Sawgrass SG500 vs SG1000: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Published August 29, 2025

Choosing the right sublimation printer is one of the most important investments you will make for your business in 2025. The printer you select determines not only the type of products you can create but also your production speed, profit margins, and growth opportunities. Among all the available options, the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 stand out as the industry’s most trusted sublimation printers. Both are engineered by Sawgrass, the global leader in sublimation technology, and both are widely used by entrepreneurs, small shops, and established print businesses.

But here’s the challenge: while they share the same ink technology, software, and print quality, they are designed for very different business needs. The SG500 is compact, affordable, and perfect for small-scale personalization projects, while the SG1000 offers large-format capabilities and is built for businesses ready to scale into higher production volumes.

At Joto Imaging Supplies, we’ve been guiding customers through this exact decision for more than 35 years. As an official Sawgrass distributor since 2000 and one of their top 10 worldwide partners, we’ve helped thousands of businesses, from solo entrepreneurs working at home to multi-staff production shops, choose the printer that aligns with their goals.

This complete guide will compare the SG500 vs SG1000 in detail, covering technical specs, costs, business use cases, revenue potential, and expert recommendations. By the end, you’ll know exactly which printer is right for your business journey.

Quick Decision Guide

If you’re short on time and just want the essentials, here’s the fastest way to decide between the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000:

Feature	SG500	SG1000
Price	$679.95	$1,799.95
Print Size	Up to 8.5" x 14"	Up to 13" x 19" (51" banner with bypass tray)
Ideal For	Beginners, small businesses, creators	Established or scaling businesses
Typical Products	Mugs, coasters, phone cases, small apparel	T-shirts, hoodies, signage, oversized panels
Monthly Revenue Potential	$2,000–8,000	$8,000–25,000+
Workspace Needs	Compact desktop setup	Requires larger workstation

Quick takeaway:

Choose SG500 if you’re just starting out, have limited space, or plan to focus on smaller, high-margin items like mugs and phone cases.
Choose SG1000 if you need larger format capabilities, want to serve apparel or signage markets, or are preparing to scale your sublimation business.

Both printers deliver the same professional print quality. The difference is how far you want to take your business in 2025 and beyond.

Technical Comparison: SG500 vs SG1000

When comparing the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000, the most important thing to know is that both use the same ink technology, the same software, and deliver identical print quality. The real difference comes down to print area, scalability, and workflow needs. Let’s break it down.

3.1 Print Area Capabilities

The SG500 is designed for small to mid-size sublimation projects. It supports a maximum print area of 8.5" x 14", making it ideal for everyday personalized products like mugs, phone cases, coasters, mousepads, and smaller apparel items. Its internal paper tray holds up to 200 sheets, which is plenty for low to moderate production runs.

The SG1000, by contrast, takes sublimation to another level. Out of the box, it can print 11" x 17", and with the optional bypass tray, it can handle 13" x 19" sheets or even 13" x 51" banners. This makes it the perfect choice for shops producing large apparel (t-shirts, sweatshirts), oversized photo panels, and custom signage.

In short: SG500 = everyday personalization. SG1000 = large-format production. Your product catalog will expand dramatically with the SG1000.

3.2 Print Quality and Speed

Sawgrass built both models on the same imaging engine, so you can expect identical output quality.

Resolution: Up to 4880 x 1200 dpi
Speed Modes:
- High Speed (600x600 dpi): 15 seconds
- High Quality (600x600 dpi): 29 seconds
- Advanced Photo (1200x600 dpi): 48 seconds
- Ultra Fine Photo (4880x1200 dpi): ~6 minutes 40 seconds
During Joto’s dealer training with Sawgrass Channel Manager Andy Costa in 2024, he confirmed:
- “The print quality difference between SG500 and SG1000 is zero. The choice comes down to format needs and volume requirements

Whether you choose the SG500 or SG1000, your customers will enjoy sharp images, brilliant colors, and consistent results.

3.3 Size and Workspace Requirements

The SG500’s compact footprint (15.75" x 17.25" x 8.5", ~26 lbs) makes it a favorite for home offices, small studios, or shared workspaces. Many creators run it from a desk or countertop without needing a dedicated station.

The SG1000 is slightly larger (21" x 14.25" x 8.5", ~30 lbs). While not massive, it benefits from having its own printer stand or workstation, especially when paired with the bypass tray. If you plan to scale into high-volume production, giving the SG1000 a dedicated space will streamline workflow.

3.4 Reliability and Longevity

Both printers are built for professional use and, with proper maintenance, typically last 5–7 years. Regular weekly printing prevents clogs, while annual upkeep costs are usually $200–400.

At Joto, we still see customer units from 2018 running smoothly today. Because both printers share the same core technology, their reliability is essentially identical. The key difference is workload: SG1000 owners tend to push their printers harder, which makes consistent maintenance even more critical.

4. Business Use Cases & Revenue Potential

Choosing between the SG500 and SG1000 isn’t just about technical specs. It’s about aligning the printer with your business model, product mix, and growth plans. Both printers can generate significant profit, but they serve different entrepreneurial profiles.

4.1 When to Choose SG500

The SG500 is the entry point into professional sublimation. It’s best suited for:

Entrepreneurs testing the waters of sublimation before scaling
Crafters or Etsy sellers who specialize in small, high-margin items
Businesses working from a limited space such as home offices or mobile setups
Print shops offering add-on personalization services

Revenue Potential:

Mugs: $8–12 profit each
Phone cases: $15–20 profit each
Small apparel (baby onesies, socks, caps): $12–18 profit each
Monthly range: $2,000–8,000 (based on consistent production)

Customer Example: Sarah M., a Joto customer since 2022, runs her SG500 from a spare bedroom. She focuses exclusively on mugs for local coffee shops and corporate clients, generating about $4,500/month. For her, the SG500 provides professional output without overwhelming her space or budget.

4.2 When to Choose SG1000 (≈170 words)

The SG1000 is designed for businesses that are ready to scale and diversify. It’s best for:

Print shops expanding into apparel and signage
Established online stores offering full product catalogs
Growing businesses with high-volume production needs
Entrepreneurs targeting corporate or institutional clients

Revenue Potential:

T-shirts & hoodies: $25–40 profit each
Photo panels (11x14): $35–50 profit each
Custom signage & banners: $45–75 profit each
Monthly range: $8,000–25,000+

Growth Trajectory: Based on Joto’s customer data, 68% of SG1000 owners report 150%+ revenue growth within their first year. The larger format opens access to markets with less competition and higher margins, such as team uniforms, event merchandise, and custom décor.

4.3 Case Study Expansion

One Canadian customer started with an SG500 for mugs and coasters. After a year of steady growth, they added an SG1000 to offer custom sports jerseys and large photo panels. Within six months of adding the SG1000, their revenue more than doubled, proving how printer choice directly impacts scalability.

5. Cost of Ownership & ROI

When investing in a sublimation printer, it’s essential to look beyond the sticker price. The real cost comes from setup, supplies, and ongoing operation. Here’s how the SG500 and SG1000 compare in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI).

5.1 Initial Setup Costs

SG500 Setup (~$1,287.90):

Printer Package: $679.95
Additional inks (recommended): $308 (4 cartridges @ $77 each)
Heat press (15" x 15"): $299.95
Total Initial Investment: $1,287.90

SG1000 Setup (~$2,507.90):

Printer Bundle: $1,799.95
Additional inks: $308
Heat press (16" x 20"): $399.95
Total Initial Investment: $2,507.90

While the SG1000 costs nearly double the SG500 upfront, its ability to produce larger items means the potential profit per order is also significantly higher.

5.2 Monthly Operating Costs

SG500 Operating Costs:Ink consumption (moderate use): $120–180/month

Paper and supplies: $85–120/month
Total Monthly Operating: $205–300

SG1000 Operating Costs:

Ink consumption (higher volume): $200–350/month
Paper and supplies: $150–250/month
Total Monthly Operating: $350–600

Both models use the same SubliJet-UHD inks and require similar maintenance. The difference is scale: SG1000 users typically run more jobs, which drives supply consumption higher but also generates larger revenue.

5.3 Break-Even Analysis

SG500: Breaks even in 3–4 months with consistent production (e.g., 100–150 mugs or phone cases per month).
SG1000: Breaks even in 4–6 months, but the higher revenue potential means ROI accelerates once you add large apparel, signage, or banners.

At Joto, we’ve seen customers who recover their SG1000 investment in just 90 days, thanks to bulk apparel contracts or event merchandise orders. The key is aligning your printer choice with realistic product demand and business goals.

Compatibility & Upgrades

One of the biggest advantages of Sawgrass printers is that both the SG500 and SG1000 share the same ecosystem. This makes upgrading or running multiple units simple and cost-effective.

Inks & Consumables

Both models use SubliJet-UHD inks, available in 31 ml cartridges for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Each cartridge costs about $77 and works interchangeably between the SG500 and SG1000. This uniformity allows businesses that own both printers to stock a single set of inks, reducing complexity and overhead. Paper and blanks are also cross-compatible, further simplifying supply management.

Software Integration

Every Sawgrass printer includes CreativeStudio online designer and Print Manager software. These tools streamline the sublimation workflow, ensuring accurate color profiles and predictable results. Since both printers run on the same platform, moving from SG500 to SG1000 (or running them side by side) is seamless, no need to learn new software or color management systems.

VersiFlex Accessories

For cotton printing, both models are compatible with VersiFlex technology.

SG500 VersiFlex Bundle: $899.95 (pre-configured)
SG1000 VersiFlex: Available on request

⚠️ Important: Once converted to VersiFlex inks, printers cannot revert to SubliJet due to contamination risks. Many growing shops dedicate one unit to sublimation and another to cotton.

The SG1000 is also backward-compatible with SG800 accessories, allowing existing owners to upgrade without replacing their entire setup.

Expert Recommendations

At Joto Imaging Supplies, our technical and sales teams have worked with thousands of sublimation entrepreneurs. Based on 35+ years of customer data and direct training from Sawgrass executives, here’s our advice for different types of businesses.

For Small Business Owners

If you’re new to sublimation, the SG500 is the safest and smartest choice. Its lower cost, compact footprint, and ability to produce high-margin items like mugs and phone cases make it ideal for testing the market. Many successful print businesses began with the SG500 and later expanded into larger equipment. You can even run multiple SG500 units in parallel, a strategy that often proves more efficient than upgrading immediately to a bigger printer.

For Growing Operations

If your business is showing steady demand and you’re ready to diversify, the SG1000 is the growth engine. The larger format opens markets with higher order values, custom apparel, signage, oversized photo panels, that the SG500 simply cannot handle. Our business development team emphasizes that this isn’t just an equipment upgrade; it’s a revenue expansion strategy that often doubles or triples monthly sales.

For Established Print Shops

If you already run screen printing, embroidery, or vinyl cutting, adding an SG1000 integrates sublimation into your existing infrastructure. The investment scales with your customer base and lets you offer full-service solutions. From corporate uniforms to event merchandise, the SG1000 positions you to capture larger contracts and repeat orders without limiting your product catalog.

Where to Buy Sawgrass products

When it comes to sublimation equipment, where you buy matters just as much as what you buy. At Joto Imaging Supplies, we don’t just sell printers, we partner with you to build a profitable business.

Verified Credentials

Official Sawgrass Distributor since 2000
Top 10 Sawgrass distributor worldwide
35+ years serving the printing industry
Direct training from Sawgrass executives

Our long-standing partnership with Sawgrass ensures you get authentic products, the latest updates, and expert-backed guidance that generic online sellers cannot provide.

Comprehensive Support

Every printer purchased from Joto comes with free lifetime technical support from Sawgrass-trained specialists. We also offer:

Same-day shipping from U.S. warehouses (Blaine, Las Vegas, Nashville)
Complete business setup guidance for new owners
Access to exclusive training resources and ROI tools

Complete Product Ecosystem

From printers and inks to blanks, heat presses, and finishing equipment, Joto is a one-stop shop for sublimation. We supply everything you need to start, grow, and scale, with the confidence of expert support behind every order.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Deciding between the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 comes down to your business scale, workspace, and growth goals. Both deliver identical print quality using SubliJet-UHD inks, but they serve very different needs:

Choose the SG500 if you’re just starting out, working from a small space, or focusing on high-margin smaller products like mugs, coasters, and phone cases. It’s compact, affordable, and allows you to test the sublimation market with minimal risk.

Choose the SG1000 if you’re ready to scale. Its larger format opens the door to apparel, signage, and oversized products that generate higher profit margins and attract larger contracts. For established shops or businesses planning for growth, it’s the clear long-term investment.

At Joto Imaging Supplies, we’ve helped thousands of print professionals make this decision. Whether you need guidance, ROI calculations, or full business setup support, our Sawgrass-trained team is here to help.

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