The Best Sublimation Printer In 2023: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
Sublimation printers have been gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people look for ways to print their designs onto t-shirts, mugs, and other items. After all, they’re a great way to make custom gifts for friends and family or even to start your own business.
If you’re looking for a sublimation printer, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by all the options. But don’t worry! I am here to help. This article discusses some of the best sublimation printers in 2022 and help you choose the right one for your needs.
So I’ve got you covered whether you’re a professional sublimation printer looking for a high-quality machine or a hobbyist just getting started.
What Is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a method in which images are printed onto paper or other materials using a sublimation printer. The image is first printed in reverse (mirror image) on a sheet of transfer paper. The transfer paper is then placed in the sublimation printer, along with the item that will be printed.
The printer applies heat and pressure to the transfer paper, causing the ink to liquefy and penetrate the item’s surface. When the ink cools, it solidifies, permanently bonding to the material.
Sublimation printing is an excellent way to create custom-printed items with unique designs and graphics. It’s also a fast and affordable way to produce large quantities of prints.
Sublimation printers allow you to print on a variety of materials, including:
- T-shirts
- Mugs
- Mousepads
- Keychains
- Puzzles
- Coasters
Comparison of Best Sublimation Printer
IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | COST | RATING |
 | Epson Workforce WF-7710 | Inkjet printing, 18 ppm Print Speed Monochrome(Maximum), Auto-Duplex feature | CHECK PRICE | 4.3 / 5 |
 | Epson SureColor F570 Pro | Epson ink delivers bright, brilliant images, Astounding print quality, 50-sheet feed tray | CHECK PRICE | 4.8 / 5 |
 | Sawgrass SG500 | Dye Sublimation printing, Compatible with Smartphones, PC, Laptops, Wi-Fi connectivity | CHECK PRICE | 4.1 / 5 |
 | Brother MFC-J995DW Inkvestment Tank | Wireless, USB, Ethernet connectivity, 12 ppm print speed monochrome(maximum), Inkvestment tank system | CHECK PRICE | 4.4 / 5 |
 | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Wi-Fi, USB connectivity, Inkjet printing, 10 print speed monochrome(maximum) | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | HP Stitch S500 | Print on transfer paper & direct-to-fabric, Fully automated printhead maintenance, Optical media advance sensor | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
 | Epson Expression XP-15000 | Wireless, Ethernet connectivity, Inkjet printing, 20 ppm print speed monochrome(maximum) | CHECK PRICE | 4.2 / 5 |
 | Sawgrass VJ 628 | Compatible with PC, Tablets, Inkjet printing, Adjustable feature | CHECK PRICE | 4.1 / 5 |
 | WorkForce WF-7210 | Print shop quality color graphics and laser-sharp black text, 18 ppm print speed monochrome(maximum), Wi-Fi connectivity | CHECK PRICE | 4.2 / 5 |
 | Mimaki TS100-1600 | High-speed printing of up to 70 m²/h for high productivity, Compatible with Mimaki’s two types of original RIP software, Printer with improved operability | CHECK PRICE | 4.0 / 5 |
Let us explore each of the listed sublimation printers.
Top 10 Sublimation Printer On The Market
Epson Workforce WF-7710
SPECIFICATIONS
- Inkjet printing
- 18 ppm Print Speed Monochrome(Maximum)
- Auto-Duplex feature
- Epson all-in-one printer
- PrecisionCore technology
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Automatic 2-sided print speeds
- 4.3″ color touch screen
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Epson Workforce WF-7710 is a high-quality sublimation printer with excellent print quality and speed. It can print resolutions up to 4800 x 2400 dpi, so you can be sure your prints will look amazing.
This sublimation printer also has a built-in scanner and copier, so you can easily copy and scan your documents and photos. It also has Bluetooth so you can print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
The Epson Workforce WF-7710 is an excellent sublimation printer for businesses or home offices. It’s fast, efficient, and produces high-quality prints. The relatively low price is also a nice bonus.
With features like print shop quality, eco-friendliness, intuitive 4.3″ color touchscreen, and more, the Workforce WF-7710 sublimation printer is an excellent choice for small businesses or home offices.
Epson SureColor F570 Pro
SPECIFICATIONS
- Epson ink delivers bright, brilliant images
- Astounding print quality
- 50-sheet feed tray
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Workforce WF-7710 is more of a portable sublimation printer. Still, if you’re looking for a sublimation machine that’s a bit more heavy-duty, the Epson SureColor F570 Pro is a great option.
This sublimation printer is designed for professional use and can print at resolutions up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. Whether you’re looking to print on fabric or hard surfaces, the F570 Pro can handle it.
This sublimation machine also has a built-in cutter that makes it easy to create custom-sized prints. The automatic print head alignment ensures that your prints will be perfectly aligned every time.
A large color touchscreen interface makes navigating the printer’s menus easy and selecting your settings. The Epson SureColor F570 Pro is an excellent sublimation printer for businesses or home offices that need high-quality prints.
Sawgrass SG500
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dye Sublimation printing
- Compatible with Smartphones, PC and Laptops
- Wi-Fi connectivity
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
If you’re looking for a compact desktop printer designed specifically for sublimation printing, the Sawgrass SG500 should be at the top.
This sublimation printer uses dye-sublimation technology to produce high-quality prints with accurate colors and sharp detail. Plus, the SG500 is designed to be user-friendly, so you can get started printing right away.
One of the best features is its fast print speed. It can print up to 240 prints per hour so that you can churn out prints quickly and efficiently.
The Sawgrass SG500 is a superb sublimation printer for businesses that need to produce large quantities of prints quickly and efficiently. It’s also an excellent choice for home offices or small businesses that want a printer that’s easy to use.
Brother MFC-J995DW Inkvestment Tank
SPECIFICATIONS
- Wireless, USB, Ethernet connectivity
- 12 ppm print speed monochrome(maximum)
- Inkvestment tank system
- Auto-Duplex feature
- Inkjet printing
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Sublimation printers can be surprisingly expensive, but the Brother MFC-J995DW Inkvestment Tank sublimation machine is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable sublimation printer. Despite its low price tag, this sublimation printer doesn’t sacrifice quality or features. It can print at resolutions up to 1200 x 600 dpi, so your prints will look great.
The rich details and decent dynamic range make the Brother MFC-J995DW sublimation machine an excellent choice for anyone who wants to sublimate photos. This sublimation printer also comes with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate the sublimation process.
With a 10PPM (page per minute) print speed, the Brother MFC-J995DW sublimation machine may not be the fastest sublimation printer on my list, but it’s still a great choice for excellent color reproduction and sharp detail.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
SPECIFICATIONS
- Wi-Fi, USB connectivity
- Inkjet printing
- 10 print speed monochrome(maximum)
- High-capacity ink tank
- Built-in Scanner & Copier
- Modern Connectivity
- 2-year limited warranty
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 sublimation printer is an excellent choice for those who want to sublimate photos and other images. With resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, this sublimation machine can produce high-quality prints with excellent detail and color reproduction.
This sublimation printer also has an integrated sublimation ink tank system that allows easy refills and reduces waste. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 sublimation machine also has a 2.2-inch color touchscreen display that makes sublimation printing easy and intuitive.
With a print speed of up to 10PPM, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 sublimation machine is a great choice for those who want to sublimate photos and other images with excellent detail.
HP Stitch S500
SPECIFICATIONS
- Print on transfer paper & direct-to-fabric
- Fully automated printhead maintenance
- Optical media advance sensor
- Drop & Dry print zone dryer
- Built-in spectrophotometer
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
If your sublimation requirements are more specific (in this case, dye-sublimation), then you should consider the HP Stitch S500 sublimation printer. This machine is designed for sublimation onto polyester fabrics and other materials, and it can produce high-quality prints with excellent color reproduction.
The HP Stitch S500 sublimation machine prints at a speed of 110 m² per hour, making it ideal for large-scale sublimation projects. The inner working mechanism of this sublimation printer is much more efficient than a regular sublimation machine, taking large rolls of fabric or paper and sublimating them quickly and easily.
This sublimation machine also comes with small fans that blow the emerging print job, drying the sublimated ink instantly and preventing smudging. A touchscreen interface makes sublimation printing on the HP Stitch S500 sublimation printer easy and straightforward.
Epson Expression XP-15000
SPECIFICATIONS
- Wireless, Ethernet connectivity
- Inkjet printing
- 20 ppm print speed monochrome(maximum)
- Auto-Duplex feature
- Professional ultra HD photo quality
- Individual 6-color Claria Photo HD ink
- Features a 50-sheet rear tray
- Supports auto 2-sided document printing
- 200 sheet front tray
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Epson Expression XP-15000 sublimation printer is an excellent choice for borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″. This sublimation machine is designed for use with sublimation inks and produces high-quality prints with accurate colors.
The Epson Expression XP-15000 has a maximum printing resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, making it capable of producing incredibly detailed sublimation prints. This sublimation machine also has a high printing speed of 10 pages per minute, making it ideal for large-scale sublimation projects.
A 2.4″ color LCD makes navigating the sublimation printer’s menus and settings easy. The ultra-compact size of the Epson Expression XP-15000 sublimation machine makes it easy to fit into any workspace. In contrast, the wireless and wired connectivity options make connecting to a computer or other devices easy.
Sawgrass VJ 628
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatible with PC, Tablets
- Inkjet printing
- Adjustable feature
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Sawgrass VJ 628 sublimation printer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a turnkey sublimation solution. This sublimation machine comes with everything you need to start with sublimation, including four 8-color Ink sets, the Sawgrass Print Manager software for color management, and the CreativeStudio Online Designer tool for design creation.
The Sawgrass VJ 628 sublimation machine has a maximum printing resolution of 1400 x1400 dpi, making it ideal for high-quality sublimation printing. With its high printing speeds of up to 156 sheets per hour, you’ll be able to churn out sublimated products quickly and efficiently. Its advanced sublimation inks provide excellent color reproduction for vibrant and long-lasting prints.
The VJ 628 comes with dual CMYK sublimation inks, offering 548,000 colors for your sublimation printing needs. These inks are designed to produce superior print quality on various sublimation transfer materials, including t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, and more.
WorkForce WF-7210
SPECIFICATIONS
- Print quality color graphics and laser-sharp black text
- 18 ppm print speed monochrome(maximum)
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Inkjet printing
- Auto-Duplex feature
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
While the WorkForce WF-7210 is an inkjet printer, it’s worth mentioning as it’s one of the most affordable sublimation printers on the market. The WorkForce WF-7210 is a great choice for those on a budget.
Although it doesn’t have the same high-end sublimation features as some of the other printers on this list, the WorkForce WF-7210 is still a capable sublimation machine. This machine has a printing resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpiISO, which is more than enough for sublimation printing. Plus, it prints at speeds up to 18 ISO ppm (black) and 10 ISO ppm (color).
The WorkForce WF-7210 uses four dye-based sublimation inks, which provide vibrant and long-lasting prints. These inks are also designed to produce superior print quality on various sublimation transfer materials, making the WorkForce WF-7210 a versatile sublimation machine.
Mimaki TS100-1600
SPECIFICATIONS
- High-speed printing of up to 70 m²/h for high productivity
- Compatible with Mimaki’s two types of original RIP software
- Printer with improved operability
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Mimaki TS100-1600 is a direct-to-fabric dye-sub printer that’s designed for industrial sublimation applications. With robust construction and high-end sublimation features, the Mimaki TS100-1600 is one of the best sublimation machines on the market.
The Mimaki TS100-1600 has a maximum printing width of 1600mm (63 inches), making it ideal for large-format sublimation printing. It also has a high printing speed of up to 70 m²/h, making it one of the fastest sublimation machines on the market. Plus, its one-liter tanks can hold enough dye sublimation inks to print for extended periods without needing a refill.
The Mimaki TS100-1600 comes with built-in sublimation profiles and advanced sublimation RIP software. It makes it easy to start with sublimation printing, even if you’re new to the process. And, if you’re looking for even more sublimation features, the Mimaki TS100-1600 is also compatible with optional sublimation kits.
How To Choose The Sublimation Printer For Your Business?
Now that you know the 10 best sublimation printers on the market, it’s time to choose the right one for your business. To help you decide, I’ve put together a buyer’s guide with everything you need to know about sublimation printing.
Here’s some factors to consider while selecting the best sublimation printer for your business:
- Printing Resolution
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the printing resolution of the sublimation machine. For sublimation printing, I recommend a minimum printing resolution of 1200 dpi. However, if you’re looking for the highest-quality sublimation prints, I recommend a sublimation printer with a printing resolution of at least 4800 x 2400 dpi.
- Printing Speed
Another important factor to consider is the printing speed of the sublimation machine. For most sublimation applications, you won’t need a super-fast sublimation printer. However, if you’re looking to print large quantities of sublimation prints, you’ll want a sublimation machine that can print at high speeds.
- Printing Width
Another factor to consider is the printing width of the sublimation machine. If you’re planning on printing large-format sublimation prints, you’ll need a sublimation machine with a maximum printing width of 1600mm (63 inches) or more. However, if you’re only planning on printing smaller sublimation prints, you can get away with a sublimation machine that has a smaller maximum printing width.
- Ink Cost
Regarding sublimation printing, ink is one of the highest costs. Therefore, you’ll want to consider the ink cost of the sublimation machine before making your purchase. I recommend using a sublimation machine that uses refillable sublimation inks for most sublimation applications. It will help you save money on ink in the long run.
- Sublimation Software
The sublimation software will essentially be the brain of your sublimation machine. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a sublimation machine that comes with high-quality sublimation software. I recommend selecting a sublimation machine with built-in sublimation profiles and advanced sublimation RIP software. It will make it easy to start with sublimation printing, even if you’re new to the process.
FAQs on Sublimation Printer
1. What printers can I use for sublimation?
Epson, Sawgrass, and Roland printers have this kind of print head and can be used for sublimation. It should be noted. However, other printer brands have this Piezo Print Head but do not have sublimation inks.
2. Can you use a normal printer for sublimation?
Canon, Hewlett Packard (HP), Lexmark, and Dell inkjet printers cannot be used for sublimation printing because they employ thermal printing heads. Micro Piezo printing heads are used on sublimation printers, therefore.
3. Is a sublimation printer worth it?
Sublimation printing is renowned for producing exceptional detail and line precision, and it is an excellent option for all-over printing. It has low setup fees, making it an excellent choice for small batches, and the printing is so close to permanent that it is virtually unbeatable.
4. What’s the difference between sublimation printers and regular printers?
Sublimation printers are the most suitable for applying ink vapors to materials, whereas inkjet printers apply liquid ink to paper. Sublimation printing is ideal for imprinting images onto plastic surfaces.
5. What is the best affordable sublimation printer?
The Epson EcoTank Printer is the best sublimation printer for the money. It’s the most affordable sublimation printer.
6. Which Epson is best for sublimation?
The Epson ET-2800 and ET-15000 EcoTanks are the most cost-efficient Epson sublimation printers, producing 8.5×14” and 13×19” photos, respectively. Sublimation conversion, in turn, voids Epson’s warranty.
Related Topics:
- 10 Best Sublimation Printer for T-shirts: The Ultimate Guide
- 7 Best Screen Printing Machines in 2022 [Compared & Tested]
- Top 12 Tshirt Press Machines in 2022 [Compared & Tested]
Summary
Sublimation printing is an excellent way to produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors. And, with the help of a sublimation machine, you can easily produce sublimation prints in-house.
If you’re looking for a sublimation printer, I recommend the 10 sublimation machines listed in this article. Each sublimation machine is designed for sublimation printing and comes with various features to choose from.
Mark Dalio
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
