Sublimation Printers

A Guide to Choosing the Best Sublimation Printer

Sublimation printing is a fantastic way to create vibrant, durable custom products, but the first and most critical step is choosing the right printer. Unlike standard inkjet printers, sublimation printers use special ink that turns into a gas when heated, bonding permanently with polyester materials.

When you’re shopping for a sublimation printer, you’ll encounter two main categories: dedicated sublimation printers and converted inkjet printers. Each has its own pros and cons, which are important to consider based on your budget, experience level, and project goals.

1. Dedicated Sublimation Printers

These printers are designed from the ground up specifically for sublimation. They come pre-loaded with sublimation drivers, use specific ink, and are ready to go right out of the box.

• Pros:
  • Ease of Use: They are incredibly easy to set up and use. There’s no complex conversion process or risk of voiding your warranty.
  • Manufacturer Support: Since they are official sublimation machines, you get direct customer support and warranty coverage from the manufacturer for any issues related to sublimation printing.
  • Reliability: They are built to handle the unique properties of sublimation ink, which often makes them less prone to clogs and other common issues seen in converted machines.
• Cons:
  • Higher Initial Cost: Dedicated sublimation printers are generally more expensive to purchase upfront than a standard inkjet printer.
  • Proprietary Ink: Some models, like those from Sawgrass, require proprietary ink cartridges which can be more expensive to replace than third-party inks.

Top Dedicated Printers

• Epson SureColor F170: This is widely considered the best choice for beginners and small-scale crafters. It’s an excellent entry point into the world of dedicated sublimation printers, offering great color output and ease of use. It uses refillable ink tanks, which helps keep running costs down.
• Sawgrass SG500: Another popular choice for crafters, the SG500 is a workhorse known for its vibrant prints and user-friendly software that simplifies color management. It’s a solid investment for those looking for a professional-grade desktop printer.

2. Converted Inkjet Printers

A converted printer is a standard inkjet model that you modify for sublimation by filling its ink tanks with sublimation-specific ink instead of regular ink. This is a very common and budget-friendly approach, especially for hobbyists.

• Pros:
  • Lower Initial Cost: This is the most significant advantage. You can purchase a compatible inkjet printer for a much lower price than a dedicated sublimation model.
  • Inexpensive Ink: You have the flexibility to use a variety of third-party sublimation inks, which are often much cheaper than the proprietary inks for dedicated printers.
  • Wide Format Capability: Some convertible models, like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, can handle larger paper sizes, which is a great benefit for printing designs for bigger items like t-shirts or signs.
• Cons:
  • Voids Warranty: The moment you add sublimation ink to a standard inkjet printer, you void the manufacturer’s warranty. This means you will not have official support if anything goes wrong.
  • Prone to Clogging: Standard inkjet printers are not built for the viscosity of sublimation ink, so they can be more susceptible to printhead clogs, which can be difficult to fix.
  • Color Management: Getting the colors just right often requires manual adjustments and the use of an ICC profile, which can be a learning curve for beginners.

Final Recommendation

If your budget allows, a dedicated sublimation printer like the Epson SureColor F170 is the best choice for most people. It provides a hassle-free, reliable experience with the added security of a warranty and direct support.

However, if you’re a hobbyist looking to get into sublimation at the lowest possible cost and are willing to troubleshoot on your own, a converted Epson EcoTank is a very effective and widely-used option that can produce fantastic results.