What Is Dye Sublimation Printer

Is dye sublimation better than inkjet?

There are many reasons why Dye Sub make better photo printers than Inkjets. The main reasons are: Superb Image Quality – “Better than a traditional lab print” Less Hassle to use – No running out of ink part way through a print run.

How does dye sublimation printing work?

What is Dye Sublimation Printing? Using a wide-format inkjet printer, dye-sub inks are printed on a special transfer paper. From there, the ink is heat transferred from the paper onto a fabric by using a heat press. The ink changes from a solid to a gas (hence the term “sublimation”) and enters the polyester fibers.

What can you do with a dye sublimation printer?

The dye-sublimation printing process is used to print on polyester or other synthetic fabrics. It is used for applications such as T-shirts, banners, table covers, id cards, sportswear and flags.

What is the difference between dye sublimation and sublimation?

Dye sublimation ink is high quality, water-proof ink. Sublimation ink is used for textile printing or personalized or promotional items. However, the ink can be used on specific materials, such as polyester and polyester-coated substrates. Other materials like cotton will not withstand the heat during printing.

How much does a dye sublimation printer cost?

While dye sublimation printers are made for household as well as professional use, they can cost around $300 for a small home one and can go up to $600 for a more high-end product. For larger printers for mass production, they can cost up to $10,000.

How long do dye sublimation prints last?

Print Technology Display Permanence (Glass Protected) Air Fade Resistance Dye Sublimation 4-8 years lightfastness (one brand: 26 years) Decades (most brands).

What is the drawback of dye sublimation printer?

The Disadvantages There are more steps in dye sublimation, and it requires additional labor, which can cause the price to be a bit higher than other processes. Another disadvantage a production issue more common with older printers.

What equipment do you need for dye sublimation?

If you are just starting out in sublimation the main equipment you will need is a good heat press, a sublimation printer, and a computer or tablet for designing. If you plan to add mugs and hats to your business, you will also need a mug press and a hat press.

What materials can be dye sublimated?

New polymer treated materials have been developed specifically for dye-sublimation applications that include aluminum, brass, glass, fiberglass, acrylic, plastic and hardboard sheet materials.

Can you use a Cricut for sublimation?

Turns out, it’s totally possible to use Cricut Design Space for sublimation printing! You can also use Print then Cut images from the Cricut Image Library, but I’ve found that occasionally the color can be a bit unpredictable with these images, strangely.

Can a dye sublimation printer print on vinyl?

Sublimation is recommended for white or light-colored substrates to yield optimum results, while HTV works great on any color fabric. With certain vinyl like Siser Glitter, you can sublimate designs directly onto the vinyl before pressing it onto the garment.

What is a good sublimation printer for T-shirts?

HeatPressHangout’s Top 5 Recommendations Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer. Key Features. SAWGRASS VIRTUOSO SG400 Sublimation Printer. Key Features. DNP Event Photo Printer DS-RX1HS. Key Features. Datacard Group SD260 Dye Sublimation/Thermal Transfer Printer. Key Features. Digital Textile Printer MT-TA3. Key Features.

Does Epson have sublimation ink?

Epson genuine dye-sublimation ink have an auto-stop technology with less environmental impact versus standard plastic cartridges. Open inks or unopened inks within six months of expiration are non-returnable. This sublimation ink is by far the best we have used. It gives consistantly vibrant colors.

Which is better heat transfer or sublimation?

If your business focuses or mainly focuses in white and light-color polyester apparel, sublimation is a great option. Your prints will have the lightest hand and great durability and washability. However, if you want to print on any color or material type, heat transfer paper will be your best bet.

Is an inkjet printer a sublimation printer?

The basic difference between sublimation vs inkjet is that sublimation printers use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon to a paper or substrate, while inkjets direct microscopic drops of ink directly onto the paper.

Can you use regular printer ink for sublimation?

Regular ink isn’t made to be compatible with sublimation paper, and will usually smear right off the page if you print using this paper. After all, sublimation paper is mostly used for clothing prints, so it wouldn’t make sense to have ink that sticks to the paper.

What printers can I convert to sublimation?

Top 10 Best Epson Printer for Sublimation Epson EcoTank ET-2760. Epson WorkForce WF-7720. Epson EcoTank ET-3760. Epson EcoTank ET-2720. Epson HD XP-1500 printer. Epson WorkForce ET-3750. Epson Workforce WF 7710. Epson WorkForce WF-7210.

Can any Epson printer be used for sublimation?

Printers such as Epson, Sawgrass, and Roland have this type of print head and can be used for sublimation. Just to note, there are other printer brands that have this Piezo Print Head but there are no sublimation inks for them.

How much does it cost to sublimate a shirt?

Pricing Your Poly-performance Apparel as a Premium Product For example, a 100% cotton or 50/50 white t-shirt can be purchased for $1.00 to $1.50 (depending on weight, style and brand). A typical poly-performance t-shirt will run $5.00 to $6.00 depending on style and brand.

Can you wash sublimation shirts?

Laundering Instructions For Sublimated Officials Shirts Wash colored and white garments separately. Use cold/warm water. Use a mild soap or detergent. Remove garments from washer promptly.