The technique of sublimation came into the world of fabrics as a game changer. It turned the tables on how fabric printing and dyeing were carried out till the date of its introduction. Sublimation is nothing but the process of printing images on fabric using specialized ink, specialized paper, and a sublimation printer that uses heat to fuse the image to the fabric. The working principle behind the process of sublimation is that when provided the right conditions of heat and temperature, the specialized ink would evaporate and fuse into the target fabric, leaving the image on the fabric almost forever.
The role of having the best sublimation transfer printer is so inevitable as it is this device that applies heat on the surface and the ink and when the pores on the surface of the fabric open up, it is the printer that applies high pressure on the ink and pushes it into the fabric pores so that they become one together. As the image is fused to be one with the fabric, there is no bleeding of color, peeling of the image, cracking on the image part of the fabric, the image getting washed away, etc. happening.
Product | Features |
 | Epson Expression Wireless Printer, Photo HD XP-15000, Wide-Format, Color
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 | Epson Workforce Inkjet Printer, Pro WF 3820, All-in-one, Wireless, Color
|
 | Canon Single Function Printer, PIXMA G1220, Inkjet, Mega Tank
|
 | Epson ET-2800 Super tank Printer, Wireless, Eco Tank, All-in-One, Color, Cartridge-Free
|
 | HP Office Jet Wireless Printer, Pro 6978, HP Instant Ink, All-in-One
|
The prime positive of depending on a sublimation printer or even buying one is that it presents itself with endless possibilities to the user. Numerous designs are possible to do with the sublimation printer and it is even possible to print the seams of the fabric. This great possibility of printing all over a piece of fabric has rightfully gained the name all over printers for them.
They are extremely easy to print too, and this feature of them makes them the ideal choice for print-on-demand clothes. Numerous manufacturers produce various versions of the best sublimation transfer printer to suit the needs of different individuals and thus, they come in almost all sizes and shapes and would undoubtedly be a great addition to any household.
Best Sublimation Transfer Printers – Buying Guide
The usual drill while buying any product is to solely consider the budget and choose. But it should not be the ideal case, especially in the case of a sublimation printer. Certain features need to be looked at carefully while buying a sublimation printer as these features can make or break the printing experience for the user. The best sublimation transfer printers have a lot more in them to offer and the user is expected to choose them carefully. The following section intends to shed light on the essential features which make the best sublimation transfer printer.
Consider the Following Features Before Buying Best Sublimation Transfer Printers
- Printing speed: Like any other kind of printer, printing speed is a crucial feature of a sublimation transfer printer. As sublimation printers are mostly used to print-on-demand goods, speed is inevitable. As the technique used in it is essentially heat transfer, it is not likely for the sublimation printers to take too long for the product to get ready. The printing speed of the machine can be judged based on the ppm rate mentioned in the manual. If the user is planning to buy a sublimation printer for business needs, it is advisable to get a printer with a high ppm rate. But if the product is being bought solely for domestic purposes, then speed is not likely a huge concern and thus, can buy a printer with a decent printing speed.
- Connectivity: Sublimation printers with both wired connectivity and wireless connectivity are available in the market. Even though they both have their fair share of pros and cons, it is always advisable to get a sublimation printer that is compatible with wireless connectivity. Having a wireless printer contributes much to the portability and convenience experienced by the user. It also makes it easier for the user to connect it with other devices and upload the images to be printed much more easily. When the buyer is planning to buy a sublimation printer any soon, it would be better to buy one with cloud printing and wi-fi options available for connectivity.
- Quality of the prints: Having said that sublimation printers produce great and permanent images, it is also true that a subpar printer can cause havoc in terms of printing quality. The low-quality printers could produce faded, often blurred images on the surfaces and this is why checking the print quality is important before purchasing any sublimation printer. While checking the quality of the prints, it is advisable to look for possible cracks, gaps, blurred portions, etc., which indicates that the quality of the printing is not good enough.
- Surface compatibility: No one would like to have a sublimation printer that can only print on a specific surface. It would be both wastes of money and effort. If the product needs to be convenient enough for the user, it has to be compatible with almost all the fabrics. So, when buying a sublimation transfer printer, it is inevitable to ensure print compatibility and the surfaces on which the machine can be used to print images.
- Possibility of conversion: Numerous printers are now available in the market which multifunction as a regular inkjet or laser printer and as a sublimation printer. With the appropriation of certain settings, the user can shift between these modes easily. It is advisable to get such a printer as it would be handy to use the same printer for numerous purposes without causing any extra money.
- Ink refilling: Two options of ink filling are available for the sublimation transfer printers and they are ink cartridges and ink tanks. Although both are good enough to carry out the process, the current popular one is the ink tank in which the user can pour the ink and use it conveniently unlike the ink cartridges that have to be replaced now and then and cause a lot of wastage which might harm the ecosystem around.
Best Sublimation Transfer Printers Reviews
If the buyer is a beginner and happens to know nothing of the crucial features that have to be looked at closely for the best sublimation transfer printer, the most obvious method to secure a quality product would be to buy from a reputed manufacturer. Luckily, there are numerous trusted manufacturers available in the sublimation printer section who are capable of delivering the most durable and trustworthy products.
But the overwhelming number of choices available in the market is likely to exhaust and confuse the buyer and expert help might be good for them. The following list comprises the best of the best sublimation transfer printer along with a detailed review of each of them, making it extremely convenient for the buyers to choose the most ideal one for them.
1. Epson Expression Wireless Printer, Photo HD XP-15000, Wide-Format, Color
Description:
- Brand: Epson
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Color: Black
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Wireless
- Model: HD XP – 15000
Performance:
The wireless wide format printer from the Expression series of the Epson brand offers a maximum printing speed of 20 ppm for both color prints and monochrome prints. It is capable of producing 13×19 inches big prints with HD quality.
Comparison:
When compared to the other products in the market, the wide color palette used in the machine makes it stand out. The color palette enables the user to print more defined monochrome prints. The inclusion of a unique red and grey in the palette creates a much sharper black color and offers numerous other combinations of colors.
Usage:
The usage of the Epson printer is extremely easy as it is conceived with a user-friendly interface. The user is only expected to refill the cartridges and the feeder tray as and when necessary. The printer tracks the ink level in it and indicates the shortage if any. Also, it comes with an auto duplex printing and a high-capacity feeder tray which can carry around 200 sheets of paper at a time.
Pros:
- HD quality prints
- Borderless prints
- Auto duplex printing
- User-friendly
- Ink tracker available
- Multiple paper sizes supported
Cons:
- Can only be used with the Epson ink cartridges
What’s new?
This newer version of the sublimation transfer printer from the Epson brand is equipped with the technology that makes it compatible with multiple paper sizes and textures. Papers that are 4 inches x 6 inches to 13 inches x 19 inches sizes can be printed using this latest model printer. It is also much smaller and compact than its predecessors. It is estimated that these printers are 30% more compact than the previous models even from the same manufacturer.
Why you should buy it?
If you are looking for a sublimation transfer printer that produces high-quality prints which make it extremely clear and easy for the sublimation process, then the Epson Expression one is perfect for you.
2. Epson Workforce Inkjet Printer, Pro WF 3820, All-in-one, Wireless, Color
Description:
- Brand: Epson
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Color: Black
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Model: Pro WF 3820
Performance:
The Epson WorkForce WF 3820 is capable of printing color prints with a maximum printing speed of 11 ppm and monochrome prints with 21 ppm. This inkjet printer is one of those printers which can print the quickest first page out.
Comparison:
Unlike the other sublimation printers which would take the printed design to dry properly sometime, the instant dry feature of the Epson inkjet printer enables the user to immediately use the printed paper for sublimation. The high precision provided by the highly accurate dot placement of this printer provides the user with professional quality printouts.
Usage:
The Epson printer enables the users to have a hassle-free experience with the auto duplex printing feature, convenient mobile printing, wireless connectivity, high-capacity feeder tray, etc. The user can control and properly operate the machine through the touchscreen display available on the top of the machine.
Pros:
- High speed
- High precision
- Capable to print high volumes
- Easy user interface
- Wireless connectivity
- Auto duplex printing
Cons:
- The Epson ink that is mandatory for this printer is very costly
What’s new?
The heat-free technology introduced by Epson is one of a kind and considerably reduces the printing time. The Epson smart panel application introduced by the brand enables the user to connect the device with their mobile gadget and can operate them from wherever they want.
Why you should buy it?
If you are looking to buy from a reputed manufacturer and would like to have great customer assistance along with a highly convenient user interface for the printer, the Epson WF 3820 would be the ideal choice.
3. Canon Single Function Printer, PIXMA G1220, Inkjet, Mega Tank
Description:
- Brand: Canon
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Color: Black
- Connectivity: USB
- Model: Pixma G1220
Performance:
The Pixma G1220 model sublimation transfer printer from the Canon brand prints color prints with a maximum speed of 5 ppm and monochrome prints with 9.1 ppm. Using a single set of ink bottles, the printer is capable of printing up to 7700 pages.
Comparison:
Unlike the other similarly priced products, the Pixma G1220 employs a hybrid ink system that enables the user to have sharp black pigment for monochrome prints and dye-based colors for photo printing.
Usage:
The printer is extremely user-friendly as the users are only expected to intervene at larger intervals for refilling the ink bottles. As the machine does not employ a cartridge system, the user is relieved of the trouble of occasionally replacing the bottles.
Pros:
- No ink cartridge system
- Comes with enough ink to print more than 6000 prints
- Hybrid ink system
- Sharp black pigment in monochrome prints
- High speed
Cons:
- Not an all-in-one printer
What’s new?
The replacement of in k cartridges with larger ink bottles is the newest addition to the product. As the cartridges cause a lot of ink to waste and also cost a lot more than buying ink bottles, they were replaced by the manufacturers with bigger, refillable ink bottles which require them to be refilled once in a while by pouring ink into them. They do not cause any environmental problems like empty cartridges too.
Why you should buy it?
If you are planning to spend a limited amount on the best sublimation transfer printer and would only like to have a printer-only machine, this one would be ideal for you.
4. Epson ET-2800 Super tank Printer, Wireless, Eco Tank, All-in-One, Color, Cartridge-Free
Description:
- Brand: Epson
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Color: White
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Model: ET – 2800
Performance:
With a maximum printing speed of 5 ppm for color prints and 10 ppm for monochrome prints, the Epson ET – 2800 is one of the best sublimation transfer printers for domestic use and small businesses. The wireless connectivity ensures the best performance from the printer in whichever location they are used.
Comparison:
The high-capacity ink tanks are the major highlight of this printer when compared with the other printers of the same price range. The ink tank is huge and capable enough to store the ink that would have required 90 ink cartridges to fill in. This high availability of ink ensures the consistent functioning of the printer.
Usage:
The built-in scanner present in the printer makes it easy for the user to scan and preview the images to be printed and the Epson smart panel application that can be installed in the user’s choice of the gadget will further simplify the operation of the printer for the user. The printer also supports voice printing.
Pros:
- Compatible with Alexa
- Mobile printing supported
- Comes with enough ink for two years
- Wireless connectivity
- Huge ink tank facilitates significant savings
- No cartridge wastage
Cons:
- Needs to have Epson’s original ink for proper functioning
What’s new?
The manufacturers have started providing compliment ink bottles with the product to avoid hassle-free printing for the users. The package comes with two years’ worth of ink bottles that can print thousands of pages.
Why you should buy it?
If the user’s demands are impressive printing speed, high printing quality, minimum wastage, wireless connectivity, and great customer satisfaction, the Epson ET – 2800 should be a natural choice.
5. HP Office Jet Wireless Printer, Pro 6978, HP Instant Ink, All-in-One
Description:
- Brand: HP
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Color: Black
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Model: Pro 6978
Performance:
The Pro 6978 model from HP offers a high printing speed which has a maximum of 11 ppm for color prints and 20 ppm for monochrome prints. Being an all-in-one printer, it can perform the functions of a copier and scanner along with being a printer.
Comparison:
When setting up the device, the users are expected to join the HP community and on registering themselves, they will be provided with two bottles of instant ink which will be delivered to their homes for free. After two months, the users are likely to pay for the ink if they want more, but they are also free to opt out of it.
Usage:
The auto duplex printing which automatically prints the two sides of the paper lifts the burden off the user to manually flip the pages for printing. The touchscreen which can be used by the user to input instructions and navigate the machine further simplifies the job of the user. The wireless connectivity options, automatic document feeder, etc. are the other user-friendly features present in the printer.
Pros:
- Wireless connectivity
- Compatible with Alexa
- All-in-one printer
- Compatible with multiple operating systems
Cons:
- The printer would perform well only if the costly HP ink is used
What’s new?
The new version of the product is specifically designed for business purposes with its low printing time, high capacity of printing, etc. It is estimated that these printers can work faster than regular laser printers while saving around 50% of the resources.
Why you should buy it?
With the professional quality maintained, the HP wireless sublimation printer is hands down the best in terms of printing speed, zero wastage, customer support, etc.
FAQs
1. What is the best sublimation transfer paper?
Sublimation papers are specialized papers that enable the sublimation printer to make transfer the images to the target surface. Despite the brand, using the highest quality sublimation paper is advisable to make a long-lasting transfer. Using low-quality sublimation papers could cause the image to not get transferred completely, affect the longevity of the image, or even eventually fade or bleed out the colors of the image. With the right sublimation transfer paper, the transferred image would stay intact for hundreds of years. Among the many brands of sublimation transfer papers available in the market, the most popular ones or bestsellers are A-SUB, HTVRONT, Hiipoo, Printers Jack, etc.
2. What is the best sublimation printer for heat transfer?
Almost all frontrunners in the printer section roll out the best sublimation transfer printers with a great many numbers of features. While it is true to say that almost all of them are great to have, there are certainly popular choices that are sold at a better pace than the others. Some of those crowd pullers are Epson expression XP- 15000, Epson Workforce Pro WF 3820, Canon Pixma G1220, Epson ET-2800, etc.
3. Where can I print sublimation transfers?
The sublimation transfer process can even be done on your own if you have the right equipment with you. A sublimation printer is a piece of equipment that enables anyone to print a sublimation transfer image by using a specialized paper called a sublimation paper. The sublimation printer uses the heat in it to fuse the image with the surface, leaving no chance for it to fade or bleed. Unlike the other heat transfer processes which merely paste the image onto the surface peripherally, the sublimation printer ensures that the image is combined with the surface of the fabric permanently.
I’m Susan Rockett, I am dedicated to providing effective solutions for all your printing needs. From troubleshooting common printer issues to recommending the best printers for your specific requirements, our website offers valuable insights and resources.