Are you concerned about choosing between Sawgrass and Epson sublimation printers? This can be a challenging task, especially when considering the “sawgrass vs epson sublimation printer” debate. But worry not, we got the answers! This comparison cuts through the noise to address costs, color quality, and user experience directly. Discover which printer may be the optimal fit for your sublimation needs without the sales pitch, guiding you through a detailed analysis that simplifies your decision-making process in the sawgrass vs epson sublimation printer arena. We separately cover in-depth comparisons and reviews of multiple sublimation printer brands in another article.
Key Takeaways
- Sawgrass printers are known for high-quality prints, easy maintenance with self-cleaning heads, and robust support, catering to a broad audience with models like SG400 and SG800 which provide quick printing and large print sizes. Learn more about deciding on the best printer from the Sawgrass brand.
- Epson printers like the WorkForce and EcoTank series offer economic sublimation printing options through conversion, with diverse connectivity options and cost savings on ink, despite potential risks of clogging and voiding the warranty. Learn more about choosing the best Epson sublimation printer.
- Choosing the right sublimation printer depends on factors such as intended use, budget, technical support, and personal DIY skills, with Sawgrass favored by businesses and Epson by budget-conscious users and personal projects.
Sawgrass Printers: Overview and Features
Sawgrass is a frequently mentioned brand in the realm of sublimation printers, and the sawgrass sublimation printer is known for its color vibrancy, reliability, and ease of use. Catering to a broad audience, from hobbyists to businesses, Sawgrass printers offer patented eco-friendly water-based sublimation inks and DesignMate software, providing users with hundreds of free designs. While this section discusses older models, we encourage you to read our articles on the newer models too. For example, make sure to read our detailed review on the Sawgrass SG500 here. If you are new to sublimation printing, we delve into comparisons for sublimation printers for beginners here.
Furthermore, the self-cleaning print heads of Sawgrass printers foster efficient utilization of paper and ink while boosting maintenance effectiveness. Add to this a robust support structure throughout the printer’s lifespan, including worldwide dealer support, the Sawgrass Care program, and a reliable warranty, and you have a package that’s hard to ignore.[1]
Sawgrass SG400
The Sawgrass SG400 is renowned for its reliability and rapid printing capabilities in the sublimation printer market. Here are some key features of the SG400:
- Maximum paper size of 8.5×11 inches (and up to 8.5×14 inches with an extended tray)
- Accommodates a variety of projects
- Print speed of up to 156 prints per hour
- Nearly twice as fast as the older Ricoh SG 3110DN model
These features make the SG400 a popular choice for businesses in need of quick turnarounds.
Despite its high performance, the SG400 is also attractively priced. At a discounted sale price of $495, down from its original price of $599, the SG400 offers a good balance of quality and affordability.
Sawgrass SG800
A step up in the Sawgrass range brings us to the SG800. This model offers larger print sizes, supporting up to A3/Tabloid size paper in the main tray. For those requiring even larger prints, the SG800 has an enhanced capability to print up to A3+/13”x19” using an optional bypass tray.
Designed to be part of the Virtuoso HD Product Decorating System, the SG800 works optimally with SubliJet-HD inks. This makes it ideal for high-definition digital decorating, giving your designs that extra edge in detail and vibrancy. The SG800 comes with a higher price tag of $1,599 for a new unit, although the market may offer it at a reduced cost of around $1,250.
Epson Printers: Overview and Features
Next, we consider Epson, another dominant player in the printing industry. Epson printers, including the Epson WorkForce printers and EcoTank series, are known for their diverse connectivity options and the possibility of conversion for sublimation printing.
Take, for example, the Epson WorkForce ET-16500 EcoTank, one of the most efficient inkjet printers on the market. This inkjet printer offers the following features, setting it apart from a regular inkjet printer:
- Comes pre-loaded with up to two years of ink, eliminating the need for ink cartridges
- Offers significant savings on ink, up to 80 percent compared to traditional cartridges
- Comes with supersized, easy-to-fill ink tanks designed for increased efficiency
- Streamlines productivity with features such as wide-format prints, scan and copy capabilities, a 500-sheet capacity, and automatic 2-sided printing and copying
The ET-16500 is a printer that not only saves you money but also conserves resources and enhances productivity. Read more about whether a regular printer is compatible for sublimation.
Epson WorkForce Series
Within the WorkForce series, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4730 All-in-One Printer stands out. It features:
- PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology for high performance
- Fast color print speeds of 20 ISO ppm
- A 500-sheet capacity across two paper trays
- Professional quality graphic and text printing capabilities.
The WF-4730 distinguishes itself through its features that boost productivity. It includes:
- A 35-page Auto Document Feeder
- Auto 2-sided printing
- Multiple wireless printing options, supporting various devices including iPad, iPhone, and Android
- A 2.7-inch color touchscreen LCD
- Voice-activated printing with Alexa
These features make it a workhorse for any office setting.
However, converting an older style Epson WorkForce printer to sublimation printing involves purchasing the correct cartridge, filling it with sublimation ink, and inserting it into the printer.
Epson EcoTank Series
The built-in tank system of the Epson EcoTank series sets it apart, facilitating user-friendly sublimation conversions. Take the Epson EcoTank printer WorkForce ET-16500, for example. This model is designed with office work features including wide-format printing and large paper capacity, reinforcing the EcoTank’s capability for high volume and low-cost ink replacement.
The EcoTank ET-2800 and its Walmart and Target exclusive version, ET-2803, are valuable options for small format sublimation printing, handling up to 8.5 x 14 inches. If you’re looking for wide-format sublimation printing, the EcoTank ET-15000 is known for providing the best value, capable of producing prints as large as 13 x 19 inches. The ET-8550 further expands sublimation printing capabilities with 6-color ink support, allowing for high-quality photo prints up to 13 x 19 inches.
Color Management: Comparing Sawgrass and Epson
In sublimation printing, color management plays a vital role. Sawgrass printers excel at this with their built-in driver that comes with color profiles for simplified and accurate color management. There are also additional features like ‘Color Mode’ to select the best setting for different design types and ‘Color Adjustment’ to fine-tune color output.
On the other hand, Epson sublimation printer models, such as Epson printers, offer a driver with settings such as PhotoEnhance for automatic color adjustments and support for color management systems like ICM for Windows, ColorSync for Mac OS, and ICC profiles prepared for each printer model and paper type. However, converted Epson printers for sublimation require the addition of third-party ink profiles to ensure accurate color output since the built-in drivers are optimized for Epson-original inks, not for epson sublimation ink.[2]
Cost Analysis: Sawgrass vs Epson
Sawgrass and Epson present diverse offerings in terms of cost.
- The Sawgrass SG400 starts at $550
- The SG800 starts at $1500
- Epson EcoTank printers suitable for sublimation can start as low as $199 with simple conversion processes beginning around $170.
However, the cost of ink for Sawgrass printers is substantially higher than for Epson. Non-industrial sublimation printer inks for Sawgrass printers can cost up to $130+, whereas a pack of four inks for converted printers is around $24. While Sawgrass printers offer high print quality and support, they require special sublimation ink and paper, which can drive up production costs. Additionally, if not used frequently, Sawgrass printers may waste more ink in cleaning cycles.[3]
Conversion Considerations: Pros and Cons
Though Epson printers afford the potential for sublimation conversion, this process entails several considerations:
- Converting an Epson printer for sublimation voids the manufacturer’s warranty and eliminates eligibility for technical support.
- However, the conversion process can potentially lead to improvements in print quality, with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- But, it also comes with risks like overheating and clogging.
Moreover, a sublimation printer comparison reveals that converted sublimation printers may require more frequent maintenance, including manual head cleaning, and they can have a shorter lifespan due to the alteration from their intended design.
Performance Comparison: Print Speed and Quality
Another key factor to weigh is performance. Sawgrass printers demonstrate impressive print processing speeds with hardware features like built-in processors and memory modules. Both Sawgrass SG400 and SG800 offer the following print speeds:
- 15 seconds for high-speed printing (600 x 600 dpi)
- 29 seconds for high-quality printing (600 x 600 dpi)
- 48 seconds for advanced photo printing (1200 x 600 dpi)
Epson printers offer varying print speeds and resolutions depending on the model. Here are some examples:
- The Epson Workforce 7710 and 7720 models print at speeds of 18 pages per minute for monochrome and 10 pages per minute for color.
- The EcoTank ET-16500 matches this speed.
- The Epson EcoTank ET-2650 has lower print speeds, at 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 4 pages per minute for color.
Choosing the Right Printer: Factors to Consider
The selection of an ideal sublimation printer extends beyond merely opting for the highest specs or the most affordable price. It’s about matching the printer with your specific needs and expectations. For instance, the intended use of the sublimation printer is crucial. Whether it’s for photo printing, transferring images to objects, or both, it’s important to understand the sizes of the items you plan to print.
Budget considerations can also dictate the choice of printer. While Sawgrass printers are preferred by businesses for their high print quality and support, converted Epson EcoTank printers serve as a budget-friendly option for casual personal projects. Additionally, the ease of setup and the level of technical support offered should also be considered based on your DIY skills.
User Experiences: Testimonials and Reviews
In deciding between Sawgrass and Epson, customer experiences and reviews can offer useful insights. The Epson SureColor F170, for instance, is often preferred over Sawgrass printers for its:
- Lower cost
- Larger volume of starter ink provided
- Easy setup
- Affordability
- Quality sublimation prints
It is well-suited for both beginners and experienced sublimators.
Nonetheless, acknowledging the limitations of each printer is essential. Some users have noted limitations with the Epson F170, like the inability to print in wide format or perform borderless printing, restricting the size of possible sublimation projects. Despite these limitations, consumers find the Epson F170 a worthwhile investment for sublimation purposes, thanks to the included ink and support services.
Accessories and Supplies: What You’ll Need
After selecting your sublimation printer, you will require several accessories and supplies to commence operations. Heat-resistant tape and protective paper are required to secure printed transfers to the blank and protect the press from excess ink. Tools such as a lint roller, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls are used to clean blanks, ensuring there are no imperfections in the transferred image.
In addition, here are some essential tools and materials you’ll need for sublimation printing:
- A heat-resistant mat
- Gloves
- Pressing pillows
- Sublimation-ready blanks, such as keychains, coasters, and phone cases
These tools will help you manage items during and after pressing, safeguarding the user and providing an even pressing surface. Plus, with a variety of sublimation-ready blanks, you can start creating your unique designs.
Summary
In conclusion, both Sawgrass and Epson offer a variety of sublimation printers that cater to different needs, budget ranges, and expertise levels. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a business owner, whether you prioritize speed, print quality, or cost-effectiveness, there’s a printer out there for you. Remember to consider factors like intended use, budget, technical support, and ease of setup when making your choice. Happy printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer is best for sublimation?
The best printer for sublimation is a great investment for creating custom products at home or in the office without outsourcing.
How long does Sawgrass ink last?
Sawgrass inks have a shelf life of about 2 years, indicated by the expiration date on the cartridge. It is recommended to switch the inks after this date to prevent any printer damage.
What is the difference between Sawgrass 500 and Sawgrass 1000?
The main difference between the Sawgrass 500 and Sawgrass 1000 is the paper size they can support. The SG1000 can handle up to A3/Tabloid size paper, while the SG500 supports up to A4/Legal size paper. You can also purchase a bypass tray for either printer.
What are the advantages of Sawgrass printers?
Sawgrass printers are advantageous because of their color vibrancy, reliability, and ease of use, along with patented eco-friendly inks and strong support. If you’re into printing, these features could be a game-changer for you.
How do Epson and Sawgrass printers compare in terms of cost?
In conclusion, while Sawgrass printers have higher initial and ink expenses than Epson printers, they come with better tech support and are easier to use. Keep this in mind when considering your options.
References
- Caan, J. (2013, June 20). First-rate customer care is key to making your business a success. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2013/jun/19/customer-care-business-success
- ColorSync Utility User Guide for Mac. (n.d.). Apple Support. https://support.apple.com/guide/colorsync-utility/welcome/mac
- Simonson, J. (2024b, February 16). How to conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/cost-benefit-analysis/
