Choosing a high-end sublimation printer for a small business involves balancing quality, size, and versatility. The Epson SureColor F570 stands out for its professional 24-inch capacity, ideal for larger production runs, but it comes with a higher price tag. Meanwhile, the Sawgrass SG1000 offers larger print sizes up to 11 x 17 inches with automatic maintenance, making it perfect for growing businesses that need reliability. For those focused on small-scale, high-quality work, the Epson SureColor F170 delivers exceptional clarity on 8.5″ x 11″ media at a more compact size. Each choice involves tradeoffs between size, cost, and functionality, so understanding these differences helps align the right printer with your business goals.
Key Takeaways
- The Epson SureColor F170 is ideal for small-scale, high-quality production on 8.5″ x 11″ media, but limited in size.
- The Epson SureColor F570 provides large-format printing up to 24″ width, suitable for high-volume or diverse media projects, though it demands a bigger investment.
- The Sawgrass SG1000 excels for larger, professional prints up to 11 x 17 inches with automatic maintenance, but is more complex and costly.
- All options include high-quality OEM inks and support versatile media, yet each has specific size and complexity tradeoffs.
- Choosing the right printer depends on your production volume, media needs, and budget constraints.
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer |  | Best Compact High-Quality Entry-Level for Small Projects | Printer Type: Dye-Sublimation | Print Size: 8.5″ x 11″ | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor F570 24″ Desktop Sublimation Printer with Ink Sets and Accessories |  | Best Large-Format for Growing Small Businesses | Print Width: 24 inches | Media Support: Rolls and sheets up to 24″ | Included Inks: Two full ink sets | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer with 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle |  | Best for Larger, Professional-Grade Prints | Print Size: up to 11 x 17 inches | Inks: 31 mL SubliJet UHD | Media Compatibility: Hard and soft substrates, banners, signage | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer with Ink and Starter Kit |  | Best Cost-Effective High-Quality Small-Scale Printer | Printer Type: Dye-Sublimation | Print Head: PrecisionCore | Included Ink: OEM Epson sublimation ink | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer |  | Best Compact High-Quality Entry-Level for Small Projects | Printer Type: Dye-Sublimation | Maximum Media Size: 8.5″ x 11″ | Included Ink: OEM Epson sublimation inks | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| high end commercial sublimation printer for small businesse | Printer Type | Media Support |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Subli | Dye-Sublimation | 150-sheet auto-feed tray |
| Epson SureColor F570 24" Deskt | — | Rolls and sheets up to 24" |
| Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Pr | — | — |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Subli | Dye-Sublimation | Soft and rigid materials |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Subli | Dye-Sublimation | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
The Epson SureColor F170 shines in delivering crisp images on 8.5″ x 11″ media, making it perfect for small businesses requiring detailed prints on a limited scale. Its PrecisionCore printhead technology ensures high image clarity, and the included full set of sublimation inks simplifies initial setup. Compared with larger models, it’s less complex and takes up minimal space, but its size restriction to smaller media makes it unsuitable for larger prints or high-volume production. It’s a solid choice for craft-focused businesses or those starting out with sublimation.
Pros:- Exceptional image clarity with PrecisionCore technology
- Includes a full set of sublimation inks and accessories
- Compact, space-saving design
Cons:- Limited to 8.5″ x 11″ media size
- No support for direct email or camera connections
- Not suitable for larger or batch printing
Best for: Small businesses prioritizing high-quality, small-format sublimation on a budget
Not ideal for: Businesses needing large-format printing or high-volume output
- Printer Type:Dye-Sublimation
- Print Size:8.5″ x 11″
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, USB
- Included:Full set of ink, user guide, AC power cable
- Media Support:150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Technology:PrecisionCore printhead
Our verdict“A compact, high-quality choice for small-scale sublimation projects, but limited in media size and volume.”
Epson SureColor F570 24″ Desktop Sublimation Printer with Ink Sets and Accessories
The Epson SureColor F570 offers a 24-inch printing width, making it suitable for producing larger designs on diverse media like fabrics and ceramics. Its advanced printhead technology guarantees vibrant, detailed outputs, and the included software streamlines professional workflows. While its size and cost are higher, this model supports versatile media types, including rolls, which expands creative possibilities. It’s especially well-suited for businesses aiming to expand their product range or handle more complex projects, but the need for freight shipping and delivery coordination should be considered.
Pros:- High-quality output with PrecisionCore MicroTFP technology
- Supports roll and sheet media up to 24″ wide
- Includes comprehensive software and two full ink sets
Cons:- Requires a valid phone number for delivery scheduling
- Limited to freight shipping, affecting flexibility
- Higher initial investment and operational costs
Best for: Small businesses needing larger prints and professional-grade versatility
Not ideal for: Solo entrepreneurs or hobbyists with limited space and budget
- Print Width:24 inches
- Media Support:Rolls and sheets up to 24″
- Included Inks:Two full ink sets
- Additional Accessories:Sublimation paper, user guide, remote install
- Technology:PrecisionCore MicroTFP
Our verdict“An excellent large-format sublimation printer for growing businesses ready to upscale production capacity.”
Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer with 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
The Sawgrass SG1000 stands out for its ability to print up to 11 x 17 inches, making it ideal for businesses that need larger formats like signage or apparel. Its automatic maintenance feature reduces downtime, and the vibrant SubliJet UHD inks produce durable, professional-quality colors. Compared to smaller, less feature-rich models, the SG1000 offers greater scalability, but it demands a higher initial investment and involves a steeper learning curve, especially for those new to sublimation.
Pros:- Supports up to 11 x 17 inches for larger projects
- Automatic maintenance reduces clogging issues
- Vivid, durable colors with professional-grade inks
Cons:- More complex setup and operation, less beginner-friendly
- Higher initial cost compared to smaller printers
- Designed primarily for professional or business use
Best for: Growing businesses requiring larger prints and reliable, professional-grade performance
Not ideal for: Casual hobbyists or small-scale operations with limited space
- Print Size:up to 11 x 17 inches
- Inks:31 mL SubliJet UHD
- Media Compatibility:Hard and soft substrates, banners, signage
- Warranty:2 years
- Software:MySawgrass platform and Print Utility
Our verdict“A versatile, large-format sublimation printer suited for serious small businesses aiming for professional results.”
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer with Ink and Starter Kit
The Epson SureColor F170 with its included OEM sublimation inks and starter kit offers a reliable, high-quality solution for small businesses focusing on textiles, mugs, and similar items. Its PrecisionCore printhead ensures sharp images, and the versatile media support makes it suitable for various sublimation projects. While it’s cost-effective compared to larger models, its size and media restrictions limit scalability, making it ideal for those with smaller production demands or tight spaces.
Pros:- High-quality image output with PrecisionCore
- Includes full OEM sublimation ink set
- Supports multiple media sizes including 8.5″ x 14″
Cons:- Limited to 8.5″ x 11″ and 8.5″ x 14″ media
- Requires specific sublimation media and supplies
- Higher cost per print at small scale
Best for: Small businesses needing a reliable, budget-conscious sublimation printer
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring large-format or high-volume production
- Printer Type:Dye-Sublimation
- Print Head:PrecisionCore
- Included Ink:OEM Epson sublimation ink
- Paper Sizes:8.5″ x 11″ & 8.5″ x 14″
- Media Support:Soft and rigid materials
- Auto-feed Tray:150 sheets
Our verdict“A dependable, budget-friendly sublimation printer designed for small-scale production with quality results.”
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
This Epson SureColor F170 is a compact, reliable dye-sublimation printer suitable for hobbyists and small businesses. Its user-friendly design, combined with the full OEM ink set, ensures consistent, vibrant results on small media sizes. Compared with larger models, it’s easier to fit into tight spaces and has lower initial costs, but the tradeoff is its restriction to 8.5″ x 11″ media and limited output volume. It’s perfect for on-demand, small-batch printing but not for expanding large-scale needs.
Pros:- High-quality, vibrant images with PrecisionCore
- Includes full OEM sublimation inks
- Compact and space-efficient design
Cons:- Limited to 8.5″ x 11″ media
- Higher cost per print for small runs
- Not suited for large or high-volume production
Best for: Hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses with limited space
Not ideal for: Businesses needing larger or high-volume production
- Printer Type:Dye-Sublimation
- Maximum Media Size:8.5″ x 11″
- Included Ink:OEM Epson sublimation inks
- Media Capacity:150 sheets
- Connectivity:Mac & Windows
- Warranty:Full manufacturer warranty
Our verdict“An excellent, space-saving sublimation printer for small projects and hobbyists, with some size limitations.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on printers that balance professional quality with small business needs. We prioritized models with high-resolution output, reliable ink systems, and support for diverse media. Size and cost were critical factors, ensuring each pick fits within small business workflows without sacrificing quality. We compared features, user reviews, and the potential for scalability, aiming to highlight options that serve different business sizes and skill levels.
Factors to Consider When Choosing High End Commercial Sublimation Printer For Small Businesses
Selecting a high-end sublimation printer for your small business involves understanding your production needs, space constraints, and budget. Larger printers like the F570 are best for those planning to scale up or produce larger items, while models like the F170 are suited for smaller, detailed projects. Consider the media size, automation features, and media support to match your product offerings. Balancing these factors ensures you choose a printer that grows with your business without unnecessary expense or complexity.Size and Media Compatibility
For small-scale projects or limited space, compact models like the Epson F170 provide reliable quality on 8.5″ x 11″ media. If you aim to produce larger items or multiple items simultaneously, larger-format printers like the F570 or SG1000 are better suited, supporting media up to 24″ wide or 11 x 17″ sheets. Matching your production volume and product types with the printer’s media support is essential to avoid bottlenecks or over-investment.
Quality and Color Fidelity
High-quality image output depends heavily on the printhead technology and inks. Both Epson models utilize PrecisionCore technology, ensuring sharp, vibrant results. The Sawgrass SG1000’s SubliJet UHD inks offer durability and color consistency for larger and professional projects. Consider your need for color accuracy and durability based on the products you plan to create—investing in quality can make a noticeable difference in customer satisfaction.
Ease of Use and Support
Automation features like the SG1000’s automatic maintenance reduce downtime, a crucial factor for busy shops. Smaller models like the F170 are more straightforward but lack advanced automation. Support for software, connectivity options, and ease of loading media are also important. If you prefer a plug-and-play experience, a model with comprehensive support and simple media handling will save you time and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between dye-sublimation and sublimation printers?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, dye-sublimation printers typically refer to those using dye-based inks for transferring images onto fabrics and surfaces, offering vibrant, soft results. Sublimation printers generally include both dye and pigment options but are often associated with dye-based processes for textiles, mugs, and hard surfaces. The choice depends on your product focus—dye-sublimation is ideal for apparel and soft goods, while larger format or specialized printers support more diverse media.
Can I upgrade a small sublimation printer to handle larger media later?
Most small-format printers like the F170 are designed with fixed media capacities and cannot be upgraded to support larger sizes. If you anticipate needing larger formats in the future, investing in a larger model like the F570 or SG1000 from the start may be more cost-effective. Upgrading to a bigger printer usually involves replacing the unit rather than upgrading existing hardware.
What should I consider regarding ink and media costs?
High-quality OEM inks ensure consistent results but can be costly, especially for larger or frequent runs. Media costs vary depending on size and type; larger media or specialty surfaces increase expenses. Balancing initial investment with ongoing costs is key—cheaper inks or media may reduce upfront costs but could impact quality or durability. For small businesses, choosing a printer with included ink sets and support for affordable media helps manage expenses.
Are these printers suitable for beginners?
Yes, models like the Epson F170 and F170 Compact are user-friendly, making them suitable for beginners or hobbyists. Larger or more advanced models like the SG1000 or F570 require familiarity with sublimation processes and maintenance routines, making them better suited for businesses with some experience or those ready to scale. Proper training and support resources can ease the learning curve for all models.
How important is automation in a sublimation printer for small businesses?
Automation features like automatic maintenance and cleaning are valuable for reducing downtime, especially in a busy shop. For small-scale or hobbyist use, manual maintenance might suffice, but for larger or more frequent production, automated systems like those in the SG1000 improve efficiency and consistency. Weigh your production volume against the need for automation to find the best fit.
Conclusion
For small businesses focused on detailed, small-format projects, the Epson SureColor F170 offers a reliable, space-efficient solution. If your business is growing and requires larger formats or higher volume, the Epson SureColor F570 provides the capacity and versatility needed. For those producing signage, banners, or larger items, the Sawgrass SG1000 delivers professional results with larger media support. Your choice should align with your current scale, future growth plans, and available workspace—each option offers a different balance of size, cost, and capabilities.
