8 Best Inkjet Printer for Sublimation 2023 | A Detailed Review
The next big thing is sublimation printing. In recent years, several designers, DIY artists, and hobbyists have carved out a niche in sublimation printing, a type of printing that imprints on surfaces such as fabrics and metal sheets using heat, pressure, and a special ink.
Around the world, young and new business owners sell printed t-shirts, metal cards, decorative ceramics, and wooden signage. And the vast majority of them rely on high-quality sublimation printers from renowned brands.
However, there are a great deal of inkjet printers available in the market that you can use for sublimation. Following this, I have created this list after my test to let you know which ones are the best inkjet printer for sublimation.
List of The Best Inkjet Printers for Sublimation:
| Image | Product | Features | |
Our Pick1  | Sawgrass SG500 Virtuoso Sublimation Printer | ‣ Sawgrass Print Manager. | |
Top pick2  | Epson Workforce WF-7210 Sublimation Inkjet Printer | ‣ Get Performance Beyond Laser. | |
Editor’s Choice3  | Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Printer | ‣ Ultimate wireless solution, plus Ethernet. | |
Editor’s Choice4  | Brother MFC-J995DW Sublimation Printer | ‣ Auto-Duplex. | |
People’s Choice5  | Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 Printer | ‣ Sawgrass Print Manager. | |
Recommended6  | Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Inkjet Printer | ‣ High-volume printing. | |
Best Seller No. 17  | Epson SureColor T3170 Printer | ‣ Durable, Vibrant Prints. | |
Best Seller No. 28  | Canon Image Ipf770 DYE Sublimation Printer | ‣ High Speed Printing. |
1. Sawgrass SG500 Virtuoso Sublimation Printer:
You may want to turn your hobby into a career, a side project, or something you can do part-time. The Virtuoso SG500 is intended for those who want to start a sublimation printing business while showcasing their creativity to the rest of the world.
The Virtuoso is one of the best sublimation printers due to its compact design, desktop publishing capabilities, and auxiliary support. Following this, I mentioned it on the top of my list.
It includes subscriptions to CreativeStudio Online Designer and Color Management Software, which you can use to design your own prints, manage colour schemes, and print the best-looking products your clients have ever seen.
But it’s the ink quality of the Virtuoso SG500 that really impresses us. I first tried it on a polyester t-shirt with a colourful graphic design, and the output not only matched the digital design but also adhered to the individual thread strands of the fabric.
Sawgrass’ revolutionary SubliJet UHD Sublimation ink technology, which also works wonders on aluminium panels, tiles, hardwood, glass, fibreglass, and slates, makes this possible.
This is the point at which it transitions from a hobbyist’s tool to a machine preferred by creative entrepreneurs, small business owners, and freelance designers. Its Wi-Fi connectivity, high-resolution print output (up to 4880 x 1200 dpi), and power efficiency propel it to the top of the market. Everything is brought together by the Virtuoso SG500, which is currently one of the most dependable sublimation printers in the US.
Final Verdict
2. Epson Workforce WF-7210 Sublimation Inkjet Printer:
The WF-7210 is essentially a younger cousin of the model we previously reviewed. Despite being reasonably priced and lacking the critical functionality of copying, scanning, and faxing, it does everything else with equal finesse.
Send printing commands from a smartphone or a wirelessly connected laptop, load various paper types into the dual trays, and fine-tune the printer ink to meet your sublimation needs. Although Epson markets it as an office inkjet printer, it can also be used for sublimation printing.
The controls, like the rest of the setup, are straightforward and simple. Its simple setup makes it a crowd favourite. The low power consumption, however, truly distinguishes it as a top contender for office use. Epson claims to use 80% less power than competitors, which I tend to agree on because of the low heat dissipation, low noise, and extremely smooth operation.
The only issue I had was with the printer heads. They are not removable, and cleaning them is time-consuming. A printer that requires maintenance can be inconvenient, but not if you buy it on the cheap.
Final Verdict
3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Printer:
It’s true because this model refills with the ground-breaking EcoTank ink bottles. It’s a significant improvement over standard cartridges, which dry out if not used and drain after only a few prints. The nozzle fits only on the designated ink colour container with this bottle design.
You also don’t have to be concerned about overfilling it or filling it when it’s not necessary. There is both a digital and a physical indicator for you to see the ink levels directly, which I believe is extremely useful when running an office.
You also don’t have to be concerned about overfilling it or filling it when it’s not necessary. There is both a digital and a physical indicator for you to see the ink levels directly, which I believe is extremely useful when running an office.
Which brings us to the main point: the ET-15000 is intended for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who are launching a new venture, particularly in the t-shirt and clothing printing niche. This is because you must use the printer on a regular basis to reap the benefits of your investment. The price is relatively high, but only if you own a business can it be justified.
Although Epson does not promote it, the EcoTank ET-15000 can be used as a shirt sublimation printer. Simply fill the ink containers with sublimation ink (foreign brands are fine) and you’re ready to go. You don’t even need to mess around with the ink system like you did with the WF-7210.
Final Verdict
4. Brother MFC-J995DW Sublimation Printer:
The MFC-J995DW is a home sublimation printer. It also serves as an all-purpose admin workstation, with OCR scanning, faxing, and copying capabilities.
If you own a business and are looking for an all-in-one printer that is simple to set up and can also be used for sublimation, you’ve come to the right place (paper and cards only).
I would like to draw your attention to two features of this model: the intelligent page gauge system and the manufacturer’s claim of long-lasting ink.
Add to that Brother’s guarantee that the ink cartridges will outlast the competition. While we disagree with that claim because it does not apply to sublimation printing, it makes sense if the MFC-J995DW is only used for basic office printing. (Replace the cartridges with sublimation ink cartridges to make this machine suitable for sublimation printing).
Print commands can be transmitted via Wi-Fi, NFC, or USB, which is now a standard feature in the majority of all-purpose printers. The same is true for automatic dual-page printing. This is the printer to get if you need one for your home office.
Final Verdict
5. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 Printer:
The SG1000 is best described as the SG500 on steroids. However, I refer to it as its stronger cousin because it has the same features as its weaker cousin but a greater ability for direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and producing apparel and soft goods.
The emphasis here is on the ability to produce replicas of your designs more quickly than the previous version. The machine is placed on your desk and produces stress-free results.
I also like the backlit LCD and control panel, which are similar to the SG500 model and are easy to use and handle. If you own a boutique or a gift shop, or if you require additional assistance, this is the one to go with.
The SG1000 also works with SG500 and SG800 accessories, making it an excellent choice for brand loyalists. Not to mention one of the model’s most popular features, the automatic maintenance cycle.
Final Verdict
6. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Inkjet Printer:
As an office machine, the WF-7720 can perform faxing, scanning, copying, and colour printing. It is only an inkjet sublimation printer capable of printing on matte, glossy, and cardstock papers. Of course, it cannot print directly on t-shirts and other fabrics.
Its distinguishing feature is wireless printing, which makes it a popular choice for office setups. A PDF was delivered to your smartphone by a WhatsApp client?
Simply double-check the settings before printing with the Epson WF-7720. Near field communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi print signals can also be sent, and the Epson will respond accordingly.
The Epson 7720 sublimation printer is best known for its large capacity and fast printing speed. With a 500-sheet capacity and the ability to print documents in seconds, this is an investment that will cut your waiting and printing time in half when compared to the average.
While the maximum printing size is 13 x 19 inches, the scan option (via the bed) supports surfaces up to 11.7 x 17 inches. Not bad for an all-purpose machine that never runs out of ink and only needs to be refilled on a regular basis.
It’s a beast (and massive in size), but it does its job fairly well without the lag or ‘paper stuck’ issues that plague other printers. The Epson quality will be apparent the moment you open the box and begin printing.
Final Verdict
7. Epson SureColor T3170 Printer:
The four models presented above were mostly limited to short sheets of paper or other fabrics. This one is designed for large formats. Sizes up to 24 inches are available. This means that no matter what you print or what business you run, you can print in sizes such as A1 and A3.
A plotter must be printed on a large piece of card paper by an engineer working in AutoCAD. The T3170 is the solution to their problem, and it also promises fast performance.
Epson claims that the machine can print an A1-sized sheet of paper in less than 40 seconds. In our tests, the duration was a few seconds longer, but I had to give it to the brand because I was printing a plotted blueprint. I like the speed here, which is possibly the fastest in terms of processing speed among the models on this list.
I also want to emphasise that this is not a sublimation-capable direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. The T3170 can print designs on card stock but not on fabrics or vinyl. However, Epson sheets produce the best results.
By focusing on a large printing area, Epson really outdoes itself with this model, which is aimed at designers, architects, engineers, and small business owners. The wider cartridges also allow for better ink flow, which, when combined with the PrecisionCore MicroTFP Printhead, results in consistent coloration.
Final Verdict
8. Canon Image Ipf770 DYE Sublimation Printer:
The iPF770 hopes to compete with other low-cost sublimation printers by improving its performance, speed, and ink volume. When compared to other models in the range, this machine excels in all three areas.
Starting with the 36-inch print area, which can quickly produce vibrant posters and sheets. I am talking about printing A1 sheets with pinpoint accuracy in tens of seconds. Canon claims that the speed is faster than the previously reviewed Epson SureColor T3170.
There is also the option to send print commands through Canon’s cloud portal system, which is useful if your office has an always-on printer and you need something printed from somewhere else.
It does, however, have some disadvantages. It can only print on paper sheets and film papers; it cannot print on fabric or thick boards. This is a major limitation for a wide-format sublimation printer. The Sawgrass sublimation printer, which is ranked first on this list, can produce wide plots and blueprints with exceptional colour consistency and speed.
However, we believe that as a printer, the status monitor and eco-mode (which allows you to print with less ink and power) compensate for the drawbacks, and it is a dependable machine. This Canon printer will not let you down if you own a small t-shirt printing business and need to print large designs and plots.
Final Verdict
Factors To Consider While Buying Inkjet Printer for Sublimation:
There are alot of printers available in the market which makes it difficult for you to choose the best one. Following this, here are a few factors that you should consider while choosing the best inkjet printer for sublimation.
Usage:
When purchasing anything, usage is critical. There may be times when you purchase something but find it difficult and inconvenient to use due to a lack of knowledge about how to use it. You could have gotten something far better and less complicated for the same money.
The situation is very similar in the case of the sublimation printer. Some printers are extremely user-friendly, and you can print directly from them.
Other printers, on the other hand, require different materials or additional work before you can finally print it on the thing you want.
Versatility
Always go with a printer that can print on a variety of different materials. You don’t want to limit your options.
On the market, there are printers that only work with one type of material. If you want the most options, this will be inconvenient and may waste your resources.
You don’t need to spend extra money on other devices because the printers listed above can work with a variety of different materials.
You can save a lot of time and energy by using printers, and the work process will be very smooth and quick.
Brand
In the case of any product, the brand is extremely important. In order to maintain the brand’s reputation, a well-known manufacturer will provide the best products to its customers.
As a result, a well-known brand printer will outperform a lesser-known brand printer.
As a result, always go with a well-known brand of printer. While they are more expensive than other options, the product is well worth the extra cost.
Cost and Quality
Quality is everything when it comes to electronics. A faulty product is less expensive, but it is flimsy and you will not get the most out of it.
In some cases, the product may perish after just one day of proper use. Being expensive does not imply superior quality.
As a result, select a high-quality printer that will last while not breaking the bank. For the quality of the product, the printers listed above are reasonably priced.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a regular printer for sublimation?
Depending on the brand, you can use a regular printer for sublimation. The majority of Epson inkjet printers are suitable for this purpose, but standard ink will not work.
To print your t-shirt or mug, you must first purchase sublimation ink and then replace it with regular ink.
What’s better, sublimation or screen printing?
The material to be printed determines this. Sublimation is the best method for printing on white or light-colored fabrics.
However, if you want to print on dark-colored textiles, screen printing is the way to go.
Sublimation prints are very light or light-colored, which makes them unsuitable for dark fabrics.
For how long does sublimation ink last on shirts?
The durability of the prints is determined by the quality of the printer you use. The print will last longer if you use a high-quality device; if you use a low-quality unit, the result will last less time. However, the print will generally last for more or less than ten years.
Conclusion:
Sublimation is an excellent method for personalising your belongings and making them one-of-a-kind. Having a printer like this at home will benefit you in a variety of ways.
The same printer can be used for faxing, scanning, and printing. So, why not get this practical tool for your office or home?
I hope this article helped you understand the subject better and find the best inkjet printer for sublimation on the market.
