Sublimation printing allows you to transfer dye onto surfaces like fabrics, ceramics, and metal to create full-color prints, graphics, and more. Epson printers are considered among the best for sublimation printing thanks to their reputation for high print quality, reliability, and diverse printer models. This article explores the top Epson printers ideal for sublimation transfer printing.
What to Look for in a Sublimation Printer
When selecting the right best Epson printer for sublimation printing, key factors to consider include:
Print Quality
High resolution for sharpness and detail in designs and photographs - at least 1440 x 720 dpi recommended.
Ink System
Ability to handle sublimation inks and avoid clogs or printhead damage. Most printers require additional inks.
Print Speed
Faster speeds improve productivity for high volume sublimation work.
Media Handling
Accommodate transfer paper up to 13” wide without jamming or misfeeds.
Reliability
Durability for high duty cycle printing - many Epson models have excellent reliability.
Price
Printer cost plus ongoing ink expenses to find the right balance of features and cost.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore some of the best Epson sublimation printers available today.
Epson SureColor F170
The SureColor F170 is a moderately priced dye-sublimation printer perfect for entry-level users.
Key Specifications
- Print Resolution: 1440 x 720 dpi
- Print Speed: Up to 13 sq.ft/hr
- Max Print Size: 8.5” x 11”
- Ink: 4 individual ink cartridges
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Reliability: 50,000 page duty cycle
- Price: $500 - $700
Pros
- Compact size great for home or small business
- Straightforward set-up and operation
- Capable print quality with vibrant colors
- Low acquisition cost
Cons
- Slow print speeds for high volume work
- Small maximum print size
- Ink cartridges are costly over time
Verdict
An affordable starter model but may be limiting for growing businesses due to small print size and slow speeds.
Epson SureColor F570
A step up from the F170, the SureColor F570 offers faster speeds and wider printing.
Key Specifications
- Print Resolution: 1440 x 1440 dpi
- Print Speed: Up to 80 sq.ft/hr
- Max Print Size: 13” x 19”
- Ink: 9 individual ink cartridges
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Reliability: 5,000 page duty cycle
- Price: $1,200 - $1,500
Pros
- High print quality with excellent detail
- Larger prints accommodate full transfer sheets
- Faster engine improves productivity
- Reliable performance for high duty cycles
Cons
- Individual ink cartridges raise operating costs
- Initial printer cost jumps up from F170
Verdict
The F570 brings great productivity, print quality and size for growing sublimation businesses.
Epson SureColor F9470
For high volume sublimation printing, Epson’s SureColor F9470 is hard to beat.
Key Specifications
- Print Resolution: Up to 1440 x 1440 dpi
- Print Speed: Up to 550 sq.ft/hr
- Max Print Size: 64” wide
- Ink: 9 high capacity ink cartridges
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB
- Reliability: 750,000 impression duty cycle
- Price: $5,000 - $6,000
Pros
- Industrial productivity with fast print speeds
- Huge 64” print width for oversized graphics
- High reliability for heavy workloads
- Excellent image quality across large prints
Cons
- Requires significant investment
- Large footprint not ideal for all spaces
Verdict
With exceptional speeds, size and reliability, the F9470 excels for high volume sublimation printing.
Epson SureColor F6200
Striking a balance between desktop and industrial printers, the SureColor F6200 offers robust production capacity.
Key Specifications
- Print Resolution: Up to 1440 x 1440 dpi
- Print Speed: Up to 680 sq.ft/hr
- Max Print Size: 64” wide
- Ink: 9 high capacity ink cartridges
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB
- Reliability: 250,000 impression duty cycle
- Price: $2,500 - $3,000
Pros
- High speeds rival industrial printers
- Wide 64” print width
- High monthly duty cycle for frequent use
- Advanced media handling capabilities
Cons
- Requires significant investment
- Large footprint not ideal for all spaces
Verdict
With production-level speeds and width, the F6200 brings industrial strength and value to a desktop package.
Key Buying Considerations
To summarize, main factors when choosing the best Epson sublimation printer include:
- Production volume needs - lower versus higher print speeds
- Print sizes required - standard sheets or large/wide format
- Overall printing budget - from affordable to enterprise investments
- Physical space available - compact desktop to industrial models
Consulting a knowledgeable Epson reseller can help select the right model for your specific sublimation printing needs and budget.
Whether you’re a small business or high volume producer, Epson offers outstanding sublimation printers known for superb print quality, media handling, and reliability. With models spanning entry-level to industrial production, Epson delivers solutions tailored to your workflow and requirements.
