Printers have different uses and benefits. Sublimation Printers can be used to print photos and documents on clothing or other textiles.
A sublimation print is a heat-based device that can be used to create high-quality prints on a wide range of surfaces, including ceramics, fabrics and metals. 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’s mid-priced dye sublimation printer is claimed to be the first of its kind. This limited size means it’s mostly aimed at producing smaller merchandise or gifts, such as mugs or phone covers.
Like this
SureColour SC-F100 has a front-feeding paper changer system that is easy to use. The printer can hold 150 sheets.
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, WiFi Direct
Ink Experts ET 2814 Printer Bundle
This Ink Experts starter package is intended to help beginners get up and running. The bundle comes with an Epson Ecotank printer ET-2814 that is a budget model designed to be 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. The ink is reportedly a direct-to-garment ink that uses Epson Micro Piezo 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 premium printer was designed for high performance printing. 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 one of the features designed to streamline 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 and 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 says that the printer uses UltraChrome XD2 Pigment Inks, which are water and smudge resistant.
Dimensions: 97.0 x 81.1 x 24.5 cm
Printing size: up to 91cm
Connectivity: SuperSpeed USB 3.0, Wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi Direct
How does sublimation printing work?
Heat is used to transfer the dye in sublimation print. It involves printing on paper and then heating it up to transfer the dye.
Sublimation is a process that uses special dyes, which are solid dyes, but they are transformed into gas directly without going through a liquid phase. The gas is then absorbed by the surface 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 sublimation print process?
- You can also Design Your OwnCreate 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 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 will I need to operate a sublimation print?
Adobe Photoshop or other graphic design software is required to create and edit the designs for a sublimation print.
Template software helps position designs on specific templates. Software compatible with your printer should be checked by the manufacturer.
What are the benefits of a sublimation printing?
- Prints of high qualitySublimation printing creates vibrant prints that are detailed and have smooth gradients and sharp images.
- Long-lasting PrintsSublimation creates prints which are resistant to peeling, cracking and fading. This ensures durability over time.
- VersatilitySublimation Printers can be used to print on many different materials, such as textiles. ceramics. metals.
- Full-colour printingSublimation printers are capable of producing full-colour prints, with accurate colour reproduction. This allows for printing complex designs and photos.
What features should you look out for when choosing a sublimation printing device?
- Printing TechnologyMake sure the printer you are using is designed specifically for sublimation. Although you can turn other printers into Sublimation Printers, they should be equipped with the necessary mechanisms and components to work with sublimation inks.
- Ink compatibilityCheck to see if your printer is compatible. Some printers require special cartridges or systems in order to use sublimation. You should ensure that your printer can handle the ink you intend to use.
- Print Size 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. USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connectivity is a common feature that allows you to connect your printer with your computer for printing.
Image credit:: Evelyn Geissler/Unsplash