If you are not sure what type of printer you need for sublimation, you’re in good company! A lot of people ask the same question, and it can be confusing because there are several different types available. We’ve broken down the basics so you can make an informed decision and get started printing today!
What is a Sublimation Printer? What Type of Printer You Need for Sublimation?
Sublimation printers are a special type of printer that uses heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto fabric. The process is called sublimation because the ink is heated up and sublimes onto the fabric without ever touching it. These printers can print white ink on dark fabrics, or dark ink on light fabrics.
This makes them perfect for printing o n t-shirts, baby clothes, and more!
To use this process you need a sublimation printer.
There are two different types of sublimation printers: direct to garment (DTG) and heat press. DTG printers are popular because they allow you to print custom designs on your own t-shirts and other apparel using any image you choose.
What is Sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is a process that uses heat to transfer ink into a solid polymer.This type of printing can be used on many types of materials, but the most popular are polyester and leather.
The printer used for sublimation printing is called an inkjet printer, which uses heat and pressure to transfer the ink from the print head onto a substrate.
The quality of the image will depend on how finely detailed it is and how much ink you use.
Why Are There Different Printers for Sublimation?
Sublimation printers are designed specifically to heat transfer images from a specially coated paper onto fabric.
This process is done in three different steps: the first step is applying a layer of dye or ink onto the fabric, the second step is heating and pressing that layer against an ink-coated surface, and finally the third step involves removing that now dyed cloth from the ink coated surface.
There are two types of sublimation printers: direct-to-fabric and transfer-to-fabric. The main difference between these two is how they apply color to fabrics.
Choosing the Right Printer – How to Choose
Selecting the right printer depends on the type of work you want to do and how often you will be using it. There are a few things that you can do to narrow down your options before making a purchase. First, think about what you will be printing. If the prints need to last, then an inkjet printer would not be a good choice.
Next, consider your budget and whether or not you need a printer that is portable or stationary. After figuring out what is most important to you, start looking at printers until one seems like a perfect fit for your needs and wants.
Buying New vs. Used Printers
We’re often asked the question What kind of printer do I need to sublimate? The answer is not as straightforward as it might sound. There are a variety of factors to take into account before deciding which type you need. Used printers can be found on Craigslist or other sources and come with a huge cost savings, but they may have limitations.
For example, if you have a used dye-sub printer that has been in storage for 6 months, parts may have corroded and will need replacement before use. A new printer may offer more versatility and dependability, but it may also come with an expensive price tag.
In the end, your choice will be up to you depending on what features are important to you and how much money you want to spend.
Common Types of Printers and Their Benefits
One of the most common types is a laser printer. Laser printers are so popular because they are generally inexpensive and print quickly. Plus, laser printers can produce high-quality prints in both black and white and color.
The downside to laser printers is that they often only have one cartridge, meaning you have to replace ink when it runs out even if you have other colors loaded in the printer.
Another type is an inkjet printer. Inkjet printers can be more expensive than laser printers, but they also offer a wider range of colors and photo quality pictures. Inkjet printers are known for their detail, but do require more time to print a page as compared with a laser printer.
Which Printer Should I get?
There are a few things to consider when buying a printer. First, decide whether you need a dye sublimation or heat transfer printer. If you want to print on fabric, you’ll need a dye sublimation printer.
If you want to print on t-shirts, hats, and other items with thicker materials, then buy a heat transfer printer. Second, consider your budget and how much space you have available to set up the printer. Third, think about what features the printer has that make it easier to use or that can help produce higher quality prints.
Fourth, think about how often you plan on printing so that it’s not just something that sits around collecting dust after just being used once or twice per week.
Sublimation Printer Buying Guide
The first thing to know about sublimation printers is that they use a different printing process than most printers. you’re buying a printer, it’s important to make sure that your printer is compatible with the type of print you want If you want to print in full color and high resolution, then you’ll need a printer with dye-subliming capabilities.
The good news is there are plenty of different types of dye-subliming printers on the market today, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs.
Conclusion
It is important to know what type of printer you need and if it can do sublimation. Knowing the type of printer that works best for your needs will help save time and money and produce better quality prints.
For example, if you are looking to print shirts, then a printer with a large printing area is necessary. But, if you just want to print on paper, then all you need is a regular inkjet printer. If you don’t mind spending some extra money, there are printers that use toner rather than ink which can be cheaper over time because they don’t dry out.
The thing about using toner is that it doesn’t work in wet conditions and tends to fade over time; but there’s no risk of spilling like there would be with an inkjet printer. There are other types of printers too; so it’s worth researching how much the device costs and how big of an investment you want to make before committing to a specific model or company.
Last Updated on November 9, 2022
