A sublimation printer for shirts is a specialized device that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as polyester fabric. The process begins with printing a design using sublimation ink on special transfer paper. When this paper is placed onto a shirt and subjected to high heat and pressure usually with a heat press the ink turns into a gas without passing through a liquid phase (a process called sublimation). The gas bonds with the polyester fibers of the shirt, resulting in a vibrant, long-lasting image that becomes part of the fabric itself rather than sitting on top of it.
Sublimation printing is particularly popular for customizing sports jerseys, promotional shirts, and fashion items because it produces high-resolution, full-color designs that won’t crack, peel, or fade over time. However, it only works effectively on light-colored, polyester or polyester-blend fabrics, since the sublimation dye needs to bond with synthetic fibers. While the upfront cost of a sublimation printer and related supplies can be higher than other methods like screen printing, it offers a streamlined and efficient process for small-batch or on-demand shirt production.
Before choosing a sublimation printer for shirts, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure you select the right model for your needs. First, evaluate the volume of shirts you plan to produce. Larger printers with wide formats are better for high-volume production, while smaller printers are suitable for hobbyists or small businesses. Next, check the printer’s resolution and color accuracy, as these directly impact the vibrancy and detail of your prints. Compatibility with sublimation ink and transfer papers is crucial, so verify that the printer is specifically designed for sublimation technology. Also determine whether you’ll be printing on 100% polyester fabrics or polyester-coated items, as sublimation only works effectively on these materials. Additionally, consider the operational costs, such as ink and maintenance expenses. By carefully assessing these aspects, you can make an informed decision and choose a sublimation printer that will meet your quality expectations, production needs, and budget. To make things easier for you, here we will provide some recommendations for sublimation printers for shirts that might suit your needs.
Table of Contents
- Epson SureColor F170
- Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
- Sawgrass SG1000
- HP Stitch S300
- DNP DS820A
- Brother GTX Pro
- Epson SureColor F570
- Canon imagePROGRAF TX-4000
- Mimaki TS55-1800
- Epson SureColor F6470H
- Epson SureColor F11070
1. Epson SureColor F170
Why it’s recommended:
The Epson SureColor F170 is a purpose-built dye-sublimation printer offering high-quality prints in a compact, easy-to-maintain design. It supports media up to 8.5″ x 14″ and comes with genuine Epson dye-sublimation inks, ensuring compatibility and performance without needing any third-party conversion.
Price: ±$449
Recommended for:
It’s an excellent choice for users looking for an affordable, entry-level printer that delivers consistent, professional-grade results for sublimated shirts. With its plug-and-play setup, the F170 is perfect for small production volumes or at-home businesses.
2. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
Why it’s recommended:
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is a compact desktop sublimation printer specifically designed for creative professionals and apparel makers. It prints up to 8.5″ x 14″ and supports a wide range of sublimation paper, making it perfect for custom shirt designs. This model comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and is optimized for fast, color-accurate results right out of the box.
Price: ±$629
Recommended for:
The SG500 is a reliable choice for beginners and small businesses seeking high-quality sublimation results on shirts. Its seamless integration with CreativeStudio and easy-to-use features make it an ideal starting point for anyone launching a shirt printing business.
3. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000
Why it’s recommended:
The Sawgrass SG1000 is the larger-format sibling to the SG500, supporting paper sizes up to 11″ x 17″, and even 13″ x 19″ with a bypass tray. It features updated internal hardware for faster processing and improved reliability, making it a smart upgrade for growing apparel businesses.
Price: ±$1,524
Recommended for:
The SG1000 delivers stunning color accuracy and scalability, making it a premium option for custom t-shirt creators who want to print larger designs or handle more frequent orders with ease.
4. HP Stitch S300
Why it’s recommended:
The HP Stitch S300 is a professional-grade dye-sublimation printer designed for wide-format textile printing. With precision color calibration and thermal inkjet technology, it supports continuous roll media and is suitable for both soft signage and garment production.
Price: ±$15,845
Recommended for:
Its advanced color consistency, remote fleet management, and support for bulk printing make it an ideal option for apparel businesses looking to streamline shirt production at a commercial level.
5. DNP DS820A
Why it’s recommended:
The DNP DS820A is a high-resolution dye-sublimation photo printer traditionally used in photography but adaptable for shirt transfers using compatible heat transfer media. It produces borderless prints in a variety of formats, offering excellent color depth and print speed.
Price: ±$1,295
Recommended for:
If you specialize in custom shirts with photo-based or high-detail designs, this printer is a strong fit due to its print clarity and tonal accuracy, especially in portrait or landscape artwork.
6. Brother GTX Pro
Why it’s recommended:
The Brother GTX Pro is a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer that offers the versatility of printing directly on cotton as well as compatibility with hybrid sublimation workflows. It includes a high-speed industrial print head and white ink support for dark fabrics.
Price: ±$14,293
Recommended for:
While not a traditional sublimation printer, its ability to print directly on shirts and produce stunning color fidelity makes it ideal for high-end custom apparel, particularly when variety in fabric types is needed.
7. Epson SureColor F570
Why it’s recommended:
The Epson SureColor F570 is a 24-inch dye-sublimation printer designed for high-resolution, large-format printing. It supports both roll and sheet media and features an integrated cutter for efficiency, making it suitable for small to medium shirt printing businesses.
Price: ±$2,895
Recommended for:
Its larger print area and fast output speeds make it perfect for businesses producing full-front shirt graphics or printing at higher volumes without compromising on quality.
8. Canon imagePROGRAF TX-4000
Why it’s recommended:
The Canon TX-4000 is a 44-inch wide-format printer traditionally used for CAD and poster printing but adaptable for sublimation with third-party inks. It offers ultra-precise print detail and high-speed output, making it suitable for complex or oversized shirt graphics.
Price: ±$6,495
Recommended for:
With its exceptional image accuracy and large-format capabilities, this printer is ideal for artists or brands looking to make highly detailed shirt designs stand out.
9. Mimaki TS55-1800
Why it’s recommended:
The Mimaki TS55-1800 is an industrial-grade dye-sublimation printer designed for continuous textile printing. It features unattended operation, high-speed output, and roll media compatibility, making it a great asset for bulk shirt production.
Price: ±$20,995
Recommended for:
This printer is best suited for large-scale operations where output speed and reliability are critical. It’s a powerhouse for companies producing hundreds or thousands of custom shirts per day.
10. Epson SureColor F6470H
Why it’s recommended:
The Epson SureColor F6470H is a 44-inch sublimation printer that offers six-color printing for an expanded color gamut. It’s designed for maximum image vibrancy and fine detail, supported by bulk ink systems and high-speed performance.
Price: ±$8,695
Recommended for:
Perfect for businesses needing exceptional color accuracy for fashion or sportswear shirts, this model delivers next-level vibrancy and sharpness, especially for complex graphics or gradients.
11. Epson SureColor F11070
Why it’s recommended:
The F11070 is Epson’s industrial-level dye-sublimation printer, built for ultra-high volume output. It prints at speeds of over 2,700 square feet per hour and supports large rolls of transfer paper, making it one of the most powerful sublimation printers available.
Price: ±$16,789
Recommended for:
It’s ideal for factories or mass production facilities focused on efficiency and consistency. If your shirt printing business demands scale, the F11070 is the ultimate tool for high-throughput, premium-quality sublimation.
Advice before buying sublimation printer for shirts
Before investing in a sublimation printer for shirts, it’s essential to evaluate your specific production needs and budget constraints. For small to medium industries, prioritize printers that offer high-resolution printing (at least 1200 dpi) to ensure vibrant, sharp images on apparel. Consider the maximum print size to match your typical orders, common sizes like 11×17 inches are versatile, but larger formats may be necessary for more complex designs or bigger garments. Additionally, assess the cost of consumables, including ink and transfer paper, as these can significantly impact your ongoing expenses. Choosing a reliable brand known for durability and good technical support can save you time and money in the long run, minimizing downtime due to maintenance or ink supply issues.
Ease of operation and maintenance are crucial for steady workflow in a small or medium-sized industry. Look for printers that are user-friendly with clear interfaces and accessible support services. Compatibility with design software and color management tools also plays a critical role in achieving consistent quality. Furthermore, think about the scalability of your equipment, select a model that can handle increased production loads or larger design sizes as your business grows. By thoroughly considering these factors, you can ensure your investment will enhance productivity, maintain quality, and support your company’s expansion in the competitive shirt printing market.
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