Best sublimation printers for every budget
Printers have different uses and benefits. Sublimation Printers can be used to print photos and documents on clothing or other textiles.
Sublimation printers are heat-based printers that allow users to print high-quality photos or onto a variety of materials. These include ceramics, fabric, metal and wood. It’s a great option for creating customised clothing, pillows, mugs, wall art and many more.
If you’re looking to get your hands on this versatile piece of printing technology, we’ve listed our picks below. The printers can vary in price, depending on their features and intended uses, varying from under £300, to way over the £1,000 mark.
We’ve tried to include an option for every budget and intended use. All product dimensions are listed as width, depth and height.
Best sublimation printing
Epson SureColour F100
Epson says that this mid-priced A4 dye-sublimation printer was their first. This limited size means it’s mostly aimed at producing smaller merchandise or gifts, such as mugs or phone covers.
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SureColour SC-F100 is a front-feeding printer with a paper-change function. It can hold up to 150 pages and is easy to operate.
Epson claims that it has a low total cost of ownership, and requires no special knowledge to set up or maintain.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.7 x 18.7 cm
Printing Size A4
Connectivity: Ethernet (USB 2.0), Ethernet (Wi-Fi Direct), USB 2.0
Ink Experts ET 2814 Printer Bundle
This Ink Experts starter package is intended to help beginners get up and running. This bundle includes the Epson Ecotank E-2814 budget printer, which is designed to offer good value.
The main selling point of this printer is access to Epson’s EcoTank with high yield ink bottles and no cartridges to replace, which the brand claim allows for a 90% saving on printing costs.
Ink Experts offers their Ink Tec SUBLINA Smart inks. They claim that these inks are designed to work with Epson printers. This ink can be used to print directly onto garments using Epson Micro Piezo Print Head Technology.
It should be able to transfer onto all synthetic materials from nylon and polyester to ceramics.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.7 x 17.9 cm
Printing Size A4
Connectivity: USB (Wi-Fi, WiFi Direct)
Epson SureColor F570
This printer is designed to produce high-quality prints. It features Epson’s PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead, which aims to provide high clarity and reliability.
It’s able to accommodate printing on sheets or items up to 60cm. There’s an auto-feed tray with up to 50 sheets, plus a built-in cutter to cut your prints to the right size.
The Epson Edge Print Pro is a software designed to streamline workflow. The printer connects to Adobe programs for pattern repeats and color controls.
Dimensions: 97.0 x 81.1 x 24.5 cm
Printing Size: Maximum 60cm Wide
Connectivity: SuperSpeed USB (3.0), Wired Ethernet (Wi-Fi Direct),
Epson SureColor SC-T5100N (£1,631.70)
If you’re looking for a premium large-format printer, Epson claim their SureColor SC-T5100N is designed for large, detailed prints for architects, engineers, or advertisements.
The printer features Epson’s Nozzle Verification Technology, which is designed to help avoid misprints, with their PrecisionCore Print Head for detail―with a printing resolution of 2,400 x 1,200 DPI.
Epson claims that this printer features UltraChrome XD2 ink which ensures prints to be smudge-proof and water resistant.
Dimensions: 97.0 x 81.1 x 24.5 cm
Printing Size: 91cm and up
Connectivity: SuperSpeed USB (3.0), Wired Ethernet (Wi-Fi Direct),
How does a Sublimation Printer work?
Heat is used to transfer the dye in sublimation print. The sublimation printing process involves printing onto paper that is heated, then pressed on the material.
Sublimation ink is used to transform a solid dye into a gas. It does not go through the liquid state. The gas is then absorbed by the printing media and solidifies as a print.
It is this that distinguishes a dye sublimation printer and a sublimation printing printer. While “sublimation printing” is a specific digital printing process, “dye sublimation” refers to the type of dye used in the process.
These terms are often used interchangeably, so it’s good to draw a distinction. All printers using dye sublimation may not be sublimation printing machines.
What is the sublimation printing process?
- DesignCreate or choose the desired design or image on a PC.
- PrintingThe sublimation printing process involves heating the dye pigments to convert them into gas, which is then transferred on a special transfer sheet.
- TransferThe printed transfer sheet is placed onto the material that will be printed.
- Heat pressHeat press machines are used to apply high temperatures and pressures on the material. The heat allows the dye gas penetrate the surface of material, resulting in permanent transfer.
What software is required to use a Sublimation Printer?
Adobe Photoshop or other graphic design software is required to create and edit the designs for a sublimation print.
Template software allows you to position your designs onto specific product templates. Software compatible with your printer should be checked by the manufacturer.
What are some of the benefits to using a sublimation print?
- Prints of high qualitySublimation printing creates vibrant prints that are detailed and have smooth gradients and sharp images.
- Long-lasting PrintsSublimation prints are durable and resistant to cracking, peeling or fading.
- VersatilitySublimation printers are suitable for a variety of materials including ceramics, textiles, metals and more.
- Full-colour PrintingSublimation printers are capable of producing full-colour prints, with accurate colour reproduction. This allows for printing complex designs and photos.
What should you be looking for in a printer that sublimates?
- Printing TechnologyMake sure the printer you are using is designed specifically for sublimation. You can convert any printer into a sublimation printer, but you need to have the right components and mechanisms in order to produce prints of high quality.
- Compatible with InkCheck to see if your printer is compatible. Some printers might require specialised cartridges and systems to accommodate the sublimation inks. Make sure that the printer you choose supports the specific formulation of ink.
- Print Size and FormatThink about the maximum paper size that the printer can print on and its supported formats. Select a printer capable of printing the sizes required for your application. The most common sizes are 8.5″ x 11, 11″ x 17, and larger format options.
- Connectivity OptionsCheck out the connectivity options available on the printer. Connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi are all common. They allow you to easily connect your printer to a computer or network.
Photo credit: Top Image: Evelyn Geissler/Unsplash