Getting confused between sublimation printer vs. inkjet printer? Don’t worry we will explain the difference to you.
Both machines of printing have their own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will do a comparison of sublimation printers and inkjet printers. For the comparison, we will also identify the pros and cons of both devices.
What is a Sublimation Printing Device?
Sublimation printers are a more specialized type of printer. These printers use a printing process that is the reverse of evaporation. In sublimation printing, ink is transferred from a solid to a gaseous state and then back to a solid state, skipping the liquid state altogether. If we compare this printer with inkjet printers you will better understand the difference.
Pros
- One of the main advantages of sublimation printers is that they can print on a variety of materials, including polyester fabrics, ceramic tiles, and even metal objects. This flexibility makes them ideal for businesses that need to print on different types of materials for their products or marketing collateral.
- One more benefit of a sublimation printing device is that the colors are very vibrant and long-lasting. Because the inks are actually infused into the material during printing, they will not fade over time like they would with other types of printers.
Cons
- The biggest downside of sublimation printers is the cost. The printers themselves are relatively expensive, and the inks can and the inks can be extremely expensive.
- Another downside to sublimation is that it can take a lot of time to complete a print job. If you want your product to be super high quality and you want it to be done in a very timely manner a sublimation printer is not a good choice. Printed labels may seem inconvenient at first. But they will become a very necessary part of your business.
What is an inkjet printing device?
An InkJet printing device is a machine that produces images by using ink droplets. The most common type of printer is an inkjet, which is typically less expensive than a sublimation printer. Many inkjet printers also allow for duplex printing, meaning that they can print on both sides of a sheet of paper.
An inkjet printer can also be converted into a sublimation printer as well. You can refer to the guide on how to convert the inkjet printer into a sublimation printer.
Pros
- Inexpensive to operate: Ink cartridges are relatively cheap, especially if you buy them in bulk or from a discount retailer.
- Inkjet printers don’t require much maintenance, other than occasional cleaning of the print heads.
- If you want to print high-quality photos, an inkjet printer is your best bet. Many models now include features like built-in scanners and memory card slots that make it easy to print photos directly from your camera or memory card.
Cons
- The prints are not as high quality as those from a sublimation printer. Inkjet printers also tend to clog more easily than sublimation printers.
- The main downside of inkjet printers is that they are slower than laser printers and the quality of their output is not as consistent. Inkjet printers also have a shorter lifespan than laser printers and their consumables (ink cartridges) cost more per page to print.
What is the Difference between Sublimation Printer vs. Inkjet printer?
1. Printing Process
Inkjet printers use a technology where tiny droplets of ink are sprayed onto the paper to create an image. Sublimation printers work by using heat to transfer dye onto the paper. The main difference between the two types of printers is the way that they apply the ink onto the paper.
2. Print Quality
Inkjet printers are typically more affordable than sublimation printers and are better suited for home use. Sublimation printers are more expensive but produce higher quality prints.
3. Speed difference
There are several advantages and disadvantages to each type of printer. Inkjet printers are generally less expensive than sublimation printers. They also have a wider range of colors available and can print on a variety of different types of paper. However, inkjet printers tend to be slower than sublimation printers, and the quality of the prints is not as high.
Sublimation printers are more expensive than inkjet printers, but they print much faster and produce higher quality prints. They also require special paper that is coated with a polymer in order to work properly.
4. Other Differences
Inkjet printers use ink cartridges to print images on paper. Sublimation printers use heat to transfer dye onto materials like fabric, plastic, or metal. Sublimation is a printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials like fabric, plastic, or metal. The printer heats the dye, causing it to turn into a gas. The gas then penetrates the material and bonds with its fibers. This creates a permanent image that will not fade or crack over time.
Which Printer is Best for You?
The answer to this question totally depends on your need. If you need a high-quality printing machine you need to go with a sublimation machine. But if you want to go with a cheaper option then an inkjet machine is the best option for you.
Happy Learning 🙂
