Sublimation printing is a type of digital printing that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its superior quality and durability. Sublimation printers use heat transfer technology to print vibrant, full-color images onto a variety of materials, including polyester fabrics and ceramic mugs. With the advancement of technology and innovation over the past few years, the number of sublimation printers available on the market has increased significantly. In this article, we will discuss some of the best sublimation printers and look at their features, capabilities, and prices to help you find the perfect printer for your needs.
HP Stitch S500
Efficient and Handsfree way to print
This high-end sublimation printer is perfect for printing large, full-color images on a wide range of materials. It features a small footprint and easy-to-use controls, as well as HP SmartColor technology for improved color accuracy and consistency across the entire fleet. Additionally, you can print an entire shift unattended even overnight, reducing cost and waste while increasing efficiency.
Pros:
+ Features a small footprint and easy-to-use controls
+ HP SmartColor technology for improved color accuracy and consistency across the entire fleet
+ Print an entire shift unattended, even overnight.
Cons:
– Expensive compared to other sublimation printers on the market
– Limited material compatibility
Sawgrass SG500
Great Budget-Friendly Option
The Sawgrass SG500 is a great option for those looking for an efficient and reliable sublimation printer. It is designed to minimize ink usage as well as power consumption, while still delivering high-definition images. It has the same compact footprint and rugged reliability as its predecessor, the SG400, but has been updated from the inside out with design improvements such as a single roll-bar. Additionally, the SG500 is energy-efficient and offers WiFi connectivity.
Pros:
+ Minimizes ink usage and power consumption while maximizing quality and efficiency
+ Compact footprint and rugged reliability
+ Design improvements such as a single roll-bar
+ Energy-efficient and offers Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons:
- None
Epson EcoTank ET-8500
Easiest to convert
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, high quality, and cost-effective printer. The printer uses breakthrough Claria ET Premium 6-color inks to give vivid colors and sharp text with high accuracy from the printhead. It also has extraordinary media handling capabilities, allowing you to print borderless photos up to 8.5″ x 11″ on various paper types including cardstock, CD/DVDs, and other specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick; auto two-sided printing is also available. Furthermore, this printer offers amazing value by giving you affordable in-house photo printing while saving up to 80% over traditional ink cartridges. And with each included replacement ink bottle set, you can print up to 2 years (2) or 6,200 pages in color. It also has zero-cartridge waste with its high-yield ink bottles and exclusive EcoFit Ink Bottle design. Lastly, the printer is equipped with a 4.3″ color display, voice-activated printing (9), an intuitive touch display, and wireless connectivity for fast performance.
Pros:
+ Vivid colors and sharp text with high accuracy from the printhead
+ Outstanding media handling capabilities
+ Auto two-sided printing available
Cons:
– Poor Tech Support
-No warranty when you use your own sublimation ink
Epson Workforce Pro WF-3820
Epson Workforce Pro WF-3820 can take your printing capabilities up a notch. This printer can be an incredible asset to your office. The high-precision printing and DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks give me professional-quality prints every time. It’s easy to use with a 2.7″ color touchscreen and the Smart Panel App makes setup and connectivity effortless, with built-in wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet networking options. Plus, I can easily scan documents with Epson ScanSmart software that includes industry-leading security features like secure wireless and Secure Data Erase.
PROS:
+ Cost-effective solution with sublimation ink that costs around $10 per color
+ Wide format (13×19” prints) are available for under $400
+ Easier to find the wide format WorkForce printers
CONS:
– No warranty from Epson once you add your own sublimation ink
– No tech support when or if you have a problem with your sublimation prints
– Requires cartridges with chips, which need to be reset or replaced when they run out of ink.
Mimaki TS100-1600
The Mimaki TS100-1600 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective printer. The printer offers a variety of features that make it easy to use and incredibly efficient. It has a nozzle check unit (NCU) that automatically monitors the printhead performance, allowing you to detect clogged nozzles and avoid unnecessary downtime. Additionally, the sublimation ink colors are vivid and beautiful, while the new Dot Adjustment System (DAS) ensures that your prints stay consistent and accurate. The included RasterLink7 RIP software reduces RIP time by 25%, which is a huge advantage for those looking to speed up their print times.
List three pros and cons
PROS:
+ High-quality prints with vivid colors and sharp detail
+ Nozzle Check Unit (NCU) for monitoring printhead performance
+ Reduced RIP time with the included RasterLink7 software
CONS:
– No Touch control interface
What is a sublimation printer?
A sublimation printer is a specialized type of digital printer that uses heat to transfer dye onto various materials such as fabric, plastic, and metal. The process is known as sublimation printing and involves the use of special inks that are heated and vaporized into gas, which then bonds with the material being printed on. Sublimation printers provide superior image quality compared to standard inkjet printers and are ideal for producing bright colors and sharp details. They are often used for textile or garment printing applications.
How does a sublimation printer work?
A sublimation printer works by using special inks and heat to transfer dye onto various materials. The inks are heated and vaporized into gas, which then bonds with the material being printed on. The high-temperature heating process causes the ink’s pigment particles to become embedded in the fabric or other material, creating a permanent bond that won’t fade over time. This type of printing is ideal for producing vivid colors and sharp details that last for years. Additionally, since no additional tools are needed to apply the ink, it can be done quickly and efficiently.
What are the benefits of using a sublimation printer?
The primary benefits of using a sublimation printer are that it produces high-quality prints with vivid colors and sharp details, it is cost-effective as the inks tend to be cheaper than other types of printing inks, and it is a quick and efficient process. Additionally, since no additional tools are needed for applying the ink, the entire process can be done quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, since the dye is permanently embedded into the material being printed on, there isn’t any need to worry about fading or cracking over time. Lastly, because sublimation printers use environmentally friendly dye-sublimation inks rather than traditional solvent or oil-based inks, they are better for both people and the environment.