Best Sublimation Printers - The Ultimate Buying Guide

If you’re starting or expanding a sublimation printing business, choosing the right printer will be one of the most important decisions you make. The right sublimation printer not only determines the quality of your products, but also impacts your production speed, versatility, and long-term profitability.

At Joto Imaging Supplies, we work with creators, small businesses, and large-scale producers every day. Over the years, we’ve tested, sold, and supported the top-performing sublimation printers in the market. This guide is the result of that experience, giving you a clear, detailed comparison of the best sublimation printers for your needs.

We’ll cover entry-level solutions for beginners, professional printers for growing businesses, and industrial-grade models for high-volume production. You’ll learn:

• Who each printer is best suited for.
• The types of products and industries each model excels in.
• Key specifications and technical features that matter for day-to-day use.
• The advantages, limitations, and long-term value of each printer.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have the information you need to confidently choose the best sublimation printer for your goals—whether you’re printing custom mugs from your home office, outfitting a busy print shop, or producing textiles on an industrial scale.

Quick Comparison of the Best Sublimation Printers

Choosing the right sublimation printer depends on your product range, production volume, and growth plans. The table below compares the best sublimation printers we offer at Joto Imaging Supplies, so you can quickly identify which models fit your needs.

Entry-Level Sublimation Printers. Perfect for Beginners and Small Businesses

1. Sawgrass SG500 with 31ml VersiFlex Kit & Paper

If you’re looking for an all-in-one sublimation solution that’s compact, powerful, and versatile, the Sawgrass SG500 with 31ml VersiFlex Kit is hard to beat. Designed for creators who want professional results without a steep learning curve, this printer can handle both soft goods (like apparel) and hard substrates (like mugs and photo panels) thanks to the included VersiFlex system.

Who It’s Best For:

• Hobbyists ready to turn their passion into a business.
• Small home-based shops with limited space.

• Startups testing a wide range of custom products before specializing.

Types of Products You Can Make:

• T-shirts, tote bags, and fabric goods.
• Ceramic mugs, coasters, and ornaments.

• Uncoated wood signs, cotton apparel, and more.

Key Features:

• Compact footprint fits easily on a desk or small work table.
• 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution for sharp, vibrant prints.
• VersiFlex kit expands substrate compatibility beyond standard polyester-coated products.
• Wi-Fi connectivity for easy setup and wireless printing.
• CreativeStudio Online Designer with templates for quick design creation.

Advantages:

• Ready to use right out of the box — includes inks, paper, and the VersiFlex kit.
• Works on a wide variety of materials without needing extra equipment.

• Backed by Sawgrass’s 2-year warranty and lifetime tech support.

2. Sawgrass SG1000 with 31ml VersiFlex Kit & Paper

The Sawgrass SG1000 with VersiFlex Kit offers everything the SG500 does but with a much larger print area. This makes it ideal for businesses ready to expand their product catalog to include medium-format items or batch production.

Who It’s Best For:

• Small to medium businesses growing beyond mugs and small garments.
• Print shops needing to produce larger designs without moving to industrial equipment.

• Schools, sports teams, and event merch producers.

Types of Products You Can Make:

• Large t-shirt designs and sweatshirts.
• Fabric banners, table runners, and larger signage.

• Multiple small items printed in one run for efficiency.

Key Features:

• 11" x 17" standard printing, expandable to 13" x 19" with optional bypass tray.
• 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution for stunning color accuracy.
• VersiFlex kit for expanded material compatibility.
• Same ease-of-use and reliability as the SG500.
• Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity.

Advantages:

• Larger print size without losing the user-friendly desktop design.
• Excellent choice for scaling up production without a major investment.

• Supported by Sawgrass’s robust warranty and tech support.

3. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Printer Package

The Virtuoso SG500 Package is a turnkey starter kit for newcomers to sublimation. It bundles the printer with essential accessories, making it easy to get started immediately.

Who It’s Best For:

• First-time sublimation users.
• Entrepreneurs who want a complete setup from day one.

• Seasonal or event-based businesses producing custom merch.

Types of Products You Can Make:

• Standard sublimation mugs and drinkware.
• Small format apparel and accessories.

• Promotional items like keychains and mouse pads.

Key Features:

• 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution for professional-quality output.
• Bundled accessories so you can start production immediately.
• Compatible with Sawgrass’s SubliJet-UHD inks for vibrant results.
• Compact design with Wi-Fi printing capability.

Advantages:

• Affordable entry point with everything included.
• Straightforward installation and operation.

• Ideal for testing the waters before investing in larger-scale equipment.

4. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 Sublimation Printer Bundle

The Virtuoso SG1000 Bundle gives you the benefits of a larger format printer with all the extras you need to hit the ground running. It’s the perfect package for medium-format printing right from the start.

Who It’s Best For:

• Businesses producing medium-sized apparel designs.
• Event merchandise producers needing flexibility in product size.

• Schools, organizations, and sports teams producing larger prints.

Types of Products You Can Make:

• 11" x 17" full-front shirt graphics.
• Posters, signage, and larger promotional items.

• Multiple smaller products in one print run.

Key Features:

• 11" x 17" standard printing, expandable to 13" x 19".
• Comes with inks, paper, and essential accessories.
• Works seamlessly with Sawgrass design and color management tools.

• Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connections.

Advantages:

• Larger print size increases product range.
• Includes everything needed to start producing immediately.

• Strong warranty and support for peace of mind.

Professional & Medium-Volume Sublimation Printers

5. Epson® SureColor F570 24" Dye-Sublimation Pro Edition

The Epson SureColor F570 is built for businesses that need a balance between professional-grade quality, larger print formats, and manageable size. With a 24-inch print width, it’s perfect for creating oversized designs, multiple smaller products in a single run, and signage.

Who It’s Best For:

• Established print shops expanding into larger format work.
• Apparel decorators producing all-over shirt designs.

• Businesses making banners, flags, and large promotional graphics.

Types of Products You Can Make:

• Full-size t-shirt panels and apparel graphics.
• Soft signage, fabric banners, and table covers.

• Bulk production of smaller items like mugs, mousepads, and coasters.

Key Features:

• PrecisionCore® printhead for exceptional color accuracy and detail.
• UltraChrome® DS bottled inks for lower running costs and reduced waste.
• Built-in cutter for fast finishing of roll media.
• Intuitive 4.3" touchscreen interface for easy operation.

• Prints up to 24 inches wide using sheet or roll media.

Advantages:

• Larger print width increases versatility and efficiency.
• Lower ink costs than cartridge-based systems.

• Professional-level color accuracy, ideal for branding and corporate work.

Industrial & High-Volume Sublimation Printers

6. Epson® SureColor F6470 / F6470H 44"

The Epson F6470 series is designed for high-volume production environments where speed, consistency, and large-format capabilities are essential. With a 44-inch print width and high-capacity ink packs, it’s a powerhouse for textile and promotional product manufacturing.

Who It’s Best For:

• Textile manufacturers producing apparel, sportswear, and uniforms.
• Large-format print shops offering banners, displays, and event graphics.

• Businesses needing continuous production with minimal downtime.

Types of Products You Can Make:

• Fabric rolls for apparel production.
• Oversized signage, trade show graphics, and backdrops.

• Bulk runs of promotional items requiring high-speed output.

Key Features:

• 1.6L UltraChrome® DS ink packs for extended printing without interruptions.
• PrecisionCore® MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology for consistent quality.
• Supports multiple paper types: Universal, Rigid Photo Optimized, Adhesive Textile, and Multipurpose.

• High-speed output designed for production environments.

Advantages:

• Reduced ink change frequency improves productivity.
• Industrial reliability for demanding workloads.

• Wide substrate compatibility for diversified product offerings.

7. Epson® SureColor F7200 64"

For the ultimate in sublimation capacity, the Epson F7200 offers 64-inch roll-to-roll printing, ideal for large-scale textile production and expansive graphics. This industrial-grade machine is built for continuous, high-volume runs.

Who It’s Best For:

• Textile mills producing sportswear, fashion fabrics, and home décor textiles.
• Large-scale signage and display producers.

• Operations requiring 24/7 production capability.

Types of Products You Can Make:

• Full fabric bolts for cut-and-sew manufacturing.
• Soft signage for indoor and outdoor use.
• Oversized banners, murals, and event backdrops.

Key Features:

• UltraChrome® DS high-capacity inks for long production runs.
• Industrial roll-to-roll media handling for efficiency.
• Consistent, vibrant prints up to 1440 x 720 dpi resolution.
• Optimized for professional textile and signage workflows.

Advantages:

• Massive print width for unparalleled design freedom.
• Designed for maximum uptime and minimal intervention.

• Produces fabrics and graphics that meet high-end retail and commercial standards.

Total Cost of Ownership, What to Consider Before You Buy

When choosing the best sublimation printer for your needs, it’s important to look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the total cost of ownership (TCO). This will give you a more accurate picture of your investment over time.

Key Factors Affecting TCO:

1. Ink Costs:  Bottled ink systems like Epson’s UltraChrome DS tend to have lower running costs than cartridge systems. However, cartridges like Sawgrass’s SubliJet-UHD often have lower maintenance requirements.

2. Media Costs: Specialty transfer papers, including those for hard substrates or fabrics, vary in price and may affect your margins.

3. Maintenance: Industrial printers may require periodic servicing, while desktop models often need routine cleaning cycles.

4. Production Efficiency: Faster printers with larger media widths can reduce labor time and increase daily output.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Sublimation Printer

1. Focusing only on purchase price: Cheaper printers may cost more to operate in the long run.
2. Ignoring maximum print width: Outgrowing your printer too soon can mean another large purchase.
3. Overestimating production needs: Buying industrial equipment for small-scale work ties up capital.
4. Using non-recommended inks: This can lead to poor print quality and void your warranty.
5. Neglecting training and workflow: Even the best printer won’t perform well without skilled operation.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity and Performance

Proper care can extend the life of your sublimation printer and keep output consistent.

• Run nozzle checks regularly to ensure all colors are firing correctly.
• Perform cleaning cycles as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Keep your workspace dust-free to prevent printhead contamination.
• Use your printer regularly to avoid ink drying in the lines.
• Update firmware and software to ensure compatibility and performance.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Sublimation Printer for Your Needs

The best sublimation printer is the one that fits your current requirements while supporting your growth in the future.

• For startups and small businesses: Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 with VersiFlex, or Virtuoso bundles.
• For professional shops needing larger formats: Epson SureColor F570.
• For industrial-scale production: Epson F6470 series or F7200.

By matching your printer choice to your business goals, product range, and production volume, you’ll ensure a smart investment that delivers consistent, high-quality results for years to come.

Explore our full range at Joto Imaging Supplies and get expert advice, reliable support, and competitive pricing, so you can start creating products your customers will love.