Best Sawgrass Sublimation Printer: Comprehensive Review

Best Sawgrass Sublimation Printer: Comprehensive Review

Are you uncertain about what to look for when choosing the best Sawgrass sublimation printer? It’s understandable to feel agitated and confused by each Sawgrass model’s numerous technical specifications and features. Although Sawgrass has consistently been recognized as a top contender in the sublimation printer market, finding the ideal printer to suit your needs can still be challenging.

If you’re in this boat, don’t worry; we are here to help. In this article, we will guide you through choosing the best Sawgrass sublimation printer that fits your needs, so you can breathe easy knowing you’ve made the right choice. We have tested each Sawgrass printer and have specified for the purpose they serve the best. That way, you can easily choose the printer that suits you the best.

Comparison Table

For a fast comparison of the specifications of each Sawgrass sublimation printer, see the table below.

9.8
Sawgrass SG 500
Sawgrass SG 500
Best for business
✅ Functionality: Printing
✅ Printing Speed:10 ppm
✅ Media Size: 8.5″ x 14″ inches
✅ Connectivity: Wi-Fi
✅ Resolution: 4880 x 1200 dpi
✅ Weight: 11 pounds
9.7
Sawgrass SG 1000
Sawgrass SG 1000
Best for home
✅ Functionality: Printing
✅ Printing Speed: 10 ppm
✅ Media Size: 11 “x17” inches
✅ Connectivity: Wi-Fi
✅ Resolution: 4880 x 1200 dpi
✅ Weight: 37 pounds
9.7
Sawgrass VJ628
Sawgrass VJ628
Best for Wide Format Printing
✅ Functionality: Printing
✅ Printing Speed: Up to 52ft2 (4.9m2) / hour
✅ Media Size: 25″ inches
✅ Connectivity: Wi-Fi
✅ Resolution: 1440 x 1440 dpi
✅ Weight: 79 Pounds

Best Sawgrass Sublimation Printers

Below mentioned are the best Sawgrass sublimation printers. Each sublimation printer is further specified for its best usage so you can choose according to your needs.

Let’s get into business and get into reviews

1. Sawgrass SG 500 – Best for Business

Sawgrass SG 500

The Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer is a great choice for merchandisers. It will guarantee that most of your orders are processed and finished in the quickest amount of time possible, resulting in high-resolution prints that are delivered successfully. When my testing team and I started working with the SG500, we were blown away by how beautiful and realistic the higher-resolution prints were.

The SG500 is the new upgrade of the SG400 in terms of speed, resolution, and results in sharper, crisper photos. If you have used the SG 400 before, you can use its equipment with the SG 500 as it is backward compatible.

I am a big fan of the printer’s high resolution and speed, ensuring that print quality and quantity are exceptional. The printer churns out realistic images with clear text. The excellent quality prints look better when transferred with sublimation. The prints look exceptionally well on various materials, from fabric to ceramics.

Highlighted Features

  • Low start-up and running costs.
  • Create vibrant HD images quickly and easily.
  • Maximizes quality and efficiency while minimizing ink and power usage.
  • Exceptional print quality with 4880 x 1200 dpi resolution for sharp, detailed designs.
  • Provides WiFi connectivity for easier use.
  • Automatically does a maintenance cycle on itself for trouble-free printing
  • 2-year warranty and unlimited tech support for a lifetime.
  • Updated with design improvements and higher-resolution printing
Pros
  • High-resolution prints
  • Compact design
  • Sturdy construction
  • Easy setup
Cons
  • Running costs can be high

The Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer is an excellent choice for those looking to kickstart their business or create high-quality customized products. This printer offers efficient printing with a compact footprint and updated features, including WiFi connectivity.

2. Sawgrass SG 1000 – Best for Home

Sawgrass SG 1000

As someone who has personally tested the Sawgrass SG1000 sublimation printer, I can attest that it is an excellent choice for home users who want to create high-quality, personalized products. This small desktop printer produces terrific results with high-quality sublimation inks, making it perfect for creative projects and personal use.

During my testing, I was impressed by the SG1000’s super-high print resolution, which delivered colorful, sharp, and gorgeous designs. The printer can also handle large print runs efficiently, making it a great choice for small businesses. Testing my designs with its sample substrates and 100 packs of DyeTrans SPP Paper was easy and enjoyable. I was able to create stunning prints on shirts and tumblers.

The software with the SG1000 is fantastic, allowing me to create unique designs for my products and add funky colors. The printer’s upgraded version improved upon the SG800, which had a few limitations.

Highlighted Features

  • Prints on a variety of media sizes and types for versatility.
  • Print large, eye-catching designs on media up to 11″x17″ inches for maximum creative impact.
  • Comes with sample substrates and paper for easy testing.
  • The energy-efficient design saves on operating costs.
  • High-resolution printing of 4880 x 1200 dpi delivers clear and lively images.
  • WiFi connectivity allows for easy printing from multiple devices.
  • Compatible with various operating systems for added convenience.
  • The custom version of Sawgrass Print Manager offers enhanced features for efficient and streamlined printing.
  • Expert color management software ensures accurate and consistent color reproduction.
  • CreativeStudio Online Designer Software offers a user-friendly interface for quick design creation.
Pros
  • High-resolution prints
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Easy-to-use software
  • SG800 equipment can be used
Cons
  • Can be xpensive

The Sawgrass SG1000 sublimation printer is an excellent investment for creating high-quality, personalized products. Its high-quality sublimation inks, super-high print resolution, and efficient printing make it the best sublimation printer for home users.

3. Sawgrass VJ628 – Best for Large Prints

Sawgrass VJ628

When we tested The Sawgrass Virtuoso VJ628, we saw that it is built to offer a solution for producing large-format designs and provides a broad range of print quality. It was an easy-to-use and reliable sublimation printer capable of printing full-color prints with sharp and detailed design prints. The VJ628 was designed with flexibility and print quality in mind, making it the perfect choice for large-scale graphic productions, which means it can cover all types of markets. 

It differs from other printers in several additional ways. For example, I could control the size of the prints by adjusting the resolution or using a photo paper cutter. It also allows customization to accommodate prints and designs as per your choice.

Highlighted Features

  • Complete starter kit with ink cartridges and paper for easy setup.
  • Industrial-grade printhead delivers high-quality prints.
  • I2 print technology eliminates banding for smoother prints.
  • Flexible printing thanks to dual CMYK and 8-color ink combinations.
  • Up to 1440 x 1440 resolution for sharp and vibrant images.
  • Creative Studio Software provides access to hundreds of templates and images for easy design creation.
  • Compatible with various media sizes for added versatility.
  • Optional take-up reel and stand available for added convenience.
  • A one-year limited guarantee provides additional peace of mind.
Pros
  • High-resolution prints
  • Largest format print size
  • 8 color system
  • Highest printing speed
Cons
  • Can be heavy

The Sawgrass VJ628 is the most expensive of all the Sawgrass sublimation printers, but if you need to expand the capabilities of your sublimation printer for your commercial use, consider the enhanced model VJ628. It offers greater print resolutions, quicker print times, and bigger print sizes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best Sawgrass sublimation printer for your specific needs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By carefully examining the top contenders, we have identified the Sawgrass SG 500 as the best option for businesses, the Sawgrass SG 1000 for home use, and the Sawgrass VJ628 for large prints. These printers excel in crucial aspects such as price, printing quality, device potential, connectivity, and warranty and technical support.

Buying Guide

Down below are listed the factors you should consider while buying a Sawgrass sublimation printer for your needs:

Printing Quality

The resolution is crucial depending on how much color accuracy and quality you want to transfer to substrates. Images with a lot of detail will demand a printer with a high resolution. Printers with high resolution can be costly compared to printers with low resolution. If it’s possible to invest in a pricey option, it is worth it. That will only improve the finished product’s quality.

Consider the maximum print size you will need for your projects. Sawgrass offers printers with different print size capabilities ranging from 8.5″ x 14″ inches to as large as 25″ inches. So choose one that accommodates your intended applications.

Connectivity

Always examine the printer’s connectivity feature before purchasing—Sawgrass sublimation printers champion connectivity with wire and wireless options.

Warranty and Technical Support

Finally, when it comes to warranties, make sure that the sublimation printer offers at least a one-year warranty and that longtime technical support or service by the technical team.

Note: The Sawgrass sublimation printers do not need to be converted like inkjet printers of Epson or other brands. These printers are solely for dye sublimation printing with high-quality resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why choose Sawgrass sublimation printers?

Sawgrass is a reputable brand in the sublimation printing market, known for its high-quality printers and excellent customer support. Sawgrass printers deliver consistent, vibrant colors and sharp details, making them popular for personal and professional use.

Which Sawgrass sublimation printer is best for small businesses?

The Sawgrass SG 1000 is ideal for home use, as it offers an excellent balance of performance, print quality, and ease of use. This printer is well-suited for hobbyists and small-scale projects.

How should I choose the ink for my Sawgrass sublimation printer?

It’s essential to use sublimation-specific inks with your Sawgrass printer. These inks are designed to work with the printer’s heat transfer process, ensuring vibrant colors and long-lasting prints. The Sawgrass also provides ink that is compatible with their specific printer.

Why were SG400 and SG800 discontinued?

The Sawgrass SG400 and SG800 were discontinued because they had some flaws, which were later updated and modified in the new models of Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000, respectively. They are upgraded to SG 500 and SG 1000, offering high-quality prints with enhanced speed and connectivity.

How to use a sublimation printer

First, to use a sublimation printer, ensure the printer is properly connected to a computer and the necessary software is installed. Next, load the appropriate sublimation paper and ink into the printer. Then, design and print your image using sublimation-specific software, such as Sawgrass’ PowerDriver. Finally, a heat press transfers the printed image onto the desired surface.

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