Sublimation Printer: What is a sublimation printer

Sublimation printing involves transferring motifs to a variety of different materials, including t-shirts and ceramic mugs. In order to print in this way, a specialist sublimation printer is needed, along with sublimation inks.

Sublimation printing is incredibly versatile and can be used to personalise a wide range of products. Achieving high-quality results, this method of printing is also relatively quick and easy to complete.

What is a sublimation printer?

A sublimation printer is designed to transfer artwork to an object in a gas state, using a high-temperature heat press.

There are different types of sublimation machines available, including swing away dye sublimation printers, single press sublimation printers, clam press dye sublimation printers, calendar press dye sublimation printers, and more.

How does a sublimation printer work?

Sublimation printers work by infusing the image onto the source printing paper. Once this has been done, heat is then used to transfer the image from the sublimation paper to an object.

Many businesses use this method of printing to personalise their products, including adding graphics to clothing, decorations, home décor, kitchen utensils, keyrings, coffee mugs, hoodies, socks, clocks and more.

The pros of sublimation printing

Sublimination printing offers a number of benefits, including:

• Print on rigid surfaces, including crockery, mugs, photo slates, decorative items and more.
• Quick and simple to complete
• Choose from an unlimited range of colours when printing
• There’s no need to set a minimum print run
• Objects will not lose their colour as after sublimation, the printing is integrated into the substrate
• Produce your orders on the same day.

The disadvantages of sublimation printing

There are also some disadvantages of sublimation printing, including:

• You can only print on fabric that is made of 100% polyester
• Sublimation items must have a white or light-coloured print area
• You need to be aware that black or dark-coloured surfaces cannot be sublimated
• If exposed to UV rays, printing may lose its colour
• Print heads are prone to clogging if they are not used frequently.

Can I use sublimation ink in a normal printer?

You can, but it won't look as good. Because of the process that goes on during printing, the regular paper makes for a poor carrier of the ink.

What are the best sublimation printers of 2023?

There are several different sublimation printers available and the printer that is right for you will depend on your printing needs.

Some of the best sublimation printers UK available are:

• Epson SureColor SC-F100
• Epson SureColor SC-F6200
• Epson Surecolor SC-F7100
• Epson SureColor SC-F7200
• GoTx 1900FX/2600FX Fixation

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