What Kind Of Printer Do You Need For Sublimation? An Ultimate Guide

If you’re in the market for a new printer and planning on using it for sublimation printing. But need to know what kind of printer you need for sublimation. Worry not! Read this informational blog; we have compiled several factors that help you to identify which printer carries out dye sublimation printing efficiently. We also provide tips on what to look for when deciding so that you do not buy any non-supported sublimation printer.

Let’s get started!

What is a Sublimation Printer? What Kind of Printer do You Need for Sublimation?

For sublimation printing special type of printer is used, the name sublimation printer. Sublimation printers use special ink and heat-resistant paper to transfer ink onto various surfaces such as ceramic, polyester, and nylon. The high temperature and pressure are applied with a heat press machine.

As a result, the ink passes from the paper to the material’s fiber. Using this method, you can transfer beautiful and full-color designs onto different DIY projects or mediums, including T-shirts, coffee mugs, and more.

Not all printers perform sublimation. The most important thing regarding the sublimation printer is the printing technology that works with sublimation ink. The printers used thermal(heat) or piezo(pressure) technology. In short, only one type of these printers works with sublimation ink.

Epson and Sawgrass are popular brands for sublimation printers. The sawgrass printers are only used for sublimation. However, the Epson printer is convertible to sublimation.

What is a Dye Sublimation Printing?

It is a printing technique in which special dye ink and paper are used. The heat has used that converts the dye particles into a gas without going into liquid states.

Then pressure is applied through a heat pressure machine that quickly and effectively passes high-resolution images from the sublimation paper to the substrate. After cooling, the ink particles solidify and are embedded permanently into a transfer object that doesn’t wash off, crack or peel off.

Applications of a Sublimation printer

the sublimation printer is a specialized device that has widespread application and is popular among creative crafters and small business owners for making personalized and customized items, including paper, fabric, plastic, leather, garments(t-shirts, hats, hoodies), ceramics, tiles, mouse pad, phone cover and many more.

Advantages of Sublimation Printing

High Quality

Sublimation printers produce long-lasting and durable prints that do not fade or peel off after washing. On the other hand, the prints are also sharp, vibrant, and eye-catching compared to other printing methods.

Easy to set up

The sublimation printers have user-friendly interference and easy setup

Versatility

Sublimation works with a wide range of materials. You can make several products, such as t-shirts, earrings, mugs, pillow covers, bags, and many more. In addition, you can also sublimate polyester and nylon-coated things for making different DIY things for your friends and family.

Continuous tone

Sublimation printing makes the graduation of all colors in a continuous pattern without banding and smudging.

Durability

As mentioned above, sublimation is heat activated process that makes them more durable and everlasting for years.

Eco-Friendly

It is a safe and environmentally friendly printing method compared to others. As it generates almost zero waste and harmful chemicals.

Tips: What Kind of Printer do You Need for Sublimation?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. Look following factors when you are looking for the best sublimation printer.

The first and most important thing is that the printer must be capable of processing sublimation or convertible to sublimation.
It should be able to create high-resolution (up to 1200 dpi)images.
It should be able to produce a wide color gamut accurately and consistently.
Printing speed also plays an important role as it lowers turnaround time. So, also check printer speed while considering a sublimation printer.
It should be able to deal with high printing jobs without any breakdowns or issues.
It should work or be compatible with a wide range of print media such as ceramic, polyester, metal, wood, and fabric.
It must offer a user-friendly setup, software, and interference.
It must offer less expensive ink cost.
It also comes with a warranty, and manufacturers provide high-end customer care to resolve any issues or queries.
Also, check the printhead; it must have a piezo or thermal inkjet printhead.
Lastly, keep your budget in mind and look for a printer that fits within it. Remember that you may need to invest in additional equipment for sublimation printing, such as a heat press.

FAQS

What is the Difference Between Sublimation Printer And Inkjet Printer?

The major difference between sublimation and inkjet printer is the print quality and the use of different printing processes to create the image.

The sublimation printers work by using heat transfer ink from a ribbon to a transfer paper. With the help of heat, press ink is shifted from paper to the substrate. The heat melts the ink and turns it into gas; as a result, ink particles are embedded into the polymer of the substrate and form a long last fade-resistant image.

While an inkjet printer uses tiny microscopic nozzles to spray drops of ink directly onto the paper, inkjet printers are commonly used because they produce high-quality prints relatively cheaply. The downside of inkjet printers is that the prints are not long-lasting as sublimation prints.

In short, sublimation printers have a wide application on various substrates, and images or prints are also long-lasting and high Quality. At the same time, inkjet printers are best suited for documents and graphics.

Can We Perform sublimation with a regular printer?

No, regular printers are unable to work with sublimation ink. So, to successfully complete sublimation, you will need to purchase a sublimation printer, ink, and paper.

How do I know if my printer is sublimation?

You can determine the sublimation ability of your printer by checking the below points.

Check product specifications
Check the printhead technology, whether it is piezo or not
Check manufactures website
Look for specific cartridges or ink

Can I do sublimation with my Cricut?

Yes, It is possible to do sublimation using Cricut, such as Cricut maker or Cricut Explore AIR 2.

Conclusion: What Kind of Printer do you Need for Sublimation?

To sum up, we hope you find the answer to “what kind of printer do you need for sublimation?”. On the other hand, the Selection of a sublimation printer depends on your business goals, needs, and budget.