When I decided to begin my journey, I used to think what printer can I use for printing long-lasting designs? I had many questions in my mind as to how and which printign machine would be best.
I was so obsessed by the vibrant outputs of this printing technique that I put my soul in finding the answer.
It took time but now I am equipped with the knowledge of choosing the right printing machine.
If you have just started your journey and are in the same place where I was a few years back, then don’t worry, I am here to guide you about choosing the right device. So, follow along.
What are dye – sub printers?
Dye – Sub printing machines are uniquely made to put colorful designs on things like mugs, phone covers, t-shirts etc. They use a particular type of dye called ‘sublimation ink’. This ink can change from solid to gas under specific heat and pressure.
They are also equipped with special parts which can handle this dye and can turn it to gas. This gas when gets near a substrate, turns back to the solid and makes a permanent bond with it, giving a colorful and long-lasting print.
So, to begin the journey you require a special design printing machine as the special ink won’t work with regular printers.
Difference between regular and sublimation printing device
This might be confusing for you. Trust me, it was confusing for me also initially, but there is a huge difference between a regular and heat transfer printer. Let’s understand with below pointers.
1. Ink type
Regular devices use liquid ink which is not suitable for sublimation. But dye – sub printers use dye ink which can be transformed to gas without even passing to liquid state.
2. Transfer method
Regular printing devices apply ink directly to the material however heat transfer printers require heat to turn the dye into gas. Later on, this gas is absorbed into the material, making permanent bonds.
3. Material
Dye – Sub printers are specialized in printing on metals, ceramics, polyester and other substrates, while regular printers can print various materials like ordinary paper, labels, transparencies, cardstocks.
4. Longevity and colors
In comparison to regular printers, dye – sub printing machine produce more long – lasting and vivid colors on substrates. It is because the ink makes a permanent bond with the material.
5. Cost
Sublimation print machines are more expensive than regular one because they are specially designed to print dye on the substrate using a heat press machine.
6. Purpose
Regular devices are best for everyday printing tasks like photos, documents and graphics on a paper, but heat transfer printing device are purely intended to create custom designs on personalized gifts, promotional products, apparel etc.
7. Heat requirement
Specially designed dye – sub printers need an additional heat press machine for applying heat and pressure to printed design, letting the dye to make bonds with material. Regular machines don’t need this extra step as they only rely on ink or toner adhesion properties.
How do I choose the best dye – sub printer?
It is crucial to choose the best printing device, especially when you have to do printing on various materials like phone cases, mugs, clothes etc. I have compiled a list of important factors which you should consider when buying the machine for your projects.
1. Budget
It is important for you to figure out how much you are willing to spend for getting the best supplies. The printing machines can range from affordable to costly. If you have just started your journey, I recommend getting a cheap device and then upgrading it to an advanced (expensive) one as you have to spend money on other supplies also.
2. Printer type
Here you have two options.
- Large format machine – These are best for larger scale productions like commercial or industrial settings.
- Desktop machine – These are suitable for small scale printing like small or home business.
3. Color output
Select a device with multiple color cartridges (CMYK) for perfect color reproduction.
4. Resolution
Always buy a high DPI (Dots Per Inch) machine for sharp and detailed prints. I always prefer 300 DPI or higher.
5. Print size
I recommend you consider the largest print size which you are planning to print and buy the printing machine which supports that size.
6. Connectivity
Make sure the device has compatible interfaces like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, based on your needs.
7. Printing speed
Make sure the machine is fast enough to handle high volume production.
8. Ink system
It is necessary that the printer you are choosing is compatible with sublimation ink.
9. Compatibility
Ensure if the printer is compatible with the operating system of your computer.
10. Review and recommendations
Always check online reviews and look for recommendations from experts.
11. Brand and model
Always choose a printer from a reputable model/brand who are popular for sublimation printing.
12. Space
Make sure that you have enough space for your printers as many large format printing machines are bulky.
13. Warranty and support
Check if the de vice has good warranty coverage and an accessible customer support system.
14. Sample prints
If possible, ask for sample prints from the machine you are willing to buy. It will let you know about the quality of prints.
15. Maintenance
Check maintenance requirements like ink replacement, printhead cleaning etc.
16. Environmental consideration
As I am a person who cares for the environment, I always recommend checking if the printer is more energy efficient or eco – friendly compared to other printers.
17. Software compatibility
Ensure that the design software you are going to use is compatible with the printer’s drivers.
18. User friendly
If you are new to sublimation, always go for user – friendly printers as it makes the process a lot easier.
19. Availability of replacement parts
Make sure that every part of the machine is readily available in case of any breakdown.
20. Heat press compatibility
As you have to use a heat press in the process, ensure it is compatible with the printer’s print size.
21. Return policy
Do not forget to check the return policy of the seller.
Conclusion
I agree there are many pointers to go through while buying your machine, but these will make sure you get quality printer. You can research and compare various models/brands based on the above factors and can get the perfect one according to your needs. If you have any other questions, you can comment below or you can connect with me directly via email.
FAQs
Q- Can you use any printing machine for sublimation?
No, all machines are not suitable for sublimation printing as it requires special printers which are designed to handle dye – sub ink and have necessary components to print ink on sublimation paper. You can either buy a dye – sub printing machine or you can convert a regular printer to a dye – sub printer.
Q- What printing machine can I use for sublimation?
You should use the printer which is specially designed to work with dye – sub ink and is equipped with necessary features for producing high quality prints. Make sure the machine is of high quality and can handle sublimation paper and ink.
Q- Which printing machine is best for sublimating t-shirts?
For printing t-shirts, you need a heat transfer printer which supports special dye – sub ink, capable of producing vibrant and long-lasting prints.
Q- Which printing machine can be used with sublimation ink?
The specially designed printers which are made to work with dye – sub ink and are blessed with features capable of printing vibrant and accurate prints on different transfer papers.
Q- Which printing device is best for sublimation for beginners?
For those who have just begun their journey should use entry – level sublimation printers which are user friendly and have good community support. But make sure the printers are compatible with ink and transfer paper you are using else you will not be able to print the design on transfer paper.
Q- What is the best printer for sublimation at home?
Always use the models which are compact yet powerful to produce vibrant prints for home printing.
