So you are looking for the top-notch best brother sublimation printer, for your next creative venture? This no-nonsense review gives you the lowdown on the best Brother sublimation printer, focusing on the Brother SP-1, which is currently the only Brother sublimation printer, and what you can expect from this machine’s print quality, media versatility, and practical features. I’ll help you decide if the Brother SP-1 aligns with your sublimation aspirations, without the sales pitch.
Before we dive in to the actual review, I answer an important question. Why should readers trust this review? Well, I have a dedicated website that hosts extensive articles on the craft of sublimation. I also highlight tests performed on printer as well as the results of research into the quality of this model for sublimation purposes.
Key Takeaways
- The Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer specializes in vibrant prints on polyester and polymer-coated items and is equipped for personalized designs, packaging convenience, and is ideal for users with limited space. You can view the printer here.
- Though compact, the Brother SP-1 packs a punch with user-friendly features, wireless connectivity, the versatile Artspira app, but it operates at a slower printing speed compared to industry rivals.
- While the printer is low-maintenance with automatic print head cleaning, other parts require manual care; it offers good value for hobbyists and comes with a supportive 2-year limited warranty. We have a separate article highlighting the process of cleaning printer heads for great results.
Introducing the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer
Welcome to the world of Brother sublimation with the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer, a creative powerhouse that promises vibrant color projects for a specialized audience, thanks to its cyan sublimation ink, magenta sublimation ink, yellow sublimation ink, and dye sub ink. Its charm lies in its ability to print on polyester materials and polymer-coated items, making it perfect for an array of products, from customized fashion pieces like tee shirts to home décor, all with the help of sublimation ink.
But that’s not all, the Brother SP-1 is all about personalization! It supports personalized design transfers, showcasing its software compatibility and creative potential. Despite its robust capabilities, the printer is compact, making it an ideal choice for users with limited space.
These are some pretty bold claims, and we’re here to put them to the test!
Unveiling the Brother SP-1: Setup Journey
Unboxing the Brother SP-1 is like opening a treasure chest. The package includes:
- Quick Reference Guide
- Artspira QR code
- CMYK sublimation inks
- 10 sheets of sublimation paper
Everything you need to kickstart your creative journey, create vibrant color projects, and create customized fashion pieces is right there! If you are curious about how sublimation ink differs from regular ink, we got you covered. It is also a good idea to understand how an inkjet printer differs from a sublimation printer.
Brother sublimation paper is a bit unique with a cut corner. This type of sublimation paper is more expensive and it might not be worth the extra price – you can go with another brand of sublimation paper such as the A-Sub brand.
You can connect the printer to a network through wired or wireless options, with the details neatly provided in the setup guide. Safety is also taken care of, with clear instructions on using the correct type of USB cable and procedures for replacing ink cartridges. You can learn more about the ink used for sublimation by the Brother printer.
Aesthetic Appeal and Usability of the Brother SP-1
The Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer is:
- Functional
- Visually appealing
- Sleek design
- Stylish addition to any creative space
The printer features:
- Wireless connectivity
- Accommodation for various sizes of paper up to 8 1/2 x 14”
- User-friendly aspects like a notched sublimation paper for easy orientation
- Ability to print high quality images and designs
Despite its compact size, it packs a punch with its capabilities.
The Artspira App: A Closer Look
The Artspira app is like the cherry on top of the Brother SP-1 experience. It enhances the creative process with a suite of features including AR functionality, Image Conversion, and a Poster Style feature.
The app offers wireless connectivity through WiFi, allowing you to edit and transfer designs directly from your mobile device to the printer. Plus, the Brother SP-1 is not limited to using the Artspira app for projects, meaning you have the flexibility to use other design software if you prefer.
The Artspira app has features to edit and resize designs, and it is free to use. It does work on mobile, but on MAC or a PC, you might need to go with another design software due to incompatibility.
Testing the Brother SP-1: Performance Analysis
I will now describe some tests performed on the Brother SP-1 sublimation printer. As mentioned earlier, the Artspira app works on mobile and tablets, but for a computer you might need to use another design software. The test was conducted using both the app and a PNG file from a computer. When printed on to sublimation paper, the colors were pretty similar. The designs were then pressed on to a white shirt and the results were beautiful and more vibrant than on paper. Once again, results using both designs were comparable. Do keep in mind – you might need to work around with settings on PC or MAC to get the results you are looking for.
The second test conducted on a t-shirt also yielded very impressive results. The third test, using A4 size and 100% polyester shirt also resulted in beautiful colors.
Speed and Quality: How Fast and How Good?
When it comes to sublimation printers, speed and quality are crucial. So, how does the Brother SP-1 fare in this regard? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
The printer’s speed is potentially slower compared to other sublimation printers like the Sawgrass and converted Epson models. This slower printing speed may affect its suitability for environments where high productivity is essential.
Maintenance Matters: Keeping the Brother SP-1 in Top Shape
Good news for those who dread daily manual maintenance – the Brother SP-1, a top-notch brother printer, automatically cleans the print head when necessary. This feature sets it apart from some other sublimation printers, making it ideal for use with a heat press and screen printing.
The Brother SP-1: A Worthy Investment?
Now its time for the exciting part – the overall sum up of the Brother sublimation printer. If you are wondering: “should I go ahead and buy this printer?”, the answer is not straightforward. I always emphasize the need to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Let us now see how the Brother SP-1 stands out among its competitors. One of the factors you need to consider is your budget. If we compare the Brother sublimation printer to the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer, both initial investment and ongoing ink costs are lower. However, both initial and ongoing ink costs would be higher than most converted Epson EcoTank printers.
However, it is not all about costs. Both the Sawgrass SG500 and potentially Epson EcoTank printers offer a faster print speed. That being said, the Brother printer is an excellent printer for sublimation, producing high quality results at an affordable cost, and boasts many success stories. In terms of print results, a test result showed pretty similar results from both Sawgrass and Brother. The Brother SP-1 also produces better quality than the Epson F170.
If you are a beginner on a budget looking for a very affordable option, and are willing to go through the process of converting from a regular printer, you might want to consider converting one of the Epson EcoTank models. I only recommend converting an EcoTank if you don’t have the budget for a dedicated printer, you might experience issues with a converted printer such as clogging and color problems. as Similarly, if you are looking for faster print speeds and have a higher budget, the Sawgrass SG500 is a good option. If you have wide or large format print needs you might want to look into the Epson ET-15000 large format printer or Sawgrass SG1000.
So who is this printer the best option for? You should purchase this printer if you have a slightly higher budget, yet are looking for an affordable sublimation printer and do not want to go through the process of converting a regular printer, this is a great option! Furthermore, if you are looking for high-quality results but do not have high-volume requirements, the Brother sublimation printer is a fantastic choice. You can find the printer here.
Summary
In conclusion, the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer is a game-changer for makers, artists, and designers. Despite a few minor hiccups, it delivers vibrant images, impressive print quality, and comes with a user-friendly app. While its slower printing speed may not be ideal for commercial use, it’s a solid investment for hobbyists. With its competitive price point, reasonable ink, and paper costs, coupled with a 2-year limited warranty, the Brother SP-1 truly shines in the sublimation printer market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Brother printers for sublimation?
Yes, you can use Brother printers for sublimation to create personalized designs on polyester materials like shirts, hats, jackets, as well as on polymer-coated items like mugs and coasters. It’s a great way to customize fashion pieces and home décor.
Are sublimation printers worth the money?
Sawgrass printers are the quality standard for sublimation printing, especially if you’re turning your hobby into a business. The higher cost may be worth it in the long run.
What printers can be converted into sublimation printers?
You can convert inkjet printers into sublimation printers. Popular options include Epson EcoTank ET-2400, ET-2800, ET-2803 and ET-2850. Check these out if you’re thinking about converting your printer for sublimation printing.
What printer is best for sublimation?
The best printer for sublimation is the Sawgrass SG500, known for its overall great performance in creating custom products at home or in the office. It’s a top choice for anyone looking to handle their own printing needs.
Can the Brother SP-1 print on any material?
Yes, the Brother SP-1 can print on polyester materials and polymer-coated items, making it versatile for various products like clothing and home décor.
