Large Format Sublimation Printers: Which Do You Need?

[@judyromano2229]

I did lots of research before buying a printer. Due to the cost (399, which includes ink) not only of the machine but also the cost of ink is so much cheaper I first chose the F170. I've had it for a couple of years, I've let it go up to about 6 mos without use and it has never had a clog and the ink last a long time. It prints everything I've tried, including Easy Subli, after I found the right settings. It also prints 8.5 up to 47.25 long. Then I bought the F570, yes it cost a lot but again, the cost of ink is so much cheaper and it does have the self maintenance as well. It comes with lots of ink and extra maintenance tanks. It handles roll paper and or sheets, you can have them both loaded at the same time. It comes with awesome RIP software that allows lots of editing, and sending lots of different print jobs to print at the same time if needed. The issues that I've had with Sawgrass besides the high cost of ink, if you use a different ink it lays down lines on your paper so it can't be used. You have to use their ink, either the Easy Subli or the Sawgrass and they can't be interchanged. The warranty on the Epsons is great. You don't have to worry about the settings to get great print jobs. I hope this helps you figure out which would be best for you. Do your research and decide.

[@AngieHolden]

Definitely do your research! I find the F570 is out of budget for a majority of my viewers!

[@mybullmastiff6214]

What settings did you use for the easy subli with the F170?

[@themartinhomestead9102]

Hey Angie, You did a great job here. It is so important to make it clear that converted eco tank printers are not “Sublimation” printers and therefore subject to all sorts of problems and I think you did that. The only thing missing that you didn’t talk about here when people are deciding which printer is best for them, is the cost of Ink... I have a Sawgrass 500 and the Epson SC F570 (wide format) and although I would have preferred to have bought a 13x19” printer when purchasing the SF570, the cost of ink well outweighed the pricy cost of the F570 printer... In the last year I have purchased 3 sets of cartridges for the sawgrass equalling a price tag of over $400 per set,= Over $1200 in a year in ink for the sawgrass.. The F570 ends up costing just over $100 per SET.. that set is over 3 times as much ink at the Sawgrass Cartriges hold... So my opinion, whatever it is worth is, that perhaps people making a choice between Sawgrass and and F570 (expensive printer) is... how much are you going to use this printer because if you hare going to use it a lot, like I do... In 3 years my Epson SC F570 will have cost less than the amount of money I spent on Sawgrass ink by a lot!!!... Comes down to this... If you are going to use it a lot.. then you must consider the cost of ink between the Sawgrass and epson SC F570 but if you are just using it once a month or something like that, then Sawgrass is probably the animal for you. This was not trying to criticize your presentation, as I thought it was quite good, I just wanted to let you know that the cost of ink between the 2 true sublimation printers Must be taken into consideration when making this an informed choice. Cheers!! Fiona

[@AngieHolden]

Thank you for the insight!

[@rosecowan1556]

How long does the sawgrass sublimation ink last in machine?

[@rosecowan1556]

I wouldn’t be printing every day maybe twice a week. I’m wondering if the ink would expire before it was used.

[@themartinhomestead9102]

It lasts until its empty. Sawgrass is a no maintenance solution. No headaches, no concerns. It just works

[@rosecowan1556]

Well back to how long saw grass ink last, Is there an expire date?

[@RobertParker0]

Thanks Angie, great video as always. Been looking to upscale my "sublimation printer" after converting our Epson ET2720 a few years ago, as I've had people ask if I can make bigger scale projects (eg neoprene boardgame mats). I think for me the ecotank option with the Epson SC F500 range (UK equiv of F570) will be what I'm going with. Big fan of the ecotank set up and the cost of ink over time seems to be cheaper. I also like the idea of media on a roll, could do some massive projects. Thanks again for your informed video, really helping the small sublimation setup we have for our craft side-hustle.

[@InspiredCreationsVivi]

Love love love my F170 the colors are vibrant. I want the F570 but too expensive. One day for sure

[@AngieHolden]

It is SO expensive!!

[@Mye_DIY]

Thank you for making this video. I’m currently doing research and this video really clarified a lot of my questions. I appreciate you.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@judyromano2229]

thank you for the info Angie. You always give us different options which is great

[@feliciarobinson8634]

Wish I would have seen this a month ago. I bought the bundle for SG 500. Wish I would have known to get SG 1000.

[@beautyfashiongoals7912]

Same! I just barely purchased the 500, had I known! Ugh...

[@HeatTransferWarehouse]

Very informative - thanks for sharing, Angie!!

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@mikeledee8786]

Sublimating a adult large or x-large image on a polyester shirt what is the recommended width and length for said image? At this time I only have a Epson 2720. Thank you

[@AngieHolden]

I usually hold up a piece of paper to the shirt to get an idea of size.

[@ghelanwilmosflorin3732]

My ask is with a large than f 500 570 you can print on hat and can and aomthing like this ? In descriptions are just for footbal shirts and staff like this

[@AngieHolden]

You can print smaller sizes even with the larger printers.

[@LisaVornhagen]

Thank you for that great information. I didn't realize sublimation printers got that big!!

[@AngieHolden]

They get HUGE!

[@ErinSmith-c4c]

Angie, have you run into any problems with star wheel marks when printing DTF with your Sawgrass printer? I am having this issue with my Epson F170 when printing on DTF, which is why I am considering a different printer. Thanks for your help!

[@AngieHolden]

I don't use DTF with my sublimation printer.

[@agodinez1954]

Hi Angie, I enjoyed your video on the different sublimation printers. I currently have an Epson 2720, but want to get into larger prints. I'm torn between the Epson 15000 and Epson 8550. I won't be doing a lot of submination, but I want the option to do a larger one for the 10" wind spinners and possibly the tempered glass cutting boards. Between the 2 mentioned, do you have a recommenation for me? I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[@AngieHolden]

They would both be about the same as far as sublimation.

[@nicoletteshow4817]

Hi Angie I have a smaller epson et 2850, I bought in April and its still in its box. I was thinking of converted it to sublimation using hippo ink.. Have you ever used this series of Epson printers If so do you have a tutorial on it?

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5eXoHtorZKBq5I

[@Kelli_D.]

What would be the largest printing width that is needed? Say for a small business ( in home no brick and mortar) to sublimate in one go without slicing or piecing together the image on shirt sizes 4x and bigger.

[@splatheadjoe]

Nothing wider than the width of your heat press.

[@AngieHolden]

It depends on how large you want to go with your design. I can't really recommend a maximum size.

[@themartinhomestead9102]

Here’s something for you to think about... I have the epson SC F570 (24” x 100’ rolls max) I know overkill but... if you get into 10” wind spinners boy does that 24” width ever come in handy. the initial price is large but price on ink between sawgrass and F570 puts everything into a more affordable cost to growth F570 and no more piecework!!

[@dianachau7857]

❤would you ve able to do comparison on DTF machines please?

[@AngieHolden]

I am considering it but it will be pretty far out on my calendar.

[@smalltownapparel]

I wouldn't invest in any small scale dtf printers.. they are all prone to failure.. I wasted 3k and countless other friends. Unless u can buy a commercial one and truly understand all it takes, buy prints or use sublimation. I love dtf but learned so many lessons.

[@123456716333]

Hi im looking to print large personalised backdrops for business well all occasions. What printer do you reckon would be the best .

[@AngieHolden]

You would probably want something even larger than what I am sharing here!

[@splatheadjoe]

Epson brand dye sublimation ink cost $5 an ounce. Sawgrass ink cost $70 an ounce. Won't take long for you to go broke with the Sawgrass.

[@AngieHolden]

If you compare this large format options, the Epson version is WAY more expensive to purchase the printer.

[@splatheadjoe]

@@AngieHolden Not sure which Epson you are referring to. I'm guessing not the ET15000 ($599) which has the same max paper size as the $2,000 Sawgrass. If you are comparing the Sawgrass to the $2,500 Epson 24inch F570, once you go through only 2 full sets of expensive Sawgrass ink, the F570 is Cheaper. And gets WAY cheaper the more ink you use. The hidden gem on the F570 is it has the option of using paper rolls which are SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive per square inch than cut paper.

[@Fashstyleliv]

I don’t know why your comment about going broke with Sawgrass made me chuckle. It is the absolute truth tho!! 😅

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks Joe for the comment. I will just disagree and leave it at that. You can use paper on a roll with any printer frankly just cut it to size.

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Thank you Angie! Great video with great info and tips very helpful!! Hugs Liz x

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aibanez09]

I want one just to make shirts and small projects for my family… what size do you recommend? If I get a smaller one would I still be able to make larger prints?

[@AngieHolden]

I do shirts and other small projects with just a small printer that is a maximum of 8 1/2 x 14 inches. You can piece prints together for larger projects but it is not an easy process.

[@Fashstyleliv]

Your videos are always amazing!! Thank you!! ❤

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@karenwickman4949]

I’m leaning towards a sawgrass but I’m hearing the ink refills are quite pricy. Thoughts?

[@AngieHolden]

They are pricey! For large format - I still feel it is a really good option though.

[@karenwickman4949]

@@AngieHolden do you think they give a good amount of prints to justify the $$? I’m not a print every day kind of person. I appreciate all the help you provide and your videos have been a great help in all my crafting ventures.

[@AngieHolden]

With the Sawgrass, you will not have to print every day as it does do its own maintenance. I have liked my printer but they are on the higher end price wise.

[@moniegoodie3773]

Thanks. I'm considering a bigger one than my ecotank 2800. Does sawgrass work with any software on a PC?

[@AngieHolden]

Sawgrass has its own software or you can use something you already have.

[@giftnhlapo6623]

Hello Just Bought A SC-T3100 Do I Need New Cartridges For Converting It Into A Sublimation Machine? Apparently The Cartridge That Came With The printer is pigment cartridge

[@AngieHolden]

I am not familiar with that one maybe try contacting Epson?

[@giftnhlapo6623]

@@AngieHolden Thank You

[@agodinez1954]

Thanks Angie. One more question. The Epson 8550 have 6 colors, two are for photos. Does that ink ever get used in sublimation or will it just sit there and dry?

[@AngieHolden]

You would need to get sublimation ink made for that printer with 6 colors.

[@agodinez1954]

@@AngieHolden I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I keep going back and forth between the Epson 8550 and 15000. I just don't to get the 8550 if the photo inks are going to be used. I do understand I need to purchase the subllimation inks. They are out there, but I don't want to get that printer is the photo inks aren't going to be used. I would prefer the 13x19 if the photo inks aren't going to be a problem.

[@xbrendax82]

Have you bought a printer yet? I am in the same boat I can't decide between these 2 printers

[@MarInvesteert]

I want to get a sublimation printer to print on mouse pads size 90x40cm. Which one do you recommend?

[@AngieHolden]

I would look at the Epson F570 as it is a 24 inch wide printer. It might be the lowest cost for something that size.

[@stefanycamacho6649]

Can the ET15000 print larger than 13x19? Like can the settings be changed to print longer than 19 inches. For example 13x40. I’m debating on getting it but I print long images.

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't tried that yet! Sorry!

[@BloomingAcresHomestead]

Have you figured that out? I’m having the same issue needing to print longer!

[@BloomingAcresHomestead]

I need a sublimation printer that can do 11inch x 20inch but can’t spend more than $1000 I currently have a Eco Tank 2850. Any recommendations? Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Maybe a SG1000 from Sawgrass but add the bypass tray.

[@melnakabayashi2712]

@@AngieHoldenif buying a printer that can do large prints like a full adult shirt ..what kind of press does it require if I want the print to fully cover the shirt and be seamless? My heat press is only 15x15

[@petrag.4092]

Thank you for sharing!🙏

[@AngieHolden]

My pleasure!

[@rgvtexas8391]

COULD YOU PLEASE DO A DEMO ON WHAT THE WATERCOLOR IMAGES ARE USED FOR ON CREATIVE FABRICA AND DESIGN SPACE. I SEE THEM AND MY MIND IS BLANK. CAN THEY BE PRINTED OUT ON A SUBLIMATION PRINTER AND HEAT TRASFERRED TO FABRIC?

[@AngieHolden]

Yes you could use them for that!

[@reneenelson7089]

How about the roland Bn20A and other type printers

[@AngieHolden]

I definitely did NOT cover all of them as this was more for people going from a letter sized printer and taking one step up.

[@arianecoleenleonardoafic-dh5rj]

Hi! can I use L15150 for sublimation printing? *I havnt fill the tanks with the regular ink

[@AngieHolden]

Any Epson EcoTank can be used for sublimation.

[@arianecoleenleonardoafic-dh5rj]

@@AngieHolden thank you so much! 🫶

[@daniellenicoleluera1231]

I just seen that the epson f570 has been discontinued 😢

[@splatheadjoe]

The newest model is F570 Pro. Same price as the discontinued model.

[@AngieHolden]

Yea there still is an F570 I think they are just changing some things.

[@Cee_Cee8]

oh didn't know this thanks for the option

[@Cee_Cee8]

sorry meant to say thanks for the info 😂

[@Anonymous-gf5fl]

Thank you you’re Amazing !!

[@AngieHolden]

You're so welcome!

[@friscovivi9634]

I have an Epson 2800 and two Epson 15000. One of my Epsons 15000 I bought about a month ago and it’s printing out the wrong colors. I tried to play with the colors to see if I could fix it. I got frustrated after so many attempts and wasting a bunch of printing paper that I just gave up. The next day I tried again and still nothing. I tried to print on my other printers to see if it was just that printer. They all were doing the same thing which is crazy because just two days before my eco solvent was working fine so I’m just so confused how all my printers are doing the exact same thing all at the same time! My sublimation and eco solvent. Any tips on what I can do to fix this issue? Could it be the Espon software causing this? I’m running out of ideas. My printer is just now sitting there because I just don’t know what to do to fix it. I need help if anyone can help that would be great and very much appreciated. 😊

[@AngieHolden]

I would print a nozzle check to make sure you don't have a clog. Then maybe press some things you print to white polyester fabric to see what it looks like pressed and try to correct from there.

[@lynncookcook6342]

You do void the warranty

[@AngieHolden]

Correct. Pretty sure I said that.

[@judyromano2229]

On converted printers of if you use unapproved ink.

[@themartinhomestead9102]

@@judyromano2229 yes you do.. and the even more important is that the quality of prints are quite as good and subject to many more problems and the end result is that it does not do its own maintenance on the printer to stop it from clogging with the thicker sublimation ink and therefore if you are using it all the time, you are less likely to experience the problems of clogging as ofter. If you are going to use it once in a while, you absolutely don’t want to go with a converted printer because they are not designed to keep the printer clog free and handle the thicker in...

[@tikajoubert2473]

Saw grass ink cost more

[@alexmotaf]

This is not Large Format, look for Mimaki TS555 and similars, those are large format printers.

[@AngieHolden]

My channel is for hobby crafters and small business owners and this video was meant to be for one step up from a printer that prints letter or legal sized paper.

[@alexmotaf]

@@AngieHolden You are right, this is your channel, and for your niche, these are large format printers yes. I sincerely apologize for being rude and disrespectful to you. I was looking for videos related to large format printers, such as the ones I mentioned, and I couldn't find them, and I ended up taking out my frustration and anger on you. I really am very sorry and wish you a wonderful day and a great 2024. And thank you very much for showing me the education and cordiality that I did not show you! May God bless you!

[@nfinance2]

An F570 is not considered a large format printer. You are guessing at everything you are talking about with regard to large format. Your heading is very misleading because you should have called it "Sublimation printing for crafters". That's the only experience you have.

[@AngieHolden]

Thank you so much for your concern. I state in the video that I am talking about larger format for sublimation crafters.

[@nfinance2]

@@AngieHolden They aren't even called large format printers though. They are just desktop sublimation printers.

[@lcole3724]

I Do NOT recommend epson et 15000 for dtf ink or any other ink!