There are various shapes and sizes of a sublimation printing machine. That varies based on various working categories, production requirements, industrial or desktop. Because they are the most common, let’s look at desktop systems.
For those who work on desktop sublimation printing, You may or may not know. The desktop sublimation printing system includes either adaptive or integrated. An adaptive system enables you to pair your office printer with that of the sublimation ink.
The printer uses ink to print on any standard paper for any purpose. It was never intended for printing with sublimation ink, which chemically is different from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ink. Thus, the sublimation ink is “adapted” to work in the printer.
Although this functions very well, the printer still doesn't realize what sublimation ink is and how it should be treated depending on its chemical characteristics. All repairs will also usually be manually conducted.
The first step for the maintenance of your sublimation printer is - product manual. And that comes with every printer you purchase.
As every printer is different, the maintenance information does vary from one to another.
Make sure you understand the instructions. If you have questions, contact your dealer.
Regardless of the make and pattern of the sublimation device, holding the print-heads clean is the key feature of maintenance. You're literally letting the ink run into your heads as you regularly print.
But when you go through periods of inactivity, there is the potential for ink to dry in the heads
and clog them.
A daily head test is carried out manually using an integrated sublimation system to ensure adequate maintenance.
It is an action done automatically by the printer, but it must be enabled by the customer.
With an integrated system, the printer is programmed to automatically perform head checks to ensure enough ink flows to keep things running smoothly.
Leave the printer ‘on’. This is all you have to do.
A clogged print head leaves streaks or lines on a printed image, also known as banding. Thus, ink is wasted and ruins products.
To remedy this, first, perform a head check to confirm the heads are clogged because low ink levels can cause a similar appearance.
A head check often prints a pattern that will show whether a head is clogged.
If the head check shows obstructed heads, then the problem is corrected by cleaning the head. This is a mechanical operation, therefore refer to the user guide to the right steps to activate the feature.
Most importantly, head cleaning is important. Further, you should also perform print head checks whether everything is working correctly. If not, repeat the steps. Several head cleanings may be required to correct the problem.
However, even after cleaning three to four print heads, you don’t see any improvement, ask your dealer.
A further aspect of the maintenance of sublimation printers is waste ink. This requires some ink, so waste must go somewhere every time the system cleans its mouth
If the system has a removable waste collection tank, it needs to be changed at some point. A full tank often will stop a printer, so remember to keep a spare waste-collection tank in your shop’s inventory
Some printers are pre-installed with a built-in tank with a valve. That automatically drains the excessive ink into a vessel.
Either way, make sure you regularly update your shop’s waste ink levels and take the necessary steps to manage them.
Within certain temperature and humidity specifications. sublimation ink works best when it’s stored. For instance, the recommended temperature range should be 60F to 75F. And humidity should be kept below 35%.
However, when humidity is too much, it can create moisture droplets that act as voids while you perform sublimation printing. And that voids due to water droplets form on transfer paper and substrates.
Remember, heat press converts moisture into steam and then into droplets. So, beware. You may have to compromise with quality issues on a sublimated image.
So, control your work areas' climates such as temperature and humidity. Again, refer to your machine’s user guide for specific settings and recommendations.
In addition, keep your shop's production area clean and dust-free. Because dust can deteriorate the print quality. How?
If any dust or dirt settles on a transfer paper and that during the printing job, you will ultimately get poor quality images.
Though most printers have some type of mechanism for catching paper after printing, if you periodically see paper fall to the floor, set up some sort of catch container.
Once the printed side of the paper comes in contact with the floor, it certainly will be unusable.
If you use a sublimation system with refillable ink cartridges, use extreme caution when refilling.
Any dust or dirt that gets into the cartridge not only can affect print quality but also can damage the ink-delivery system.
Air bubbles in the ink can also be a major problem when filling ink cartridges manually.
Try to understand the process in full and make sure the system does not contain foreign particles.
In reality, it is easy to maintain modern desktop sublimation printing systems
The most frequent concern with the preservation of the appropriate maintenance procedure obstructs ink heads.
The key thing to remember, if the ink is flowing, your work is on.
Getting started with sublimation printing can feel overwhelming. It’s exciting to imagine your designs coming to life on shirts, mugs, or metal plaques—but choosing the right printer isn’t easy with so many opinions out there. It’s a big investment, and it makes sense to think twice.
Before we get into the details of each model, here’s a quick look at the best sublimation printers in —popular among both hobbyists and small businesses. In the next sections, we’ll break down what each one does best and how they compare.
In the sections that follow, we’ll examine each of these options in greater detail—covering their strengths and weaknesses—and discuss how they fit various use cases, from home hobbyists to small-business operations.
When it comes to choosing the “best sublimation printer,” it’s important to recognize that no single model is a perfect fit for everyone. Nevertheless, among the most commonly praised options in user reviews and expert roundups is the Sawgrass SG500. But why does it get so much attention, and is it truly right for all users?
First and foremost, the SG500 is known for its simplicity: it ships ready for sublimation, with dedicated Sublijet UHD ink cartridges and built-in ICC profile support. That means even someone who has never worked with sublimation before can set up the software, make a few quick adjustments, and start printing within about an hour. If you want to avoid complex calibration steps, this is a huge advantage.
However, if we compare the SG500 briefly against other top contenders, each printer has its own pros and cons. For example, the Epson SureColor F170 often earns praise for slightly higher resolution and more consistent color stability, while the SG one-ups the SG500 by offering a larger maximum print area (11×17 inches). If your goal is to minimize ink costs, a converted Epson EcoTank ET-—which can drive ink costs down to roughly $0.20/mL—might be the smarter choice.
So yes, the Sawgrass SG500 often finds itself at the center of the conversation because it strikes a balance: affordable price (around $599), good print quality, and a straightforward user experience. But if you need a wider format, lower ink expenses, or maximum resolution, keep reading—this guide covers all of those alternatives in depth.
Before you zero in on a specific model, it’s critical to identify which characteristics are most important to your business or hobby. Here are five core criteria that truly influence the performance, reliability, and total cost of ownership in sublimation workflows:
By evaluating each of these factors relative to your own priorities—whether that’s guaranteed color accuracy, minimal manual upkeep, low ink costs, or a wide-format feed—you’ll be able to select the printer that best aligns with your workflow and budget.
Imagine you run a home-based Etsy shop that’s now expanding to local fulfillment. You have two main paths to consider: buying a dedicated mid-format printer or converting a wide-format EcoTank. Below is a scenario comparison.
Usage Scenario
Your business produces custom T-shirts and prints up to 11×17 inches. Each shirt typically uses about 2 ml of ink. Because the SG prints an 8×10 in roughly 15 seconds (at 600×600 dpi), you can complete a 150-shirt run in a reasonable timeframe. Automatic nozzle clean-cycles occur daily, so you can focus on design rather than maintenance.
Financial Breakdown
In summary, the Sawgrass SG is an excellent choice for a small business ready to invest in reliability and a slightly larger format, especially if you want to minimize manual maintenance and guarantee color consistency.
Usage Scenario
You’re again producing around 150 custom T-shirts per month, but you want to cut your ink costs dramatically. A converted EcoTank ET- can import third-party dye-sublimation inks (Hiipoo or Cosmos) at roughly $0.20/ml. The unit supports printing up to 13×19 inches, so you can also produce larger poster-style designs without any additional hardware.
Financial Breakdown
Because the converted ET- roughly pays for itself a bit faster than the SG—thanks to lower ink costs—it can be financially advantageous for a growing T-shirt shop, provided you are prepared to handle additional maintenance.
If you’re willing to invest time in setup and routine care, the converted EcoTank ET- may be the optimal choice, particularly if you need a wider format and want to minimize ongoing ink expenses.
Below are detailed profiles of four dedicated dye-sublimation printers. Each profile includes technical specs, real-world test observations, pros, cons, and a summary of the ideal user.
Technical Specifications
Usage Overview
When tested in a small home studio, the SG500 impressed with how quickly it got up and running. Install the SubliJet UHD cartridges, connect to your computer, and launch the Sawgrass Print Manager. Within minutes, you can print a quick color-calibration test. Even newcomers to sublimation find it straightforward: simply click “Print,” choose your design, and you’re off to the races.
Ideal User
A hobbyist or small-business owner who values a quick, reliable setup, consistent color output, and minimal maintenance—all in a compact package.
Technical Specifications
Usage Overview
In a local print shop, the SG handled back-to-back runs of 11×17 designs with ease. Even high-volume orders—like 200 mousepads—came out vibrant and consistent. The automatic nozzle-clean cycles every morning ensured no downtime for print-head cleaning, making production nearly seamless over weeks of testing.
Ideal User
A growing small business that requires larger-format prints, minimal maintenance, and professional color consistency, and is willing to invest in a more expensive, reliable machine.
Technical Specifications
Usage Overview
In tests printing on ceramic mugs, the SP-one produced durable colors that held up under daily use. However, the 600 dpi resolution occasionally showed light banding and less sharp detail in gradients. It’s an economical way to learn the sublimation workflow, but it’s not ideal for photo-quality or highly detailed graphics.
Ideal User
A newcomer who wants to experiment with mug or T-shirt sublimation on a tight budget, and doesn’t need photo-level detail—perfect for very small kiosks or hobbyists.
Technical Specifications
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Usage Overview
In a professional print environment, the F170 delivered consistently crisp, vivid transfers on polyester scarves and T-shirts. Epson’s PrecisionCore heads and automatic maintenance cycles ensured that colors stayed accurate even after printing hundreds of items over a 30-day stretch.
Ideal User
A professional or small business that demands top-tier dot accuracy, detailed color reproduction, and consistent factory performance—and is willing to pay a premium.
For those focused on minimizing ink expenses, converted Epson EcoTank models can be an attractive option. Below are two of the most popular scenarios.
OEM Specifications
Conversion Process & Warranty Implications
Real-World Testing
A small photography studio converted an ET- for printing 13×19 poster-style photo transfers. After a few sample prints to fine-tune color profiles, the results matched professional expectations. Weekly manual nozzle checks kept clogging issues to under two hours of downtime per month.
Ideal User
A small or medium operation that needs wide-format capability (up to 13×19) and can handle routine manual maintenance—leveraging greatly reduced consumable costs for higher monthly volume.
OEM Specifications
Conversion Process
Practical Usage
An Etsy crafter converted an ET- to produce 4×6 photo magnets. As long as a nozzle check was performed every 20 prints, the magnets came out vibrant, and color remained stable. Skipping maintenance led to light banding on around the 30th print—so consistency is key.
Ideal User
A hobbyist or weekend entrepreneur who wants to experiment with sublimation with minimal upfront investment and is willing to spend a bit of time on routine care.
Below is a consolidated table comparing the most relevant features and estimated annual costs for each of the five popular models covered so far—both “out-of-the-box” devices and converted EcoTank units.
Before reviewing the table itself, note that it lists the maximum sheet size, MSRP, cost per milliliter of ink, service style (automatic vs. manual), true print speed for an 8×10 print, and an approximate total cost for the first 12 months. This side-by-side view helps highlight which printer suits a given volume and budget.
Notes on the Table:
From this comparison, you can see that:
Getting your new sublimation printer up and running correctly in the first week can save you hours of frustration and wasted materials later. Begin by carefully unboxing and inspecting every component—remove all tape and protective foam, then examine the chassis and paper paths for any signs of shipping damage. Even a slightly misaligned paper guide or a tiny dent can lead to stubborn paper jams or misfeeds, which are difficult to troubleshoot once you’ve already started printing.
Next, don’t skip the firmware update. Head to the manufacturer’s website (Sawgrass or Epson), download the current firmware, and install it immediately. These updates often include bug fixes for color profiles, improved stability, and performance optimizations that prevent driver conflicts. Within minutes, you’ll lock in the most reliable behavior, and you won’t waste time chasing color shifts caused by outdated firmware.
With hardware and firmware assured, it’s time to address color accuracy. For fully dedicated machines (SG500, SG, F170), install the factory-provided ICC profiles that match your chosen heat-transfer coatings and substrates. If you’ve converted an EcoTank, download the profiles supplied by Hiipoo or Cosmos Ink. Proper profiles bridge the gap between what you see on screen and what ends up on the final mug or T-shirt; without them, even a slight misalignment can leave you with dull or oversaturated prints.
Before running any production jobs, perform a nozzle check and head alignment. The nozzle check prints a simple pattern to show whether any nozzles are clogged, and the head alignment ensures dots line up cleanly without banding. These two quick tasks—each taking just a couple of minutes—prevent costly reprints and guarantee crisp, vibrant transfers from the very first run.
Sublimation paper also demands consistent environmental conditions. Aim to keep the relative humidity in your print room between 40 and 60 percent; a small digital hygrometer can alert you if humidity drifts too low or too high. Overly dry paper curls and jams, while damp paper can warp, leading to uneven transfers or ghosting. A compact humidifier or dehumidifier can help you fine-tune this balance.
Finally, set up a routine “purge” schedule so that ink flows smoothly through the nozzles and sediment doesn’t build up. Even if you’re not printing daily, plan to run a simple maintenance print—such as a 3×3 CMYK patch—at least once a week. If you’re using a converted EcoTank, consider doing this check every three days when the printer sits idle.
Keep your workspace organized: assign a dedicated, level table for your printer; store ink bottles, cleaning solutions, and extra paper on nearby shelves; and leave a clear path to your heat press or mug press. When everything has its place, you’ll avoid accidental spills and know exactly where to grab supplies for your next print.
In summary, spend your first week focusing on these key steps:
By weaving these tasks into your initial workflow—rather than treating them as optional—you’ll minimize early errors and consistently produce high-quality sublimation prints from the very start.
A fully functional sublimation workflow depends on three essential consumables: ink, paper, and blanks (the substrates you transfer onto). Below is a detailed guide to help you choose the right products.
Sublimation inks use micro-dispersed dye particles that turn into gas under high heat, bonding permanently to polyester or polymer-coated surfaces.
The paper you choose acts as the transfer medium between printer and final substrate, so quality is paramount.
After your design is printed on sublimation paper, the next step is a heat press or mug press to transfer the ink onto a blank. The quality of those blanks directly affects how durable and vivid your final product is.
Pro Tip: Always run a single test transfer whenever you switch to a new type of blank. This lets you confirm that your ink and paper combination behaves as expected under your specific heat-press settings.
To turn abstract specs into real-dollar figures, use the following simple formula. We’ve provided two scenarios: one for a hobbyist and one for a small storefront operation.
Monthly Cost Formula
Total Monthly Cost = (Ink Volume per Month × Cost per mL)
+ (Sheets of Paper per Month × Cost per Sheet)
+ (Units Produced per Month × Cost per Blank)
+ (Printer Depreciation per Month)
Example 1: Hobbyist Scenario (Sawgrass SG500)
Even for a hobbyist printing fewer items, monthly expenses can approach $123. Knowing this helps you price your goods appropriately if you sell them online or at craft fairs.
Example 2: Storefront Scenario (Converted EcoTank ET-)
For a small shop producing 300 mugs a month, that adds up to about $1,159 monthly. If each mug retails for $15–$20, you can estimate your profit margin accordingly—ensuring you stay profitable even after raw material expenses.
Tip: Download the free Excel template from Triboro Printing. It has built-in formulas so you can substitute your own costs—ink price, paper price, blank price, printer depreciation—to see exactly how changing variables affect your bottom line.
Even the most reliable printers occasionally run into hiccups. Below are the most frequent problems, how to diagnose them, and a step-by-step guide to fixing each one.
Documenting these troubleshooting steps helps you address issues quickly, avoiding lengthy downtime. If a problem demands deeper technical insight, Triboro Printing offers remote support and on-site service to get your printer back up immediately.
There isn’t a single machine that can satisfy every shop owner, hobbyist, or side-hustler. The sweet spot for you lies at the intersection of budget, format size, output volume, and patience for maintenance. Below you’ll find four leading contenders explained in plain language, with a brief set of bullets to spotlight what really tips the scales for each one.
Overall Champion: Sawgrass SG500
If you crave a printer that “just works,” the SG500 is hard to beat. Unbox it, click through the setup wizard, and you’re reliably printing vivid 8.5 × 14-inch transfers an hour later. Its automatic nozzle-clean cycles mean you can take long weekends without worrying about clogs, and Sawgrass bundles ICC profiles so accurately that you rarely need to tinker.
At-a-glance perks
Budget Starter: Converted Epson EcoTank ET-
When cash is tight but curiosity is high, the ET- lets you dip a toe for under $200 (printer + conversion kit). Ink costs hover around 22 ¢/mL, yet the trade-off is hands-on upkeep: you-plus-cleaning-swab become the service department. For weekend mug runs or the occasional shirt order, the math still works out in your favor.
Why beginners like it
Wide-Format Workhorse: Converted Epson EcoTank ET-
Need posters, table runners, or XXL jersey fronts? The converted ET- feeds sheets up to 13 × 19 inches and drinks the same inexpensive third-party ink as its little brother. You’ll invest a couple of hours flushing pigment and loading new ICC profiles, but once that’s done the machine churns through high-volume orders while keeping consumable costs rock-bottom.
Key selling points
Photo-Quality Pro: Epson SureColor F170
Photographers and fine-art sellers often care less about milliliters and more about microscopic detail. The F170’s PrecisionCore head lays down droplets so precisely that subtle skin tones and gradient backgrounds stay true from screen to substrate. It arrives fully tuned for sublimation, so the only tweaking you’ll do is deciding which images to print next.
Why it wins on detail
Honorable Mention: Brother SP-one
Think of the SP-one as the arena’s entry ticket rather than a long-term seat. For roughly $449 you can master the heat-press dance, sell a few novelty mugs, and decide whether deeper investment makes sense. Resolution tops out at 600 dpi, so photorealistic prints aren’t its forte, but for text-forward gifts it gets the job done.
Quick takeaways
Bottom line:
Tip from Triboro Printing: Still undecided? If your monthly volume exceeds about 300–400 items, it can be more cost-efficient to outsource rather than buy your own printer. Triboro Printing offers professional-grade equipment, expert technicians, and guaranteed turnaround times for large orders—letting you focus on design and sales without worrying about hardware maintenance.
Q1: Can I use a regular inkjet printer for sublimation? A1: No. Regular inkjet printers use pigment or water-based inks that cannot convert to gas under heat. Sublimation requires specialized dye-dispersed inks that vaporize and bond with polyester fibers. Without that property, true sublimation is impossible.
Q2: How often must I print to avoid clogs? A2: For dedicated sublimation printers (SG500, SG, F170), a small maintenance print (“3×3 patch”) once a week is generally sufficient. For converted EcoTank models, run a nozzle check every day or every other day if the printer is idle. This prevents pigment from settling and causing blockages.
Q3: Does the best sublimation printer for small business need a wide-format tray? A3: Only if your products exceed 8.5 × 14 inches. If you’re primarily producing mugs, standard T-shirts, or small gifts, an 8.5×14 printer (SG500, F170) is fine. But for banners, posters, or custom runs that require up to 11×17 or 13×19, consider the SG (11×17) or a converted EcoTank ET- (13×19).
Q4: What temperature and time are recommended for polyester T-shirt presses? A4: Commonly, press at 400 °F (204 °C) for 45–60 seconds with medium pressure. Exact times may vary slightly based on blank quality and fabric density, so always run a sample test before committing to a large batch.
Q5: How do I ensure “sublimation ink compatibility” when purchasing third-party ink? A5: Choose reputable suppliers like Hiipoo or Cosmos Ink, which provide tested ICC profiles for specific printer models (ET-, ET-, etc.). Read user reviews to confirm that others have achieved consistent results with your exact printer/ink combination.
Q6: Is a “printer with ICC profile support” mandatory for color-critical work? A6: Yes. Without a correct ICC profile, colors can shift unpredictably. Printers such as Sawgrass SG500/SG and Epson F170 include factory-calibrated profiles for their dedicated sublimation inks, which ensures color accuracy and repeatability.
Q7: What is the lifespan of a sublimated T-shirt print? A7: When pressed correctly onto a high-quality polyester garment, a sublimated design can withstand 40–50 commercial wash cycles without significant fading. ProperBlanks selection and exact heat-press conditions are crucial for this longevity.
Q8: When should I consider outsourcing to Triboro Printing instead of buying my own printer? A8: If your monthly volume exceeds 300–400 items or you require large wide-format prints (beyond 13×19 inches), it can be more cost-effective to outsource. The initial purchase cost, ongoing maintenance, and time investment for high volumes often outweigh the benefits. Triboro Printing offers turnkey solutions—professional equipment, premium consumables, and prioritized turnaround times—so you can focus on design and customer service.
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