Sublimation printing has emerged as a popular choice for creating vibrant and durable designs on fabrics that offer unmatched versatility and durability. Now that you have decided to step into the exciting world of sublimation t-shirts, you can start making your moves by choosing the right sublimation printer for your printing process. This informative piece will equip you with all the necessary knowledge to navigate the options and select the perfect printer for your t-shirt adventures.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a budding entrepreneur, finding the perfect printer for sublimation will be the first step in unlocking your t-shirt printing business.
Choosing The Best Sublimation Printer
While you’re on the verge of choosing the best sublimation printers 2024 for your t-shirt, you need to consider a few factors and ensure they are the right ones for your needs.
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Below are the six best for your sublimation printing process:
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Type of Printer
All you can do is specifically choose a dedicated sublimation printer designed for sublimation printing or convert the existing one for sublimation. However, it is noteworthy to mention that sublimation printers for T-shirts are more expensive and offer better technical support and ease of use.
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Ink Quality
It is wise to invest in printers that produce high-quality sublimation and produce crisp, vivid output in terms of color and graphics. If you are in a sublimation printing business, it is best to use a printer with many ink cartridges to achieve subtle color transitions and more accurate color reproduction.
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Ease Of Use
Always go for an easy-to-use printer, especially if you are looking forward to starting your career in t-shirt sublimation. Spending too much time on the setting up process or learning how to use it will be a tedious task, so go for the best sublimation printer for beginners.
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Paper Size
The size of the sublimation paper is an essential factor, and buying the best one will be helpful for your sublimation business. Consider the size of the printed area and the transfer paper you need for your t-shirts. Wide printers can print on large paper sizes and are suitable for printing extra-large t-shirts.
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Connectivity Options
Certain sublimation printers come with modern connectivity options, such as wireless features and hands-free voice-activated printing, which can be beneficial for convenience and efficiency.
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Warranty
Also, using third-party sublimation ink will void your printer’s warranty.
6 Best Sublimation Printers For T-shirts
Sublimation printing has undergone significant evolution over the years, and below is an analysis of the best sublimation printers for t-shirts available in the market.
1. Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is a widely used inkjet printer suitable for sublimation printing on T-shirts because of its quality output, efficient ink usage, and versatile connectivity options. This multifunctional printer can be a good choice and an all-in-one solution for small businesses.
Here is a complete breakdown of its pros and cons to help you understand and decide among the many available sublimation printers.
Reasons to Buy:
- Vibrant and detailed prints
- Wide-format printing
- Versatile paper handling
- Longevity
- Wide range of color options
- Ease of customization
- Ease of use
Reasons to Avoid:
- Fabric limitation
- Slow print speed
- High ink cost
- Initial setup cost
- Warranty Limitations
2. Sawgrass SG500
The Sawgrass sublimation printer is yet another that tops the charts due to its ease of use and vibrant detailing. It is an excellent choice for prioritizing quality, speed, and ease of use in sublimation projects. The optimized results and massive reliance on it make it a worthy competitor in the market.
The pros and cons of Sawgrass printers mentioned below will help the users make an informed decision based on their needs and previous ones and by keeping a note of the budget.
Reasons to Buy:
- Vibrant colors and terrific print quality
- Fast printing speed
- Provides additional starter bundles
- Easy to use
- Durability and reliability
- Low maintenance
- Easy availability
Reasons to Avoid:
- Higher upfront cost
- Limited functionality
- Heavy reliance on sawgrass inks
- Smaller print size
3. HP Stitch S500
HP Stitch S500 is an excellent choice for those who need a high-quality large-format printer. This cutting-edge sublimation printer is designed for professional and textile printing applications and is perfect for dye sublimation printing. It, therefore, ensures exceptional print quality with sharp detailing and vibrant colors while being eco-friendly at the same time. Overall, HP Stitch S500 empowers its users to meet the needs of its customers with high-quality and customized textile prints.
If you’re new to sublimation printing, then below are some pros and cons that will provide a comprehensive overview to help the users decide before buying it:
Reasons to Buy:
- High-quality output
- Consistent colors
- Durable prints
- SmartColor technology
- Real-time fleet management
- Easy to use
- Faster print speed
- Cost saving features
Reasons to Avoid:
- High cost
- Ample space required for installation and operation
- Enabling javascript required
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2400
The Epson Eco Tank ET-2400 is an all-in-one wireless printer with several features. It uses a cartridge-free ink tank system that can help to save up to 90% of the ink cost. As a part of Epson’s EcoTank series, it is best known for its cost-saving and eco-friendly features. Epson Ecotank printers are an excellent choice for users prioritizing low ink costs and high-quality printing.
Below are some highlights of the pros and cons that will provide users with a balanced overview of the Epson EcoTank ET-2400 printer and help them evaluate its features and sustainability.
Reasons to Buy:
- Super low-ink cost
- High-quality and reliable printing
- Wireless connectivity
- Easy to use
- Easy refilling
- Low-cost replacement ink bottles
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slow print speed
- Larger footprint
- No automatic document feeder
- Higher upfront cost
- Lacks advanced features
- Limited paper capacity
- Lacks a display screen
5. Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170)
Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170) is a dye-sublimation printer with numerous features. It is a good option for small businesses and creative professionals who want to produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors. This compact and versatile dye-sublimation printer delivers exceptional print quality with sharp detailing and is an all-season sublimation printer for your needs. Moreover, this printer consumes less energy than traditional printing methods, thereby making it an environmentally friendly choice for textile printing.
The details below will provide an insight into the capabilities and features of the Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170) sublimation printer.
Reasons to Buy:
- High-quality output
- Versatile media support
- Easy to use
- Low ink costs
- Compact design
- Affordable pricing
- Refillable ink tanks
- Wireless connectivity
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slower print speeds
- Limited to dye-sublimation printing
- Higher initial cost
- Limited paper width
- No built-in clutter
- Ink shelf life of two years
- Limited printing application
6. Sawgrass SG1000
Sawgrass SG1000 is an upgrade to the previous SG800 model and boasts many improved features and capabilities. It is a good option for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to create personalized items using dye-sublimation printing. Its user-friendly design, automatic maintenance, and versatility in media sizes make it a strong contender.
Here are some of the key points that will help you determine its capabilities and features:
Reasons to Buy:
- Extremely versatile
- High-resolution imagery and exceptional print quality
- Wireless connectivity
- Automatic maintenance
- User-friendly operation
- Dual ink options
- Fast printing speed
- Low maintenance
- The standard warranty is for two years
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited paper size
- Slower print speed
- Limited printing application
- Higher cost of consumables
- Ink shelf life of two years
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Is A Sublimation Printer, And Why Is It Best For Printing On T-Shirts?
A sublimation printer uses sublimation ink to print designs on various substrates, including t-shirts. It is ideal for t-shirts because the sublimation ensures vibrant colors and long-lasting prints.
- Can Any Inkjet Printer Be Used For Sublimation Printing On T-Shirts?
No, not all inkjet printers are suitable for sublimation printing on t-shirts. To achieve the best results, it is recommended that a dye-sublimation printer be explicitly used for sublimation printing.
- How Can A Printer For A T-Shirt Be Converted To Sublimation Printing?
A printer for t-shirts can be converted to sublimation printing by replacing the regular ink cartridges with sublimation ink.
Wrap Up
The perfect sublimation printer for t-shirts will offer you a gateway into the world of dye sublimation with its compact size and affordable ink systems.
But remember, the hustle is to find the perfect match for your creative side and business goals. So, look into your budget and requirements and then go ahead to choose the right sublimation printer to effectively meet your printing needs.
