10 Sublimation Printers and Their Prices in 2027
If you’re looking for sublimation printers in 2027, you’ve got quite a few options to consider. Whether you’re after budget-friendly models or high-end machines, there’s something for every need and price range.
For those on a tighter budget, Epson EcoTank conversions offer great value. Desktop printers like the Epson F170, priced in the low to mid-range, and the Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000, which fall into the mid-range category, are perfect for small businesses or hobbyists.
Need something bigger? Check out the Mutoh ValueJet 1638WX or Roland Texart RT-640. These printers are a solid choice for larger production needs, with prices ranging from $25,000 to $40,000.
If you’re a high-volume professional, the Epson F9470H or Ricoh Ri 1000 might be more your speed, though they come with higher price tags. And if direct-to-garment printing interests you, the Kornit Breeze is a popular option.
Stick around to uncover more details behind these choices and find the perfect sublimation printer for your needs.
Key Takeaways
– Mutoh ValueJet 1638WX and Roland Texart RT-640 cost between $25,000 and $40,000 for wide-format sublimation printing in 2027.
These are great if you need large-scale, high-quality prints. Perfect for businesses that want to go big with their sublimation projects.
– Kornit Breeze is priced in the low-to-mid five figures, suitable for entry-level direct-to-garment sublimation applications.
It’s a solid choice if you’re just starting out or want to try sublimation printing without a huge investment.
– Ricoh Ri 1000 ranges from mid-to-high five figures, ideal for small-to-medium shops needing scalable sublimation production.
If your business is growing and you want something that can handle more volume, this printer fits the bill nicely.
– Epson F170 desktop sublimation printer offers budget-friendly pricing and easy setup for sizes up to 8.5″ x 14″.
It’s super handy for small projects or home-based businesses, especially if you’re tight on space and budget.
– Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 and SG1000 desktop printers provide compact sublimation solutions under $5,000, perfect for small businesses.
They’re easy to use and great if you want reliable quality without breaking the bank.
Epson EcoTank Sublimation Printer
If you’re looking to enter sublimation printing without breaking the bank, converting an Epson EcoTank inkjet printer with third-party sublimation inks offers a budget-friendly option. You can save on upfront costs compared to buying a dedicated sublimation printer.
However, keep in mind that installing sublimation ink usually voids your warranty and may lead to inconsistent color accuracy and more frequent clogging. To maintain your EcoTank, you’ll need to print at least once a week to keep the ink flowing smoothly.
Color matching can also be tricky, so be prepared to spend time creating custom ICC profiles and adjusting colors manually. Remember, the EcoTank’s printing size depends on the model, so check if it supports your desired paper width before converting.
Epson F170 Sublimation Printer
When you pick up the Epson F170 Sublimation Printer, you get a dedicated desktop device designed specifically for sublimation printing. It comes complete with sublimation ink and supports prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches.
The Epson F170’s driver includes preset modes for rigid or textile materials, so you don’t have to manually tweak color settings. That’s ideal if you’re just starting out.
Epson recommends printing every 1–2 weeks to keep the ink flowing and avoid clogs. This model offers an affordable alternative to pricier options like Sawgrass, but it can be hard to find.
It’s usually sold through authorized retailers only. To maintain your warranty and ensure smooth operation, stick to Epson’s recommended inks and supplies when using the Epson F170.
Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
You’ll appreciate the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 if you need compact desktop performance for small sublimation runs. It fits perfectly on your workspace and handles projects without overwhelming complexity.
Plus, it’s designed to deliver consistent quality on a range of materials right from your desk. It’s a great choice if you want reliable results without taking up too much space.
Compact Desktop Performance
Discover the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500, a compact desktop sublimation printer designed for home crafters and small businesses seeking reliable color accuracy and ease of use.
The Sawgrass SG stands out by including proprietary sublimation inks, bundled RIP software, and built-in color profiles tailored for polyester and coated metals. While it costs more than entry-level alternatives like Epson F170 or EcoTank conversions, the SG500 offers straightforward setup, dependable manufacturer support, and consistent color right out of the box.
Its cartridge-based inks require regular use or maintenance to avoid clogging, with some automated upkeep when powered on. Ideal for standard desktop-size transfers, the Sawgrass SG500 balances performance and convenience without venturing into wide-format territory.
Ideal for Small Runs
Although the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 carries a higher upfront cost than budget options, it delivers reliable color accuracy and strong manufacturer support that make it ideal for small-run sublimation projects.
This desktop sublimation printer simplifies your workflow with cartridge-based inks and built-in software profiles for various substrates. It’s perfect if you want consistent results without complex color management.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Proprietary software | Accurate colors, easy setup |
| Media size | Up to 8.5″ x 14″ (small runs) |
| Maintenance | Prints every 1–2 weeks recommended |
For small-batch production, the SG500 balances cost and quality, making it a smart choice among sublimation printers.
Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 delivers larger-format sublimation printing with professional-grade quality, handling transfers up to 11″ x 17″ for your apparel and hard substrate needs. With this printer, you get Sawgrass’s proprietary inks and the Virtuoso Print Manager, which simplifies color management through built-in profiles for textiles and coated items.
While the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 comes with a higher upfront cost than smaller models like the SG500, it offers bigger media capacity and workflow features perfect for small businesses. You’ll appreciate its user-friendly maintenance, including cartridge-based ink replacement and recommended regular printing to avoid clogs.
If you want reliable color accuracy and vendor support for polyester apparel and coated substrates, the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 is an excellent choice for predictable, professional results. It really makes the process easier and more consistent, especially if you’re looking to grow your business.
Mutoh ValueJet 1638WX
If you’re looking to upgrade to a 64-inch wide-format printer, the Mutoh ValueJet 1638WX offers robust features designed for high-volume dye-sublimation. You’ll want to take into account its industrial-class hardware and flexible media handling when weighing your options.
Let’s also look at current pricing and availability to see how it fits your budget and production needs. This way, you can make a well-informed decision that matches your workflow perfectly.
Printer Features Overview
When you need a reliable solution for high-volume textile and soft signage printing, the Mutoh ValueJet 1638WX delivers with its 64-inch wide-format capacity and advanced dye-sublimation technology. This printer excels in sublimation printing by combining Mutoh’s piezo printhead with high-density droplet control, producing sharp, vivid images at up to 1,440 dpi on polyester substrates.
It supports roll-to-roll media with motorized unwinder and rewinder options, ensuring smooth handling of heavy textile rolls. Plus, bulk ink supply and integrated circulation reduce nozzle clogging and maintain consistent colors during long runs.
Built tough for production, the 1638WX offers automated maintenance features and RIP compatibility for seamless color management and workflow automation. All in all, it’s a smart choice for demanding sublimation printing environments.
Pricing and Availability
Although pricing varies by configuration and dealer, you can expect to pay between $25,000 and $40,000 for a new Mutoh ValueJet 1638WX in 2027. This wide-format dye-sublimation printer supports up to 64-inch widths and remains competitively priced compared to Epson large format alternatives.
Availability is solid through authorized Mutoh dealers and large-format resellers, but lead times may range from immediate pickup to several weeks, depending on stock and regional demand. You’ll often find bundled options including RIP software, media take-up units, and extended service contracts. These bundles add upfront costs but help minimize downtime.
After purchase, be sure to budget for consumables like Mutoh-certified inks and printheads. Replacement parts and authorized service are widely accessible, so you can keep your printer running smoothly without hassle.
Mimaki TS55-1800
Explore the capabilities of the Mimaki TS55-1800, a 64-inch dye-sublimation printer designed to handle wide-format textile and soft signage production with ease. This printer excels in sublimation printing, offering high-speed and precision modes to suit various quality demands.
You’ll appreciate its roll-to-roll handling and automated media management that minimize your hands-on time.
Key features include:
- Advanced printheads delivering sharp, vibrant output
- Compatibility with sublimation inks for polyester substrates
- Automated tension control for consistent results
- Support for high-volume production workflows
Ideal for apparel, interior décor, and soft signage, the TS55-1800 integrates smoothly into heat-transfer workflows. For pricing, check with authorized Mimaki resellers, as costs depend on configuration and added accessories in 2027.
Ricoh Ri 1000
The Ricoh Ri 1000 brings production-level dye-sublimation printing directly to your apparel workflow, optimized for polyester and polyester blends. It uses piezo printhead technology with up to six color channels, ensuring high-resolution, photo-quality prints perfect for sportswear and fashion.
You can expect moderate to high-volume production speeds, especially when paired with automated loading stations. This makes it ideal for small-to-medium shops looking to scale efficiently.
The Ri 1000 supports Epson-class RIPs, job queuing, and easy maintenance. Just remember to budget for inks, transfer paper, and printhead care.
In 2027, prices for the full Ricoh Ri 1000 system generally range in the mid-to-high five figures, depending on setup and automation.
| Feature | Details | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Printhead | Piezo, 6 color channels | Photo-quality output |
| Production Speed | Moderate to high volume | Flexible workflow |
| Price Range 2027 | Mid-to-high five figures | Suitable for SMBs |
Roland Texart RT-640
When you need a robust solution for high-volume textile and soft signage printing, Roland’s Texart RT-640 delivers with its 64-inch roll-to-roll dye-sublimation capabilities and flexible color configurations. You can choose from dual CMYK or expanded CMYK plus light cyan and magenta options.
This sublimation printer excels in vibrant, durable prints thanks to Roland DG’s Texart aromatic dye-sublimation inks. Expect sharp details and fast output with up to 1440 dpi resolution for crisp images.
Print speeds can reach up to 1,300 sq ft/hour, and it supports wide textile rolls up to 64″ with automatic take-up. Plus, there’s strong dealer support including installation and maintenance plans.
Priced between $25,000 and $35,000 in 2027, the RT-640 is a smart investment for apparel and décor businesses focused on quality and efficiency. It really combines performance with reliability.
Epson SureColor F9470H
Boost your production capabilities with the Epson SureColor F9470H, a dye-sublimation printer built for wide-format textile and soft signage printing up to 64 inches. This high-production printer uses Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology to deliver consistent, photo-quality sublimation printing, perfect for apparel, home textiles, and trade show graphics.
You’ll benefit from its high-capacity bulk ink system that reduces operating costs per square meter, making it ideal for large roll-to-roll runs. Designed for businesses scaling volume and throughput, the F9470H handles sportswear and soft signage with durability and vibrant color fidelity.
While it comes at a higher price than smaller models, you’re investing in a professional-grade sublimation printer that boosts efficiency and output without compromising quality. It’s a smart choice if you’re serious about growing your printing business.
Kornit Breeze Direct-to-Garment Printer
Although designed as Kornit’s entry-level model, the Kornit Breeze Direct-to-Garment printer delivers on-demand production capabilities ideal for small shops and e-commerce fulfillment.
You’ll appreciate its compact size and straightforward operation, perfect if you need quick turnarounds without high-volume complexity. The Kornit Breeze uses pigment-based inks with inline pretreatment, letting you print white ink on dark garments seamlessly.
Key features include:
- Compact footprint suited for limited space
- Inline pretreatment for efficient dark garment printing
- Ideal for low-to-medium volume production
- Higher initial consumable costs affecting per-print price
In 2027, expect the Kornit Breeze to cost in the low-to-mid five-figure range. Total ownership costs will be influenced by proprietary inks and maintenance plans, so keep that in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Sublimation Printer in 2026?
You’ll find the Sawgrass SG500 best for ease and support. It’s a solid pick if you want something user-friendly with good customer service backing.
The Epson F-series stands out for color accuracy and reliability. If your work demands precise colors and consistent performance, these printers won’t disappoint.
For high-volume needs, Mutoh or Mimaki are ideal. They handle large jobs smoothly, making them perfect for bigger production setups.
At the end of the day, your choice depends on your production size and budget. Think about what fits your workflow best before making a decision.
What Is the Expected Price of a Sublimation Printing Machine?
You can expect sublimation printers to range from under $200 for budget setups to $1,200 for entry-level models.
If you’re looking at small production machines, prices jump to between $8,000 and $25,000.
For industrial wide-format machines, be prepared to spend $25,000 or more in 2027.
What Sublimation Sells the Most?
You’ll find apparel, especially sportswear and custom t-shirts, sells the most in sublimation, valued at $5.6 billion in 2022.
This segment’s booming with a 10.7% growth rate through 2027, making it a top market. Pretty impressive, right?
Which Printer Is Best for Full Sublimation?
You’ll want a 44″–64″ production-class sublimation printer like the Epson SureColor F6470 or Mutoh RJ-900X for full sublimation. These models are great if you need high throughput and roll-to-roll media support.
Plus, they offer robust, continuous dye-sublimation workflows. So, if you’re handling a lot of printing and want reliability, these printers are solid choices.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sublimation printer boils down to knowing what fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, these ten options cover a wide range of features and prices.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—consider factors like print quality, speed, and size before deciding. With the right pick, you’ll be on the fast track to creating vibrant, professional designs that truly stand out.
Remember, the best sublimation printer for you depends on your specific goals. Think about what materials you’ll print on, the volume of work, and your budget constraints.
By weighing these elements carefully, you can find a sublimation printer that offers excellent value and performance. This will help ensure your creative projects come to life with brilliant colors and sharp details every time.
