Using Sawgrass sublimation printers, you can create custom apparel and more. Designed specifically to meet the requirements of any business, Sawgrass is the industry leader in sublimation printing equipment.
Due to the loss of millions of jobs in the last few years, more and more Americans are now looking for new business opportunities. There is no better way to begin a career in dye sublimation than with a desktop dye sublimation printer.
It is perhaps fortunate that Sawgrass has just released the newest version of their Virtuoso desktop dye sublimation printers. You can now get started in digital decoration and personalization easier than ever before with sublimation printers for beginners.
As part of the next generation of Sawgrass Virtuoso printers, you will have access to more tools to assist you in being successful, including business development resources, wireless printing, and online training. There is no doubt that Sawgrass Virtuoso sublimation printers have become a business in a box. Check out these new opportunities to turn your creativity into growth.
An Overview of the Sawgrass Brand
For more than 30 years, Sawgrass has been a leader in the development of sublimation inks. Designed especially for use in Sawgrass Virtuoso printers, Sawgrass inks are manufactured in the United States. With Virtuoso, you will get a fully integrated solution providing complete harmony between ink, hardware, and software for seamless color management from beginning to end.
With the Sawgrass Virtuoso system, you will receive the Virtuoso desktop dye sublimation printer, SubliJet UHD ink, and Sawgrass Print Manager software. By utilizing gel-based ink, the Virtuoso printers virtually eliminate clogged nozzles and maintenance issues common to traditional inkjet printers.
There is no better sublimation ink than Sawgrass UHD, which delivers deeper, more vibrant colors on both hard and soft substrates, including some heat-transfer vinyl products specially designed for sublimation printing.
Ink and printers are only one part of the Virtuoso experience. Due to the fact that many people use sublimation as an entry point into the exciting world of digital decoration, Sawgrass offers a complete end-user support system, which includes free design templates, online training, and business development resources.
That is the reason why it is referred to as a business in a box. Maybe you are wondering what sublimation is and what it is used for. Before we go into detail, let’s review the basics.
Dye Sublimation Process And Applications
A dye sublimation process converts ink into a dye that is permanently bonded to a surface. During the transformation, specific temperatures must be achieved using a heat press. The sublimation printing process involves applying sublimation ink to the special transfer paper. It is necessary to press the paper to fabric or hard surfaces and heat them to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A printed image is left on the item after the transfer paper has been removed.
There are four essential ingredients in the dye sublimation process: a dye sublimation printer, dye sublimation ink, a heat press, and a compatible item. It is important to note that not all printers are suitable for sublimation. Because sublimation can only be applied to polymers, the fabric needed for the sublimation process must be 100% polyester fabric.
A polymer-coated blank can be heated to the necessary temperature in order to provide a compatible hard-surface item. You can use coated ceramic mugs for this purpose. There are mugs without coatings and coroplast sign blanks do not have coatings. Do not lose heart. Polymer-coated sublimation blanks are available in thousands to supply the sublimation market.
In general, sublimation applications can be divided into two basic categories: fabrics and ‘hard surfaces’. Due to the fact that this is a direct transfer using process color ink, white, pastel, or silver fabric and blanks are the best choices.
The most common application of sublimation for garment decoration is the decoration of custom fashion garments and ‘athleisure’ apparel as well as sportswear, and most recently, face masks. Hard surface sublimation is an extensive and diverse market. Ceramic mugs, cell phone covers, plaques, mouse pads, bracelets, coasters, and small signage are common sublimation applications.
What is New in the Sawgrass SG500, SG1000, and VJ628?
A new generation of Virtuoso products is available in the form of SG500, SG1000 and VJ628. The SG400 and SG800 have been replaced by the new Virtuoso printers. The printer has been updated with wireless connectivity, re-configured ink cartridges, and improved print quality.
There is a new 4880 x 1200 dpi print mode that is designed to satisfy the needs of users like photographers who wish to impress their clients.
SG500
In place of the SG400, the SG500 is a letter-size desktop printer. It is possible to print up to 8.5″ x 14″ with the SG500. This can be expanded to 8.5″ x 51″ when using the optional multi-bypass tray. It is possible to use the bypass tray from the SG400 with the new printer. As a result of the new 20ml UHD Starter Install kit, the cost of entry is reduced.
Approximately 100 letter-size transfers can be made with the Starter Install kit based on typical usage. Standard Installation kits contain 31 milliliters per channel. In addition to this, you have access to an extensive network of technical support services provided by Sawgrass, so you can receive expert assistance whenever you need it.
SG1000
SG1000 replaces SG800 as a tabloid printer. Using the standard configuration, maximum sheet sizes are 13″ x 19″ and 13″ x 51″ when using the optional bypass tray. With the SG1000, Sawgrass offers Starter, Standard, and Extended Installation Kits. In the UHD Extended Install kit, there are 70ml cartridges for each color. You can get an SG1000 with the Starter Install Kit for a price under $1500 and get Gold Customer Care for a full year.
VJ 628
A fully integrated 25″, eight-color desktop sublimation printer, the Sawgrass VJ 628 will help you expand your product line. Use vibrant colors, deep blacks, and neutral grays to make your photography, fine art, and signs stand out. Make high-volume products easier and cheaper.
With the VJ 628, you can create high-volume products efficiently and accurately. Eight-color ink sets provide optimal output for photo panels, textiles, fine art, and fluorescent applications due to the patent-pending intelligent interweave technology.
You can print a full bleed on 24″ (610mm) products with just 7 sqft of space and get realistic, photo-quality images up to 1400 x 1400 dpi with this compact unit.
Unique Features of Sawgrass Sublimation Printers
Sublimation printers from Sawgrass offer a number of features that make them stand out from other sublimation printers in the marketplace. The following are some examples:
- Prints of high quality and vibrancy
- Printing that is fast and efficient
- Computer Software that is user-friendly
- Self-cleaning mechanisms are built into the device
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Suitable for a wide range of sublimation materials
UHD INK
The SG400 and SG800 inherited a staggered ink configuration from the commercial printing industry. There is a 20% increase in ink capacity in black cartridges as compared to CMY cartridges. The ink delivery system has been redesigned by Sawgrass after it was discovered that Virtuoso users are less dependent on black ink.
Ink is now held in the same amount in all four channels. The UHD ink has the same UV resistance as the SubliJet HD ink, but its black is more neutral and its color gamut is more intense. Also, the SG500 & SG1000 are fully compatible with Siser EasySubli ink.
Sawgrass Print Manager:
In order to make Virtuoso ink and printer easier for you to use, everything has been enhanced. As a result of an update and rebranding, Virtual Print Manager has been renamed Sawgrass Print Manager. With SPM, you can manage the flow of color information from your digital artwork to your Sawgrass printer in the background. As a result, you will be able to save money by reducing wasted ink (saving you money) in addition to ensuring that the colors on your final customized products are as accurate and vibrant as possible.
CreativeStudio:
As a means of assisting new designers in getting up to speed quickly, Sawgrass still provides CreativeStudio design templates. Featuring built-in templates, thousands of ready-to-use designs, and seamless integration with Sawgrass printers, CreativeStudio makes the process of creating easy.
Each Sawgrass printer purchase includes a personal account; premium memberships provide unlimited access to additional features and artwork. In the interest of efficiency, one more change was made. Rather than including a CreativeStudio license on the thumb drive, the new UHD install kits contain only the ink cartridges. From the Sawgrass support portal, you can access all software and support documents.
GO Expression:
When you have mastered the art of designing graphics in Creative Studio, printing with your new Virtuoso printer, and making cool custom items, you will need a method for reaching your customers. It is not a problem. As part of your registration, you will also be able to access GO Expression, an online marketplace developed specifically for Sawgrass users.
With GO Expression, you can sell your customized designs anywhere in the world without incurring additional costs. GO Exchange allows you to easily outsource your orders if you do not have the time to create the products you sell. By using this online service, you will automatically assign orders to qualified producers located as close as possible to your buyer.
Pros of Sawgrass Sublimation Printers
The following are a few of the benefits offered by Sawgrass sublimation printing systems:
- Vibrant, high-quality prints that are fade-resistant
- Saving time and money through a fast and efficient printing
- A user-friendly software package that simplifies the sublimation process of printing
- With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can print from anywhere in the office
- The printer is equipped with self-cleaning mechanisms that ensure that it runs smoothly
Cons of Sawgrass Sublimation Printers
There are many benefits to Sawgrass sublimation printers, but there are also some drawbacks to consider. The following are among them:
- Limited paper size options
- Ink cartridge prices are high
- Warranty periods are limited
- If not used frequently, it may clog
The Best Practices for Using Sawgrass Sublimation Printers
You should follow some best practices in order to ensure the best results and the longest lifespan of your Sawgrass sublimation printer. The following are some examples:
- To prevent clogging, it is important to clean the printer regularly and use it frequently
- Using high-quality ink cartridges and sublimation paper
- For printing and maintenance, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer
- To prevent drying out of ink cartridges, store them in a cool, dry place
Maintenance of Sawgrass Sublimation Printers
For your Sawgrass sublimation printer to last for a long time, it is essential to perform proper maintenance. Among the most important maintenance tasks are:
- Clean the printer heads and the exterior of the printer on a regular basis
- In order to prevent damage from heat and humidity, the printer should be kept in a cool, dry place
- In order to prevent clogging and produce high-quality prints, it is recommended that you use high-quality ink cartridges and paper
- Maintenance and storage instructions should be followed by the manufacturer
Troubleshooting Sawgrass Sublimation Printers Common Problems
We recommend that you follow the troubleshooting steps below if you experience problems with your Sawgrass sublimation printer. A few of these include:
- Ink cartridges should be checked for proper installation and ink levels
- In order to prevent clogs in the printer heads, it is necessary to clean the heads
- Making sure that the sublimation paper is properly aligned and loaded
- Making sure all software and driver updates have been applied
Final Thoughts
For businesses and individuals involved in the printing industry, Sawgrass sublimation printers provide a reliable and efficient solution. With these printers, high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting prints can be produced on a variety of substrates such as textiles, ceramics, and metals.
As a result of their advanced technology and precise color management capabilities, Sawgrass printers are ideal for professional printing applications that require accurate and consistent results. Sawgrass also provides comprehensive support, including software solutions and technical assistance, so that its customers can maximize the potential of their printers.
A Sawgrass sublimation printer is a valuable tool to enhance your printing capabilities, no matter if you are a small business or an individual seeking to expand your product portfolio.