Sublimation printing is a popular method for creating high-quality prints that are vibrant, durable, and long-lasting. It is widely used for creating promotional products, personalized gifts, and custom apparel. However, finding the right sublimation printer can be daunting, especially with many options. This guide will help you find the best sublimation printers in 2023 that meet your needs and budget.
Sublimation Printing: How it Works
Before we dive into choosing the best sublimation printers in 2023, it’s essential to understand how sublimation printing works. Sublimation printing involves printing a design onto a special sublimation paper using ink. Heat and pressure transfer the printed format onto a substrate (such as a mug, t-shirt, or mousepad). The result is a vibrant and long-lasting print embedded in the substrate.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Printer with Sublimation in 2023
When choosing sublimation printers for 2023, several factors must be considered. These include:
Print Quality
Print quality is one of the most important factors when choosing sublimation printers of 2023. The printer should be able to produce vibrant, accurate, and consistent colors.
Print Size
The size of the prints you want to create will determine the printer size you need. You will need a larger printer if you plan on making large prints.
Connectivity
The printer should have connectivity options allowing you to connect it to your computer or mobile device easily.
Ease of Use
The printer should be easy to set up, use, and maintain. It should also come with software that is user-friendly and intuitive.
Cost
The cost of the printer is an essential factor to consider, especially if you are on a tight budget. However, balancing cost with quality is vital to get the best value.
Top Sublimation Printers of 2023
Epson SureColor F570
Key features and specifications of the Epson SureColor F570 sublimation printer 2023:
Key Features:
- PrecisionCore Technology: This technology ensures precise, accurate prints with sharp details and smooth gradations.
- Dye-Sublimation Ink: The SureColor F570 uses four-colour dye-sublimation ink to produce high-quality, vibrant prints.
- Large Ink Tanks: The printer features large, refillable ink tanks that reduce the need for frequent cartridge replacements.
- Sublimation Transfer Papers: The printer is compatible with many sublimation transfer papers, making it versatile for different printing needs.
- Versatile Media Handling: The SureColor F570 can handle various media types, including polyester fabrics, metal, and ceramic.
Specifications:
- Print resolution: up to 2400 x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: up to 22 pages per minute (PPM)
- Maximum print size: 24 inches
- Ink type: Four-color dye-sublimation ink
- Connectivity: USB 2.0
- Media types: Polyester fabrics, metal, ceramic
- Dimensions: 37.5 x 20.8 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 54.2 pounds.
Pros:
- High-Quality Prints: The Epson SureColor F570 produces high-quality prints with excellent color accuracy and vibrancy.
- Large Print Size: With a maximum print size of 24 inches, this printer is perfect for printing oversized items such as banners, signage, and apparel.
- Fast Printing Speeds: The SureColor F570 can print up to 22 pages per minute, making it one of the quicker sublimation printers on the market.
- Easy to Use: This printer is easy to set up and operate, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls.
- Reliable: The Epson brand is known for producing reliable and long-lasting products, and the SureColor F570 is no exception.
Cons:
Expensive: The Epson SureColor F570 is a higher-end sublimation printer and may be too expensive for some buyers.
Limited Connectivity: This printer only has USB connectivity, which may be a limitation for those who need wireless or Ethernet connectivity options.
Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is compact, affordable, and ideal for small businesses and hobbyists.
Key features and specifications of the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 sublimation printer:
Key Features:
SubliJet-UHD Ink: The SG500 uses high-quality SubliJet-UHD ink to produce vibrant, high-quality prints with excellent color accuracy and detail.
VersaWorks 6 RIP Software: This software provides advanced color management and output options to ensure print quality.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: The printer features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing easy printing from mobile devices and computers on the same network.
Refillable Cartridges: The SG500 features refillable cartridges that reduce waste and the need for frequent cartridge replacements.
Specifications:
- Print resolution: up to 4880 x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: up to 15 pages per minute (PPM)
- Maximum print size: 8.5 x 14 inches
- Ink type: SubliJet-UHD Ink
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB 2.0
- Media types: Polyester fabrics, metal, ceramic
- Dimensions: 15.9 x 15 x 8.1 inches
- Weight: 39.7 pounds.
Pros:
High-Quality Prints: The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 produces high-quality prints with excellent color accuracy and vibrancy.
Versatile Media Handling: This printer can handle various media types, including polyester fabrics, metal, and ceramic, making it versatile for different printing needs.
Easy to Use: This printer is easy to set up and operate, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls.
Compact Size: The SG500’s compact design takes up minimal space, making it ideal for small offices or workspaces.
Cons:
Expensive: The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is a higher-end sublimation printer and may be too expensive for some buyers.
Limited Print Size: The maximum print size of the SG500 is 8.5 x 14 inches, which may be a limitation for those who need to print on more oversized items.
Epson WorkForce WF-7210DTW
The Epson WorkForce WF-7210DTW is a versatile and affordable sublimation printer 2023 that can handle large prints up to 13 x 19 inches.
Key Features:
PrecisionCore Technology: The WF-7210DTW uses Epson’s PrecisionCore technology to deliver high-quality prints with sharp detail and accurate colors.
Wireless Connectivity: This printer features Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing easy printing from mobile devices and computers on the same network.
Automatic Duplex Printing: The WF-7210DTW can automatically print on both sides of a page, saving time and paper.
Large Paper Capacity: This printer has a paper capacity of up to 500 sheets, reducing the need for frequent refills.
Wide-Format Printing: The WF-7210DTW can print on various media sizes up to 13 x 19 inches, making it ideal for printing large documents, posters, and flyers.
Specifications:
- Print resolution: up to 4800 x 2400 dpi
- Print speed: up to 18 pages per minute (PPM) for black and color prints
- Maximum paper size: 13 x 19 inches
- Paper capacity: up to 500 sheets
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC, Ethernet, USB 2.0
- Automatic duplex printing: Yes
- Dimensions: 22.3 x 31.8 x 14.3 inches
- Weight: 32.8 pounds
Pros:
- High-Quality Prints: The WF-7210DTW produces high-quality prints with sharp detail and accurate colors.
- Wide-Format Printing: This printer can handle a variety of media sizes up to 13 x 19 inches, making it versatile for different printing needs.
- Large Paper Capacity: The WF-7210DTW has a paper capacity of up to 500 sheets, reducing the need for frequent refills.
- Duplex Printing: This printer can print on both sides of a page, saving time and paper.
Cons:
No Automatic Document Feeder:
The WF-7210DTW does not have an automatic document feeder, which may be a limitation for some users who need to scan or copy multiple pages.
Large Size:
This printer has a larger footprint than other models, which may be an issue for those with limited desk space.
Ricoh SG 7100DN
The Ricoh SG 7100DN is a high-speed sublimation printer that produces high-quality prints up to 11 x 17 inches.
Key Features:
GelJet Technology:
The SG 7100DN uses Ricoh’s GelJet technology to produce vibrant, high-quality prints with sharp detail and accurate colors.
Large Paper Capacity:
This printer has a paper capacity of up to 350 sheets, reducing the need for frequent refills.
High Print Speeds:
The SG 7100DN can print up to 29 pages per minute (PPM), allowing fast and efficient printing.
Duplex Printing:
This printer can print on both sides of a page, saving time and paper.
Wireless Connectivity:
The SG 7100DN has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing easy printing from mobile devices and computers on the same network.
Specifications:
- Print resolution: up to 3600 x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: up to 29 pages per minute (PPM) for black and color prints
- Maximum paper size: 8.5 x 14 inches
- Paper capacity: up to 350 sheets
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0
- Automatic duplex printing: Yes
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 21.7 x 14.4 inches
- Weight: 82.6 pounds
Pros:
High-Quality Prints:
The SG 7100DN produces vibrant, high-quality prints with sharp detail and accurate colors.
Large Paper Capacity:
This printer has a paper capacity of up to 350 sheets, reducing the need for frequent refills.
Duplex Printing:
This printer can print on both sides of a page, saving time and paper.
Fast Print Speeds:
The SG 7100DN can print up to 29 pages per minute, allowing fast and efficient printing.
Cons:
Large and Heavy: The SG 7100DN is a large and heavy printer, which may be a limitation for those with limited desk space or needing to move the printer frequently.
Limited Paper Size: This printer can only print up to 8.5 x 14-inch paper, which may be a limitation for those who need to print more essential documents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sublimation printing is an excellent way to create high-quality prints that are vibrant, durable, and long-lasting. When choosing a sublimation printer, it’s essential to consider factors such as print quality, print size, connectivity, ease of use, and cost. Our comprehensive guide has highlighted the top sublimation printers of 2023, including the Epson SureColor F570, Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500, Epson WorkForce WF-7210DTW, and Ricoh SG 7100DN. We hope this guide has helped you find the best sublimation printer that meets your needs and budget.
FAQS
Q: What materials can be used for sublimation printing?
A: Sublimation printing can be done on various materials such as polyester fabric, ceramic, metal, and plastic.
Q: Is sublimation printing better than other printing methods?
A: Sublimation printing is ideal for creating high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting prints on materials such as fabric, plastic, and metal. It is a preferred printing method for producing custom apparel, promotional products, and personalized gifts.
Q: What is the difference between dye sublimation and regular sublimation?
A: Dye-sublimation is a specific sublimation printing type that uses dye instead of ink. Regular sublimation may refer to the sublimation of materials other than dye, such as dry ice or other substances.
Q: Can I use a regular inkjet printer for sublimation printing?
A: No, you cannot use a regular inkjet printer for sublimation printing. Sublimation printers use special inks and a heating element designed for sublimation printing.
Q: Can sublimation printing be done on dark fabrics?
A: Sublimation printing is not recommended for dark fabrics, as the dyes used in sublimation printing are translucent and may need to show up better on dark materials. It is best to use light-colored or white fabrics for sublimation printing.
Q: How long do sublimation prints last?
A: Sublimation prints are known for their durability and can last for years without fading or peeling. The longevity of sublimation prints depends on the materials’ quality and how they are cared for.