Are you searching for the best sawgrass sublimation printer? Look no further, you have arrived at the right place. In your quest for precision and quality, the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 and SG1000 stand ready for comparison. My objective analysis cuts through the jargon to provide you with factual insights on print quality, media size compatibility, and economic value, providing you with the facts and tips you need to select the printer that meets your sublimation goals.
Overview of Top Sawgrass Sublimation Printers
Right off the bat, two Sawgrass printers are making waves in the sublimation world – the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 and the Sawgrass SG1000. These printers come with advanced programming for maintaining print head health and exceptional color vibrancy, making them the best sublimation printer choices for high-quality sublimation projects. The best sawgrass sublimation printer for beginners, hobbyists and those sublimating on smaller items is the Sawgrass SG500, while the best sawgrass sublimation printer for large format print and larger items is the Sawgrass SG1000. Read on to learn more.
Interestingly, the two models share identical components and function in a similar manner, which guarantees uniformity in various user experiences.
Now before I begin, you might ask what makes me qualified to write this review? I have created a website dedicated to sublimation printing, with a vast collection of resources related to sublimation. All products in this article are well-researched and I discuss testing performed on them, so you can have the satisfaction that you are purchasing a high quality product.
The Sawgrass SG500: A Budget-Friendly Choice for Beginners
Let’s begin our discussion with the first model – the Sawgrass SG500. You can find the printer here.
When you make a purchase, the package will include ink, paper and other relevant supplies. Its now time time for us to get into the pros and cons of this model. The maximum print size offered is 8.5″ x 14′, although this can be upgraded with the optional bypass tray to 8.5″ x 51″.
As mentioned earlier, I will describe testing of the printer for sublimation purposes. The package you purchase will likely come with ink – one factor you should keep in mind is to ensure you use the correct ink for this printer, as every type of ink might not be compatible. Once you open and unpack the printer, do make sure you check out the safety manual and installation guide. You can find support for the installation process at sawgrassink.com/install.
After the printer set up was performed, the next part of the test involved printing the design on to sublimation paper. I really liked the resulting beautiful colors on paper. Following this, the design was pressed on to a rag (made of polyester) for 60 seconds at 400 degrees – the results were definitely amazing. Another test that was conduced using this printer on a polyester shirt also yielded really great results with no bleed through.
One of the key benefits of the SG500 is its built-in design software, Creative Studio, which makes it user-friendly right out of the box. This printer produces stunning results that truly impressed me with the quality of the designs. As a dedicated sublimation printer, the SG500 eliminates the need for conversion, thereby avoiding the associated risks and problems that can come with converting other printers such as color issues and ink compatibility. Additionally, its impressive speed makes it ideal for high-volume projects, ensuring both efficiency and productivity.
However, the SG500 is not without its drawbacks. Firstly, the price tag can be quite high for those on a budget. Furthermore, you might face potentially expensive ink replacements once the initial supply runs out, which is an important consideration when accounting for the overall costs of your project. Despite these drawbacks, for those who have the budget, the Sawgrass SG500 is a fantastic sublimation printer.
The SG500 model is an upgrade from its predecessor, the SG400 model, offering higher efficiency and improved print resolution.
I try to compare the product with its competitors in my reviews. If we consider the SG1000 a competitor, the only major difference is that the SG1000 is a wide format printer for those requiring larger print sizes. Test result showed similar print quality and they both have the same print technology.
So who is the Sawgrass SG500 a good option for? If you do not have wide format needs and are interested in purchasing a Sawgrass printer, this is the best option for you. Similarly, if you are looking for stunning results, without the hassle of converting from a regular printer, go for the Sawgrass SG500. It is great for items such as coasters and drinkware. Overall, the SG500 is more suited to individuals and those businesses who do not have large format needs.
None of my reviews are complete without a quantitative assessment:
- Beautiful, professional-grade quality prints: 4.8/5
- User-friendly: 4.8/5
- Wide format capability: 3.5/5
- Affordability: 4/5
The Sawgrass SG1000: Superior Quality for Advanced Users
The second model we will look at is the Sawgrass SG1000. You can view the item here.
Once again, the Sawgrass SG1000 can be purchased with an entire package, which includes relevant supplies such as ink. Color management software and a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer is included.
Stepping into the world of large format printing, the Sawgrass SG1000 stands out. With a standard tray that can handle media up to 11” x 17”, it caters to your large format needs. If you want to go even bigger, there’s an optional Bypass Tray, which can be procured separately for printing up to 13” x 51”.
Let’s start by highlighting a sublimation test conducted using an SG1000 model on a shirt.
The test involved a print size of 13 x 19 inches with the optional bypass tray, performed on a white polyester shirt, and the print quality was great. The shirt was pressed at 400 degrees for 66 seconds, resulting in beautiful prints comparable to those from an SG500.
Looking at benefits, this printer offers large format printing capabilities, making it ideal for those individuals and businesses who need larger print sizes. It consistently produces vibrant and beautiful results. It is a high-speed workhorse, useful for those with high volume needs.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. This printer is quite expensive and so is the replacement ink, which can run out quite fast. Make sure you have a higher budget if you go with this printer. While CreativeStudio software is included, this is only the free version and accessing all its features may require a subscription.
How does the SG1000 compare to the other Sawgrass model, the SG500? You won’t find much difference in speed and quality – the real differentiator is the print size capacity.
The SG1000 is an upgraded version of the older SG800 model and offers wireless printing, which differentiates it from its predecessor.
So now you might ask – which customers is the SG1000 a good choice for? The SG1000 is the best pick for larger sized items such as apparel and photo panels. It is a more commercial printer, suited to growing businesses. For such businesses, the high investment is well worth the results!
Let’s move on to the quantitative ratings:
- Affordability: 3.2/5
- Large print format capability: 4.9/5
- Vibrant and stunning results: 4.8/5
- Print speed: 4.7/5
Making Your Choice: SG500 or SG1000?
Now that I have completed my detailed review, I am sure you have a clear picture of both printer models. Its now time for an overall sum up. Both printers are great options, depending on your needs and requirements.
The main difference between the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 is the paper sizes they support (do keep in mind the SG500 offers an optional bypass tray for print sizes of 8.5″ x 51″). While the SG500 is the best sawgrass sublimation printer for smaller items including coffee mugs. It is the recommended option for hobbyists and newbies to sublimation. You can find the printer here.
On the other hand, the SG1000 is the best sawgrass sublimation printer for ambitious entrepreneurs, with the capability to print larger media up to 11” x 17”, perfect for larger items such as custom apparel. You can view the item here.
Sawgrass Ink – Which One to Select for My Project?
Yes, this is certainly an important question. Depending on the type of project you are undertaking, selecting the correct ink is vital.
Three different types of ink are available for the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000. Most versatile is the SubliJet UHD, designed for blanks with polymer coatings and soft substrates (for e.g. high polyester content fabrics). Complete package can be found here.
The EasySubli Ink has been designed for use on Siser EasySubli Vinyl, and is suited for polymer coated blanks if used with sublimation paper. If used along with EasySubli Vinyl, you can achieve successful results on dark colors and. You can view the ink here.
The third option is the ChromaBlast ink. It has been formulated to be used with ChromaBlast paper for pressing on cotton fabrics.
Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sawgrass Sublimation Printer
Before settling on your choice, consider these vital aspects for selecting the right Sawgrass sublimation printer:
- Understand the requirements of sublimation printing
- Evaluate the versatility of your printer
- Consider the importance of customer support in your purchase decision
Understanding Sublimation Printing and Its Requirements
Sublimation printing is a unique printing process that requires specialized ink, paper, and substrates to ensure successful projects in the sublimation business. Unlike screen printing, sublimation printers like the SG500 and SG1000 are designed to produce high-quality, full-color designs with special ink that transfers onto objects with compatible coatings. The images, though appearing light when printed, become vibrant and crisp after using a heat press.
Sublimation printing requires the following materials:
- Sublimation ink
- Sublimation paper, such as A-Sub
- Heat-resistant tape to prevent ghosting
- Mirroring of images before printing
- Butcher paper to avoid ink bleed-through
- Substrates with high polyester content or special coatings to ensure color vibrancy.
Bear in mind, specialized sublimation printers or converted inkjet printers are mandatory for sublimation printing, as not all printers can be adapted for this usage. The Sawgrass Print Manager ensures the use of the correct color profile for the sublimation ink, enriching the colors, and along with variable resolution settings, these printers and accompanying software tools like Creative Studio help manage print quality.
Evaluating the Versatility of Your Printer
The versatility of your printer is another important factor to consider. This includes assessing media size compatibility, maintenance features, and suitability for various user levels. Media size compatibility is fundamental, dictating the range of products that can be created, from small items like coasters to larger apparel designs.
For instance, the Sawgrass SG500 supports media up to 8.5”x14” and can extend to lengths longer than 8.5”x14” with an optional bypass tray. On the other hand, the SG1000 prints on media up to 11” x 17” and can handle sizes up to A3+/13”x19” with the bypass tray.
Sawgrass printers also facilitate automatic maintenance with self-cleaning print heads and auto-clean functions to prevent clogging and ensure continuous, optimal print quality. Both the SG500 and SG1000 are designed to cater to a wide spectrum of users, from novices and enthusiasts to startups and established businesses, by accommodating diverse project requirements.
Importance of Customer Support in Your Purchase Decision
One cannot overlook the significance of customer support when deciding on a purchase. Sawgrass’s technical support encompasses a broad spectrum, assisting users with printer function, print quality, and general troubleshooting, ensuring a comprehensive resource for problem resolution.
For new users, Sawgrass enhances the customer experience by providing assistance with setup through a free onboarding call and complimentary remote installation sessions. This level of support provides a smooth transition for beginners and reduces the learning curve associated with new equipment.
To support their users effectively, Sawgrass offers:
- Dedicated technical support through their specialized support website
- Direct communication for any technical issues or queries relating to their sublimation printers
Sawgrass directly handles technical support for functionality and print quality issues related to the sawgrass printer.
Summary
The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and the scale of your operation. Remember, the best printer for you is the one that aligns with your goals and helps you create vibrant, high-quality sublimation projects with ease and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Sawgrass 500 and 1000?
The main difference between the Sawgrass 500 and 1000 is the paper sizes they can support. Therefore, if you require larger paper sizes, the SG1000 would be the better option.
Is the Sawgrass SG1000 worth it?
Yes, the Sawgrass SG1000 is worth it because it offers beautiful, high quality results, in addition to being user-friendly. It’s a great investment for quality and convenience.
What is the difference between Sawgrass 400 and 500?
The main difference between the Sawgrass SG400 and SG500 is that the SG500 has design improvements, better energy efficiency, higher print resolution, and WiFi connectivity. So, it’s a more updated version of the SG400.
Can I convert any inkjet printer for sublimation printing?
No, not all printers can be converted for sublimation printing. You would need a specialized sublimation printer or a convertible inkjet printer.
What are the essential factors to consider when choosing a sublimation printer?
When choosing a sublimation printer, make sure to consider the requirements of sublimation printing, evaluate the versatility of the printer, and the quality of customer support to make an informed decision. Consider these factors to ensure you get the best printer for your needs.
