What is the Best Sublimation Printer for T-shirts? Top 7

Looking to add vibrant designs and graphics to your T-shirts? Sublimation printing offers a fantastic solution, ensuring durable, high-quality prints that won’t crack or fade over time. But with a plethora of options on the market, what is the best sublimation printer for T-shirts can be daunting. To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of the top 7 sublimation printers renowned for their reliability, print quality, and ease of use.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, these printers are sure to elevate your T-shirt printing game. Let’s dive in and explore the contenders for the title of the best sublimation printer for T-shirts.

What’s the best way to decide which sublimation printer to pick for printing T-shirts?

Choosing the perfect sublimation printer for printing T-shirts might feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the right one:

1. Print Quality: You want your T-shirt designs to look amazing, right? Look for a printer that can deliver sharp, detailed prints that really stand out.
2. Ink System: Some printers use a continuous ink supply system (CISS), while others use cartridges. Think about which one fits your printing needs and budget best.
3. Size and Capacity: Consider the size of the T-shirts you’ll be printing and how many you want to do at once. Make sure the printer you choose can handle the volume you need.
4. Ease of Use: Nobody wants to deal with a complicated printer. Look for one with simple controls and software that’s easy to understand, so you can focus on your designs, not on figuring out the machine.
5. Compatibility: Make sure the printer works with sublimation ink and transfer paper. And check if it’s compatible with your computer too.
6. Reliability and Durability: You’ll want a printer that’s built to last and won’t give you a headache with constant maintenance. Check reviews to see what others say about its reliability.
7. Cost: Of course, you’ll want to think about your budget. Consider not just the upfront cost of the printer but also how much you’ll spend on ink and maintenance over time.
8. Brand Reputation and Support: It’s always a good idea to go with a reputable brand that offers good customer support. That way, if you run into any issues, you know they’ve got your back.

What is the Best Sublimation Printer for T-shirts – Top 7

You already know that choosing the best sublimation printer for T-shirts depends on various factors such as print quality, reliability, ease of use, and budget. While there are many excellent options available, here are seven top contenders known for their performance in the realm of T-shirt sublimation printing:

1. Sawgrass SG500/SG1000
2. Epson SureColor F570
3. Epson SureColor F6370
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2720
5. Ricoh SG3110DN
6. Epson WorkForce WF-7710
7. Epson SureColor SC-F2130

1. Sawgrass SG500/SG1000

The Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 are popular choices for sublimation printing, particularly for T-shirts. It is a compact desktop printer designed for small to medium-scale sublimation printing projects. Otherside the Sawgrass SG1000 is a step up from the SG500, offering larger print capabilities and higher volume printing.

Pros

• Can accommodate larger designs, making it suitable for printing on larger T-shirt sizes.
• Capable of handling larger print jobs with minimal downtime.
• Delivers consistent, high-quality prints suitable for commercial applications.
• Enables easy printing from various devices without the hassle of cables.

Cons

• The SG1000 may have a higher upfront cost compared to entry-level printers, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
• While larger than the SG500, the SG1000 is still a desktop printer and may not be suitable for extremely high-volume production environments.

2. Epson SureColor F570

The Epson SureColor F570 is a versatile sublimation printer known for its high-quality prints and efficient performance. It is a 24-inch desktop dye-sublimation printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses and individuals looking to produce professional-quality prints.

Pros:

• Produces vibrant, detailed prints with Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and UltraChrome DS ink.
• Offers fast print speeds, allowing for efficient production of T-shirts and other sublimation products.
• With a maximum print width of 24 inches, it can accommodate larger designs and T-shirt sizes.
• Allows for convenient wireless printing from computers and mobile devices.

Cons:

• While compact for a large-format printer, the Epson SureColor F570 may still require a dedicated workspace due to its size and weight.
• While excellent for sublimation printing, the Epson SureColor F570 is not suitable for other printing applications such as direct-to-garment printing.

3. Epson SureColor F6370

The Epson SureColor F6370 is a high-performance dye-sublimation printer designed for mid-to-high-volume production environments, offering fast print speeds and superior color accuracy.

Pros:

• Utilizes Epson UltraChrome DS ink and PrecisionCore TFP printhead technology to produce vibrant, sharp prints with accurate color reproduction.
• Offers fast print speeds, making it suitable for high-volume production of T-shirts and other sublimation products.
• Offers low ink consumption and high-capacity ink cartridges, resulting in lower printing costs per square foot.
• Equipped with USB and Ethernet connectivity for seamless integration into existing workflows.

Cons:

• Due to its large format capabilities, the Epson SureColor F6370 may require a dedicated workspace with sufficient room for installation and operation.
• The upfront investment for the printer and accessories may be higher compared to entry-level models, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious users.

4. Epson EcoTank ET-2720

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a budget-friendly inkjet printer known for its low-cost printing and ease of use. It is an all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home and small office use, offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities.

Pros:

• Features large, refillable ink tanks that significantly reduce printing costs compared to traditional inkjet printers.
• Utilizes Epson’s MicroPiezo printhead technology to deliver sharp text and vibrant colors.
• Features a user-friendly design with a simple control panel and intuitive software interface.

Cons:

• The ET-2720 has relatively slow print speeds compared to higher-end inkjet printers, which may not be suitable for high-volume printing needs.
• The printer has a small input tray capacity and lacks automatic duplex printing, requiring manual paper feeding for double-sided printing.

5. Ricoh SG3110DN

The Ricoh SG3110DN is a popular dye-sublimation printer known for its reliability and vibrant color output. It is a compact desktop dye-sublimation printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses and individuals looking to produce high-quality prints.

Pros:

• Utilizes Ricoh’s proprietary GelSprinter technology to produce vivid, long-lasting prints with excellent color accuracy.
• Offers fast print speeds, allowing for efficient production of T-shirts and other sublimation products.
• Features a user-friendly design with simple controls and intuitive software interface.

Cons:

• The SG3110DN has a small input tray capacity and lacks automatic duplex printing, which may be inconvenient for users with high-volume printing needs.
• The printer may have limited connectivity options compared to other models, which could be a consideration for users who require wireless printing or network integration.

6. Epson WorkForce WF-7710

The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed for both home and office use. It is a wide-format all-in-one inkjet printer capable of printing, scanning, copying, and faxing up to 13″ x 19″ (A3+) size.

Pros:

• Offers the ability to print on large formats, making it suitable for various applications including T-shirt transfers, posters, and banners.
• Utilizes PrecisionCore technology to deliver sharp text and vibrant colors, ideal for both documents and graphics.
• Allows for convenient double-sided printing, saving paper and reducing printing costs.

Cons:

• Due to its wide-format capabilities, the WF-7710 has a larger footprint compared to standard printers, requiring more desk or floor space.
• Sublimation ink used for T-shirt transfers may require additional drying time, particularly on glossy or coated papers, affecting overall print production speed.

7. Epson SureColor SC-F2130

The Epson SureColor SC-F2130 is a desktop DTG printer engineered for high-quality, full-color garment printing on a variety of fabrics, including T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags.

Pros:

• Utilizes PrecisionCore TFP printhead technology and UltraChrome DG ink to produce vibrant, durable prints with excellent color accuracy.
• Offers the ability to print directly onto garments, eliminating the need for transfer papers and resulting in a soft hand feel.
• Offers the ability to print white ink as an underbase or highlight for vibrant designs on dark-colored garments.

Cons:

• The upfront investment for the Epson SureColor SC-F2130 may be higher compared to other T-shirt printing methods, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
• While excellent for T-shirt printing, the Epson SureColor SC-F2130 is not suitable for other printing applications such as sublimation or transfer printing.

Conclusion

So, what is the best sublimation printer for T-shirts? It’s the one that best aligns with your individual preferences, workflow, and budget constraints. I suggest you Sawgrass SG1000. But by carefully considering your requirements and comparing the features of each printer, you can make an informed decision and choose the best option to elevate your T-shirt printing business or hobby.