Printers have different uses and benefits. Sublimation printers, which are often used for document or photo printing, are ideal for clothing, textiles and photography.
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. The dimensions of the products are given in width x depth + height.
Best sublimation printers
Epson SureColour Sc-F100
Epson says that this mid-priced A4 dye-sublimation printer was their first. This limited size means it’s mostly aimed at producing smaller merchandise or gifts, such as mugs or phone covers.
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SureColour SC-F100 is a front-feeding printer with a paper-change function. It can hold up to 150 pages and is easy to operate.
Epson says it is a low-cost printer for small business, which requires no special expertise for installation or maintenance.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.7 x 18.7 cm
Printing Size A4
Connectivity: Ethernet (USB 2.0), Ethernet, WiFi Direct
Ink Experts ET2814 Printer Bundle
This bundle is designed to give a beginner everything they need to get started. This bundle includes the Epson Ecotank E-2814 budget printer, which is designed to offer 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 able to be used directly on garments, using Epson Micro Piezo technology.
The same should apply to all synthetic materials, including polyester and nylon as well as ceramics.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.7 x 17.9 cm
Printing Size A4
Connectivity: USB, WiFi Direct, Wi-Fi
Epson SureColor F570
This printer has been designed to deliver high-performance. 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 designed to streamline workflows. 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 claims that this printer features UltraChrome XD2 ink which ensures prints to be smudge-proof and water-resistant.
Dimensions: 97.0 x 81.1 x 24.5 cm
Printing Size: 91cm and up
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 onto paper that is heated up and then pressed on the material.
Sublimation ink is used to transform a solid dye into a gas. It does not go through the liquid state. 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?
- DesignCreate 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 pressHeat press machines are used to apply high temperatures and pressures on the material. The heat penetrates the surface of the material, which results in the permanent transfer.
What software is required to use a Sublimation Printer?
Adobe Photoshop is usually required to design and edit your designs.
Template software allows you to position your designs onto specific product templates. Check your printer manufacturer for recommended software.
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 are suitable for a variety of materials including ceramics, textiles, metals and more.
- Full-colour printingPrinting complex photographs and designs is possible with sublimation printers.
What should you be looking for in a printer that sublimates?
- Printing TechnologyYou can convert other printers into sublimation printers, but you should have the necessary components and mechanisms to handle sublimation inks and produce high-quality prints. 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. Make sure that the printer you choose supports the ink formulations you want to use.
- Print Size and FormatThink about the maximum paper size that the printer can print on and its supported formats. Select a printer capable of printing the sizes required for your 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