computers, including Windows, iOS, Linux, and Ubuntu operating systems. Also, it can be operated using smartphones running Android, iOS, and other popular operating systems.
Additionally, most printers can be operated wirelessly, without the need for a computer. Using Wi-Fi, NFC, or a cloud system, the printer will accept the print command from the file (a PDF or PSD)
Is it possible to print on dark fabrics with sublimation printers?
It is recommended to print on light-colored fabrics when using sublimation printing.
Is regular paper suitable for sublimation printing?
The printing process of sublimation requires special sublimation papers that can withstand high temperatures.
What is the life expectancy of sublimation prints?
If properly cared for, sublimation prints can last for years without fading or cracking.
Is it possible to print photographs using a sublimation printer?
There is no doubt that sublimation printers are capable of producing high-quality and long-lasting photographic prints.
Sublimation printing is eco-friendly, right?
Compared to other printing methods, sublimation printing uses less ink, making it a more environmentally friendly process.
Final Thoughts
You have come to the right place if you are looking for the best sublimation printer for your business. Nine of the most popular sublimation printers on the US market today are included in the list above, ranging from entry-level models to those that can print in wide format to advanced models for professionals.
There are many advantages to each of the models. The Sawgrass SG500 is the recommended choice if you are unsure. Designed for both hobbyists and professionals, it is one of the best-in-class sublimation printers. The reason for this is the high level of functionality and reliability of the device. In terms of long-term investment, those two things matter the most.
Now is the time to choose your ideal machine!
