Get a Large Format Sublimation Printer! Ultimate Guide
If you are looking for a printer that can produce high-quality prints for large banners, posters, or textiles, then you have come to the right place. It is possible that you will find the answer you’re looking for in a large-format sublimation printer. Our goal in this guide is to give you a full understanding of what large format sublimation printers are, what they are capable of, and what limitations they have, in addition to what they are made of.
What is a Large Format Sublimation Printer?
Among the many types of printing devices that use sublimation ink and heat to transfer images onto various materials, such as fabrics, metals, ceramics, and plastics, wide format sublimation printer is among the most popular. Sublimation printers use a chemical reaction to dye sublimation of the material permanently rather than depositing the ink on top of the material as they do with a traditional printer that deposits ink on top of the substrate.
How Does a Large Format Sublimation Printer Work?
In order to achieve the best sublimation results, there are four main steps involved: printing, heating, cooling, and pressing. In order for sublimation ink to be applied to sublimation paper, the printer must first apply the image using sublimation ink. After that, the paper is placed face down on top of the substrate and has been heat-pressed together using a machine that uses an electric motor. As a result of heat and pressure, the ink transforms into a gas and bonds with the material’s fibers, creating a vivid and long-lasting image that will last for years.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Large Format Sublimation Printer
Taking the following factors into consideration when purchasing a large format sublimation printer is important:
Print Size
It is important to choose a printer that can handle the specific print size you require for the applications you are going to use.
Ink System
Make sure you check the ink system of your printer and ensure that it meets your requirements with regard to quality and color. There are printers that use third-party inks, while there are others that require proprietary inks to be used.
Color Management
Make sure you select a printer that offers accurate color management tools and the capability to create custom color profiles as well.
Connectivity
You should check the connectivity options provided by the printer, such as USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, to make sure that they are compatible with your requirements.
Support and Reputation of the Brand
The best way to ensure that you get the best value from your investment is to choose a reputable brand with good customer support and warranties.
The Best Large Format Sublimation Printer Brands
In order to create large-format dye sublimation prints, large-format sublimation printers are specifically designed. In these printers, disperse dyes are used, which are specifically designed for printing on transfer papers.
There are many different dye sublimation printers available from the best brands in the industry, as dye sublimation continues to grow.
1. Mimaki TS100-1600 Sublimation Printer
The Mimaki TS100-1600 is a Sublimation transfer inkjet printer with two newly developed heads that have been designed to provide high quality, high productivity, and stable operation. In comparison with conventional textile regular inkjet printers, this machine achieves about twice the speed of high-speed printing.
As well as NCU (Nozzle Check Unit), NRS (Nozzle Recovery System), and MAPS4 (Mimaki Advanced Pass System4), which enable stable high-quality printing, the DAS (Dot Adjustment System) was included in the new “100 series” printers. A lot of time and effort was previously required to manually correct the position of the dots and the feed of the dots. This process can now be automated on this Mimaki TS100-1600, reducing the operator’s workload.
2. EPSON SureColor F6470
Take advantage of the high-performance SureColor F6470 digital printer to maximize your business’ productivity. Providing four-color output at speeds up to 820 square feet per hour, this versatile dye-sublimation transfer printer is ideal for promotional products, apparel, home decor, soft signage, and more.
In order to achieve exceptional and consistent print quality and dimensions, the SureColor F6470 features a 1.33″ PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT). It continuously delivers extraordinary image quality with rich color saturation and contrasts thanks to its integrated ink pack system utilizing 1.6-liter UltraChrome DS ink packs.
Featuring an intuitive touchscreen control panel, an easily accessible maintenance area, a built-in cutter for roll-to-sheet printing convenience, and a media take-up reel system for unattended printing, the SureColor F6470 is designed to be easy to use. With Epson Edge Print software and Adobe PDF Print Engine, your workflow is streamlined with wide-format Epson printers. With Epson Cloud Solution PORT, you can monitor your printer fleet live.
In addition to featuring front-loading media, the SureColor F6470 is equipped with Epson DS Transfer Paper, which includes Universal, Rigid Photo Optimized, Adhesive Textile, and Multipurpose paper types. The Epson’s world-class service and support make the printer backed by a one-year limited onsite warranty.
3. Mutoh XpertJet 1642WR Pro
With its new platform, the XpertJet 1642WR Pro 64″ is a high-print speed dye-sublimation inkjet printer that inherits the properties of the XpertJet series. High print speeds and quality are provided by the new MUTOH AccuFine print heads on the XPJ-1642WR Pro. These heads provide best-in-class dot placement accuracy and extra-wide print heads and make this printer a turnkey solution.
With MUTOH’s original DH21 dye-sublimation transfer ink, high-density colors and outstanding clarity can be achieved at a low cost. As a result of the fast drying time of the ink, printers are able to print on thin and lighter transfer papers, and the excellent jetting and color stability allow printing to last for longer periods of time. Ink bags for MUTOH DH21 are available in CYMK configurations of 1,000ml or 2,200ml capacities.
There is a wide range of materials that can be printed on with the Mutoh XPJ-1642WR Pro, including trade show graphics, flags, banners, mousepads, custom interior designs, apparel, personalizing awards, sports uniforms, and more professional-quality prints.
The Benefits of Wide-Format Sublimation Printer
You’ll Get Astounding Print Quality
Sublimation printer, such as large format sublimation printer, is capable of producing high-resolution and photo-realistic prints that are resistant to fading, scratching, and water damage as well as long-lasting. Among the benefits of sublimation are that it allows for smooth gradients and vibrant colors even on challenging materials such as polyester or nylon.
A Durable Print
There is no doubt that sublimation prints are highly durable, and they can withstand extreme weather conditions, repeated washings, as well as UV light exposure. The sublimation print process consists of sublimation inks that penetrate the fibers of the material in order to form a permanent bond that will not crack or peel off over time.
Versatile
There are many materials that can be printed on large format sublimation printers, ranging from textiles and ceramics to metal and plastics. As a result of their versatility, these printers are ideal for creating custom designs for a variety of different applications, such as signage, promotional products, or sports apparel.
A Cost-Effective Solution
It is a very cost-effective way to produce high-quality prints in small to medium quantities using sublimation printing technology. Due to the fact that the ink is absorbed directly into the material, there is no need to apply additional coatings or laminates, which can save time and money. As a result of the high-capacity ink bottles of sublimation printers, they are also able to produce large prints with a very low amount of ink waste.
Eco-Friendly
Printing with sublimation technology is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method of printing than traditional methods since it produces less waste, consumes less energy, and produces less waste. Sublimation printers are also equipped with inks that are water-based and do not contain harmful chemicals. As a result, the inks used in these printers are safe to use.
Applications of Large Format Sublimation Printers
There are a wide variety of applications that can benefit from the use of large format sublimation printers, including:
Posters and Banners
There is no doubt that sublimation printing is a fantastic method for producing vibrant and durable banners and posters for events, trade shows, and advertising campaigns.
Textiles and Apparel
Printing sublimation on textiles and apparel, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and jerseys, is a very popular method of customizing textiles and apparel. In addition to the long-lasting, flexible, and non-cracking nature of the prints, they can also be applied to sportswear or promotional materials as well.
Decals and Signage
There are many uses for sublimation printing, including creating high-quality, weather-resistant signage and decals that can be used both indoors and outdoors. In addition to being scratch-resistant, the prints can also handle exposure to UV rays without losing their quality.
Promotional Products
There are many benefits associated with sublimation printing, including the ability to create custom promotional products, such as mugs, phone cases, and keychains. These prints are very durable and won’t fade or peel, making them a great marketing tool that won’t need to be replaced very often.
Large Format Sublimation Printer Limitations
Despite the many advantages of large-format sublimation printers, there are also a few limitations that one must be aware of:
The Initial Cost
The cost of large-format sublimation printers can vary greatly depending on their specifications, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is important to note, however, that while sublimation printing is more costly, it can be offset by its high-quality prints and cost-effectiveness.
Limited Colors
The color range of sublimation printers can be restricted due to the fact they use a four-color ink system (CMYK), which limits the variety of colors available. However, some printers are equipped with additional colors or the capability of creating custom color profiles to satisfy the needs of the user.
Specific Materials are Required
As part of the sublimation printing process, specific materials are required, such as sublimation papers, sublimation inks, and substrates that are made of polyester or poly-coated materials. When using other materials, there may be a reduction in the quality of the print or no transfer at all if you use them.
It is Time-Consuming
Unlike traditional printing methods, sublimation printing involves several steps, including printing, heating, cooling, and pressing, which can be a time-consuming process. As a result of the ink transfer process, the printing time can also be longer than it would be with other printing methods.
Tips for Maintaining Your Large Format Sublimation Printer
By taking proper care of your sublimation printer, you will be able to prolong its lifespan and ensure high-quality prints for years to come. As a starting point, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
Cleaning on a regular basis
Keep your printer clean, especially the print heads, on a regular basis to ensure that clogging or smudging won’t occur.
Proper Storage
It is recommended that you store the printer in a cool, dry, dust-free environment at all times in order to prevent damage to the printer and its ink cartridges.
Use Proper Substrates
To ensure the best quality print and transfer from the substrate, be sure to use polyester or poly-coated materials.
Use Genuine Ink
If you want to ensure consistent quality and avoid damage to the printer, make sure you use genuine sublimation ink from the manufacturer or a reliable supplier.
Calibrate Regularly
In order to ensure accurate color reproduction and prevent color shifts or banding, the printer needs to be calibrated regularly.
Final Thoughts
It is crucial that businesses and individuals who require high-quality and long-lasting prints for various applications make use of large format sublimation printers as they are an excellent choice for businesses and individuals. There are numerous advantages to these printers, including the fact that they are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and able to print large files with a minimum amount of ink waste.
It is very important to take into consideration the print size, the ink system, color management, connectivity, brand reputation, and support when you are in the market to buy a large format sublimation printer. Maintenance and care can also extend the life of the printer and ensure that high-quality prints will be produced as a result of good maintenance.
