Best sublimation printers for every budget
Printers have different uses and benefits. Sublimation printers, which are often used for document or photo printing, are ideal for clothing, textiles and photography.
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 printers
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 says it is a low-cost printer for small business, which requires no special expertise for installation or maintenance.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.7 x 18.7 cm
Printing Size A4
Connectivity: Ethernet (USB 2.0), Ethernet, WiFi Direct
Ink Experts ET2814 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 includes their Ink Tec Smart inks which, according to them, are made for Epson printers. Using Epson Micro Piezo Print Head Technology, the ink is reportedly a direct-to-garment ink.
The same should apply to all synthetic materials, including polyester, nylon and ceramics.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.7 x 17.9 cm
Printing Size: A4
Connectivity: USB, WiFi Direct, Wi-Fi
Epson SureColor F570
This printer has been designed to deliver high-performance. 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.
Other features are designed to make this printer suitable for professionals. For example, the Epson Edge Print Pro Software, which streamlines your workflow. It can be connected to Adobe software for colour control and pattern repetition.
Dimensions: 97.0 x 81.1 x 24.5 cm
Printing size: up to 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?
Sublimation printing involves using heat to transfer color. The process involves printing on a piece of paper which is then heated and pressed to the desired material.
Sublimation ink is used to transform a solid dye into a thin gas. It does not go through the liquid state. The gas permeates through the printing medium, and then solidifies to form a print.
The difference between a sublimation and dye sublimation print is the ink. 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. Sublimation is not used by all dye sublimation printers.
What is the sublimation printing process?
- You can also Design Your OwnCreate or select your desired image or design using a computer.
- PrintingThe sublimation printer uses heat to transform the solid pigments into a gas which is then transferred onto special transfer papers.
- TransferThe printed transfer sheet is placed onto the material, such as T-shirts or mugs.
- Heat pressA heat press is used to subject the material and transfer paper to high pressure and temperature. The heat penetrates the surface of the material, which results in the permanent transfer.
What software is required to use a Sublimation Printer?
Adobe Photoshop is usually required to design and edit your designs.
Template software helps position designs on specific templates. Check your printer manufacturer for recommended software.
What are some of the advantages to using a sublimation print?
- High-quality printsSublimation printing creates vibrant prints that are detailed and have smooth gradients and sharp images.
- Long-lasting printsThe sublimation method creates prints resistant to cracking, peeling and fading.
- VersatilitySublimation printers are suitable for a variety of materials including ceramics, textiles, metals and more.
- Full-colour printingPrinting complex designs and photos is made possible by sublimation printers.
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 require special cartridges or systems in order to use sublimation. Make sure that your printer is compatible with the specific ink formula you are planning to use.
- Print Size and FormatThink about the maximum paper size that the printer can print on and its supported formats. You should choose a printer which can print the size you need for your intended application. Sizes include 8.5″x11″, 11″x17″, and other larger formats.
- 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