There are many different types of printers, each with their own advantages and uses. 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. All dimensions are given in width, depth, and height.
Best sublimation printers
Epson SureColour F100
Epson says that this mid-priced A4 dye sublimation Epson printer is 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 specialist knowledge in terms of installation or maintenance.
Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.7 x 18.7 cm
Printing Size: A4
Connectivity: Ethernet, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct
Ink Experts ET 2814 Printer Bundle
This bundle is designed to give a beginner everything they need to get started. 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.
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
A4 Printing Size
Connectivity: USB, WiFi Direct, Wi-Fi
Epson SureColor F570
This premium printer was designed to produce high-quality prints. 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.
Other features are designed to make this printer suitable for professionals. For example, the Epson Edge Print Pro Software, which streamlines your 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 (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 (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.
The process is performed using sublimation dye, a solid dye that transforms into a gas state without ever passing through the liquid state. The gas permeates through the printing medium, and then solidifies to form 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 the sublimation printing process?
- DesignCreate or select your desired image or design using a computer.
- PrintingThe sublimation printing process involves heating the dye pigments to convert them into gas, which is then transferred on a special transfer sheet.
- TransferThe transfer paper printed with the design is then placed on the surface to be printed. For example, a T shirt or mug.
- 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 or other graphic design software is required to create and edit the designs for a sublimation print.
Template software allows you to position your designs onto specific product templates. Software compatible with your printer should be checked by the manufacturer.
What are some of the advantages to using a sublimation print?
- High-quality printsSublimation prints produce vibrant, detailed prints, with smooth gradients.
- Long-lasting PrintsThe sublimation method creates prints resistant to cracking, peeling and fading.
- VersatilitySublimation printers are suitable for a variety of materials including ceramics, textiles, metals and more.
- 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. You can convert any printer into a sublimation printer, but you need to have the right components and mechanisms in order to produce prints of high quality.
- Compatible with InkCheck to see if your printer is compatible. Some printers require special cartridges or systems in order to use sublimation. Make sure that your printer is compatible with the specific ink formula you are planning to use.
- Print Size and FormatThink about the printer’s maximum print size, and paper formats it supports. 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. Connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi are all common. They allow you to easily connect your printer to a computer or network.
Image credit:: Evelyn Geissler/Unsplash