If you're a small business owner seeking an affordable and efficient way to create vibrant, full-color designs for your products or services, sublimation printing is the ideal solution.
This method of transferring artwork onto materials using heat and specialized inks produces cost-effective, yet high-quality results.
In this blog post, we'll cover the features of various popular models as well as how to use and maintain a cheap sublimation printer.
Popular Cheap Sublimation Printers in 2024
Let's explore the various alternatives to Cricut and consider which one will be perfect for you depending on your needs.
We'll break down all the features, advantages, and drawbacks of each machine so that you make an educated purchase decision.
Printer | Print Resolution | Print Speed | Ink System | Connectivity options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Epson EcoTank | 5760 x 1440 dpi | N/A | Refillable ink tank system | Wireless printing, USB |
Epson SureColor | 1440 x 1440 dpi | Fast | Ink usage system | Wireless printing, USB |
Canon Selphy | 300 x 300 dpi | 54 seconds per print | Traditional ink cartridges | Wireless printing, USB |
HP Envy Photo | 4800 x 1200 dpi | Fast | Traditional ink cartridges | Wireless printing, USB |
1. Epson EcoTank
The Epson EcoTank is a budget-friendly sublimation printer that features an innovative ink system, saving on pricey costs.
Rather than having to replace cartridges frequently, this refillable tank allows users to print up to 7500 pages with just one set of bottles.
With remarkable resolutions of 5760 x 1440 dpi and beyond, your visuals will stand out from the rest. Whether it's for home or business use, the Epson EcoTank is perfect for any situation.
2. Epson SureColor
The Epson SureColor is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality, budget-friendly sublimation printer. Thanks to its 1440 x 1440 dpi resolution, your images will come out sharp and vibrant.
Plus, the fast print speeds mean you can finish projects in no time. To top it off, this machine also utilizes an ink management system that helps keep costs low — perfect if you own a home or small business printing shop.
3. Canon Selphy
The Canon Selphy is an affordable, lightweight sublimation printer that guarantees high-definition prints without breaking the bank. With its impressive 300 x 300 dpi resolution and swift 54 second print speed, it is perfect for tackling those small projects with ease.
Plus, you can easily connect to your device via wireless printing, giving you more flexibility as you print from any corner of your house or office.
4. HP Envy Photo
The HP Envy Photo is a fantastic choice for those searching for an affordable and straightforward sublimation printer.
Boasting a remarkable print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, your images will be beautifully rendered each time you press the print button. Plus, with its fast printing speed, projects are accomplished in no time.
Furthermore, it features various connectivity options, such as wireless printing, so that you can easily access it from anywhere within the confines of your home or office.
Features to Consider When Choosing
When looking for a cheap sublimation printer, there are a few key features that you should consider in order to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.
Common FAQs
In this section, you will find answer some of the most common questions about sublimation printing.
Sublimation printing is a unique way of transferring colorful, enduring prints onto an array of items such as fabrics, ceramics, and metals.
To do this one needs to print the dye on transfer paper then press it onto the material with a heat press.
This efficient process ensures that custom t-shirts, mugs, and other personalized keepsakes are made beautifully.
Unlike traditional inkjet and laser printing, sublimation utilizes heat to embed dye into materials like fabrics, wood, and ceramics.
While both use printable mediums as the canvas for their artistry, regular printing relies on liquid inks while sublimation employs a unique process of transferring special dyes with extreme temperatures onto an array of surfaces.
No, not all printers are compatible with sublimation printing. Sublimation printers use special ink and have a print head that can reach high temperatures, which is necessary for the dye to transfer onto the material.
With a sublimation printer, you can print on an assortment of materials such as fabrics and ceramics. You may also print on metal. But it's essential to remember that the material must be composed or coated with polyester for your designs to stick properly onto them.
Conclusion
All in all, sublimation printing is an excellent way to add a unique flair to your projects. To decide on the best, affordable sublimation printer for you, consider aspects such as print quality, speed of printing, ink consumption rate, connectivity options, and size.
We've provided four fantastic options that can provide superior prints at reasonable prices; however, if cost-effectiveness is your primary concern then opting for the Epson EcoTank could be ideal.
Of course, before making a decision it is essential to take into account any specific requirements you may have from the device.
Hello there, my name is Carole Lokey from Texas. I am a die cutting and scrapbooking enthusiast and I have been sharing my passion with my friends and likeminded folks for close to 15 years now. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me via the contact page. Learn More>>