Do you have questions about which sublimation printer is best for you? If you want to start in the world of sublimation to begin personalising or need to upgrade your current printer, this article is just what you need!

With this guide, you will find the model that best suits your needs. Keep reading and discover the perfect sublimation printer for your business.

Official or adapted sublimation printers?

Before choosing a sublimation printer, it is important to know the two main types available: official ones and adapted ones.

• Official sublimation printers: Official printers are those specifically designed by manufacturers for sublimation. Brands such as Epson, Sawgrass, or Brother offer models prepared for this technique, with manufacturer warranty and optimised colour profiles.
• Adapted sublimation printers: These printers are not originally designed for sublimation, but their features make them compatible with this technique. Although they do not carry the manufacturer's warranty when using non-original inks, many distributors offer limited warranties.

If you choose an adapted printer, it is crucial to use an appropriate colour profile for the inks and paper you are using. This should be provided by your supplier, as otherwise, the results may not meet expectations.

Example of an official printer: Epson SC-F100

Example of an adapted printer: Epson ET-1810

Sawgrass vs Epson: Which to Choose for Sublimation?

Sawgrass and Epson are leaders in sublimation, but with key differences. Sawgrass is renowned for its quality, although it comes with higher costs for equipment and consumables. Epson, a global leader in the sector, offers reliability, excellent performance, and more competitive pricing thanks to its piezoelectric printheads.

If you are looking for a balanced option in quality and cost, Epson is the best choice for professional results tailored to various needs.

Epson F100/F170: The best-selling printer for sublimation

The Epson F100/F170 has taken the market by storm since its launch, becoming one of the most popular choices for starting out in sublimation. It is perfect for entrepreneurs taking their first steps as well as those seeking a second machine for small projects, such as mugs or keyrings. Here are its key advantages:

• Optimised profiles: Ensure professional results on textiles and rigid objects.
• Versatile printing: Designs in A4 and up to 1.20 metres in length in a compact unit.
• Outstanding quality: Deep blacks and vibrant colours with the appropriate consumables.

A detail to keep in mind is to choose the correct sublimation paper, as otherwise, you might encounter the dreaded "ant trail" in your prints.

Epson ET-1810: The compact printer ideal for starting in sublimation

The Epson ET-1810 is an economical and accessible option for starting in sublimation, noted for its print quality that rivals the Epson F100 in A4 format. It is ideal for small businesses due to its ability to provide vibrant colours and precise details. Here are some of its advantages:

• Economical and accessible: Ideal for entrepreneurs looking to start in sublimation with a modest investment.
• Colour profile compatibility: Brildor provides specific profiles for Epson inks and sublimation papers.
• Compact and versatile: Perfect for small spaces and capable of printing on A4 up to 1.20 metres in length, ideal for products such as socks or series of mugs.

Epson ET-14100: The successor of one of the best-selling printers for sublimation

The Epson ET-14100 arrives as the next generation of the iconic ET-14000. With an improved design and new features, it stands out as an excellent choice for those looking to print in A3+ format, but what improvements does it offer?

• Compact design: It is smaller than its predecessor, taking up less space in your workspace.
• WiFi Connectivity: You can now send your designs directly to the printer without the need for cables.
• Maintenance tank: Includes a dedicated tank that simplifies maintenance and extends the printer's lifespan.

Key Features of the Epson ET-14100

• Large formats: Prints on papers up to A3+ and 1.20 m in length, perfect for multiple sublimable products.
• CMYK Configuration: Expanded black tank for greater efficiency in high-demand tasks.
• Ideal alternative: The best A3 format option between Epson's F100 and F500.

Epson ET-18100 - Photo: The ideal printer for sublimating photographs

The Epson ET-18100, photo version, is an evolution of the ET-14100, specifically designed for those seeking higher quality in colour representation. With enhanced features, it is perfect for sublimating products with photographs, achieving professional results thanks to its expanded colour capacity. So, what makes the Epson ET-18100 special?

• 6 ink channels: Light cyan and light magenta enhance halftones and gradients, expanding the colour gamut.
• Simple colour management: Compatible with exclusive colour profiles and software such as Photoshop or Affinity Photo.
• Exceptional photographic quality: Ideal for sublimating products with detailed and vibrant images.

Epson ET-18100 Fluor: The revolution in sublimation with fluorescent colours

The Epson ET-18100 Fluor revolutionises sublimation with fluorescent colours, such as fluorescent yellow and pink, offering creative and striking options. It is a compact and much more economical alternative to the Epson F6400-H, ideal for those looking to innovate and stand out with fluorescent effects in their designs.

This printer not only allows you to work with traditional CMYK colours, but also offers advanced options:

1. Traditional CMYK Mode: Operates like a standard ET-14100, ideal for conventional projects.
2. CMYK + Fluorescent Mixed Mode: Integrate fluorescent colours into yellow and magenta mixes for vibrant designs.
3. CMYK Mode + Fluorescent Spot Colours: Allows the selective application of fluorescent colours to create customised special effects.

What do you need to make the most of this printer?

To make the most of this printer, you need the specialised software Digital Factory Sublimation Edition, which is essential for correctly managing fluorescent colours. Although it represents an additional cost, the results fully justify it.

Epson F500 and F570: The Queens of Medium Format in Sublimation

The Epson F500 and F570 are benchmarks in medium format sublimation, ideal for working with sheets and rolls up to 61 cm. They are perfect for large-scale production, customisation of large products, and professional results. Here are some of their features:

• Format versatility: Compatible with loose sheets and rolls, ideal for large products such as XXL t-shirts, banners, and decorative textiles.
• Proven reliability: Designed with the robustness and durability of Epson production machines for consistent performance.
• Quality and speed: Perfect for businesses seeking productivity and precision with exceptional results.

Epson F6400 and F6400-H: The large format printer for professional sublimation

The Epson F6400 and F6400-H, with a print width of up to 112 cm, are ideal for the most demanding sectors. They are perfect for fashion and apparel, sportswear with vibrant colours, and large-format photography with sharp and detailed results. Let's see how they differ:

• Epson F6400 (CMYK): Standard 4-colour configuration, ideal for high-demand projects where consistency and reliability are required.
• Epson F6400-H (CMYK + 2 additional colours): Allows for an expanded colour range with two additional inks of your choice:
  • Light Cyan and Light Magenta to enhance halftones and gradients.
  • Fluorescent yellow and fluorescent pink for vibrant and striking effects.
  • Orange and violet for a richer and more accurate colour reproduction, especially in complex tones.

Now that you are familiar with the most prominent sublimation printers, it's time to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. At Brildor, you will find them in complete packages with inks and paper. Visit us at brildor.com and start personalising today.

If you have any questions, let us know by leaving a comment. You can also contact our Customer Service department.

Remember that every day we post a lot of ideas, offers, and updates on our social media about different personalisation techniques. To make sure you don't miss anything, follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Oh, and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep learning with us.

See you in the next post!