Printing has been one of the basic needs for the last few decades, but with the evolution of time, many unique changes and advancements are occurring: new printer designs, multiple sheet sizes, ink technologies, and advanced printing types are being introduced.
Similarly, one of the most advanced and impeccable types is the best sublimation printer for Cricut; these printers are helpful to get higher quality and precise printing for Cricut by using the sublimation process. These printers are aimed to deliver unlimited tech support; in addition, this quality product also consists of self-maintenance mode and self-maintenance cleaning.
Though it seems these printers are enough to break the bank of buyers due to their magical performance, it’s a wrong perception as in this article; you will review the most versatile and supreme sublimation printers at a great price.
From our collection, WorkForce WF-7710 is the most exceptional sublimation printer as its fabric stays soft yet long-lasting. Surprisingly, you can use it on the stickers for jars and laptops. You can also get top-notch quality prints for your mugs and T-shirts. It is the most innovative and evolved printing than other types.
Let’s dig it out in detail!
Time to explore it more!
Contents
What Is A Sublimation Printer, and How Do They Work?
The concept of sublimation printing comes from high school Chemistry (going from solid to gas directly). As a general term, we can say sublimation is a method of printing but not on paper. In this method, a high-quality and full-color design is duplicated with the use of dye sublimation inks or other simple ink to another object with a coating.
When sublimation prints the design on special sublimation paper with the use of print sublimation ink, now it’s time to paste this design onto other objects such as business printing mugs or quality prints onto 100% cotton t-shirts.
It means the colors stay vibrant, and the fabric stays soft, so you will find it difficult to see the difference between the fabric that is dyed and not. Get ready to decorate your t-shirt with your favorite quotation, as the prints can withstand lots of washing and use while printing with high-quality ink.
To complete this process you need high pressure and heat to transfer the ink permanently to something else that has a coating that absorbs the ink.
After the cooling and completion of the dye-sublimation printing process, the design becomes embedded in the object, and won’t crack, peel, or wash away.
Why Do You Need The Best Sublimation Printer For Cricut?
Cricut is software where you can set your designed project’s size, color, border backgrounds, and much more. You can sublimate blank substrates like coasters, tiles, wood, plaques, puzzles, mousepads, cell phone cases, mugs, and bookmarks. To do sublimation on mugs, wood, tiles, and other metals, specialized Cricut machines are also available in the market.
Some other things are wearable Polyester fabrics such as ball caps, T-shirts, headbands, decorative polyester fabrics e.g. Towels, garden flags, and pillows—home décor printing, for instance, for wall décor, wood printing, and also canvas printing.
Can I Convert My Epson Tank Printer Into Sublimation Printer Directly?
Do not convert your USED Epson EcoTank printer that you are using already for inkjet printing into a sublimation printer. As the inkjet ink is already in the Epson EcoTank printer, don’t try to add sublimation ink into it and expect it to work. To get the best result, buy a new Epson EcoTank.
Best Sublimation Printer For Cricut for 2022
This article contains printers that are suitable for sublimation transfers and helps you get more prints at once due to their higher tray capacity. The new updated components and interface make these printers easy to use for every beginner and professional.
Sr.No | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1 | WorkForce WF-7710 | ● Size: 13” X 19” ● Tray Capacity: 250-Sheets | Check Price |
2 | Epson WorkForce WF-7720 | ● Size: 13” X 19” ● Tray Capacity: 500-Sheets | Check Price |
3 | Epson Artisan 1430 | ● Inkset: 6 inks ● Display: 4.3″ Color Touchscreen | Check Price |
4 | Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S | ● Warranty: 1-Year ● Sheet Size: 4-inch x 6-Inches, 6-inch x 8-Inches | Check Price |
5 | Canon Selphy CP1300 | ● LCD Screen: 3.2 inches ● Operating Temperature: 5 – 40 degrees Celsius | Check Price |
6 | Brother MFC-J995DW | ● Max print speed: 12 ppm / 10 ppm ● Document Scan Glass Size: 8.5″ x 11.7″ | Check Price |
7 | Canon Pixma MG3620 | ● Print speed color: 16 ● Weight: 11.9 pounds | Check Price |
Let’s dive into the detailed review section of these products!
1.) WorkForce WF-7710
Sublimation printing is the latest craft trend in today’s world, and special Cricut machines are used to cut favorite designs for t-shirts, coffee mugs, laptops, mobile covers, and much more. You need a printer suitable for sublimation printing, so it is best to go for WorkForce WF-7710 because of its unique features.
Key Features:
You can convert an inkjet desktop printer for Cricut or simply use specialized printers for this purpose. Let’s discover features of our first pick for the best printer for Cricut print and cut, having a sleek design and black in color.
This all-in-one printer is for you if you think economically, saving you 80% more power while copying, scanning, or printing. Power saving is more than any other laser printer.
Thanks to the PrecisionCore technology, the WorkForce WF-7710 wide-format printer allows you to scan up to 11″ x 17″ and also create borderless prints up to 13” x 19” in size.
The most significant selling point for this Epson printer is its wireless as well as wired connectivity options. So, no more working only from your computer as you can use iPhone, iPad, smartphones, and Android tablets to connect to this printer and ready to get high photo-quality prints wherever you want.
This versatile printer offers a 35 feed automatic document feeder and 250-sheet tray, and a rear feed that works best with regular sublimation transfer paper. Now the crafters can take prints for mugs, t-shirts, and pillows.
You will get four DURABrite Ultra ink cartridges that are cyan, yellow, magenta, and black, along with an easy-to-read guide and a power cord.
- All-in-one printer
- Provide Ethernet and NFC
- Allow easy navigation and control
- Sometimes leaves lines
- Ink heads dry out quickly
Final Verdict:
2.) Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Epson Workforce WF-7720 printer is a competent set of features and specifications. Epson printers are a number choice for everyone who works in an office, so they don’t need to ramble more.
Key Features:
With this office machine, you are free to do scanning, copying or faxing, and also color printing. It actually only doubles up as an inkjet sublimation printer, allowing you to print on matte, cardstock, and glossy paper as well. So, while creating a Cricut, you can first take print on glossy or matte paper from the Epson printer and cut the design accordingly from your Cricut machine.
You cannot use it as a sublimation printer directly as it is not capable of printing on T-shirts and other fabrics. Epson is one of the common inkjet printers, and for your Cricut projects, you have to use great sublimation ink to make it the best sublimation printer.
Everyone expects higher quality prints for the office which are now easy to get using Epson wireless printing ability, making it a crowd favorite product. Now print on the go using your iPad, iPhone, Android tablets, or smartphones. This exceptional machine also offers you near-field communication(NFC) and Wi-Fi to send print signals, and your printer will respond accordingly.
Segregate the paper type according to your needs with its dual paper tray that carries 500 papers at a time with a rear feed specialty tray and an output tray capable of holding 125 sheets to save time and energy.
If you use this Epson printer for regular use other than Cricut or sublimation projects, then don’t purchase third-party inks as WorkForce 7720 works best with specialized Epson ink.
- All-rounder printer
- LCD control panel
- Low heat dissipation
- A lot of connectivity options
- Heavier
- Cannot print on metal or wood
Final Verdict:
3.) Epson Artisan 1430
Color rendering is one of the best qualities of a good crafting printer. The Cricut design is embedded deep in the object so DIY makers need a printer that will process more vibrant and detailed colors as more vibrant the colors, more intricacy will be achieved by the Cricut creations. There is no better option than Epson Artisan 1430 for the best possible results of Cricut projects.
Key Features:
This device by Epson is designed to deliver more color accuracy and produce prints that you will never see before. Thanks to its Claria high definition ink cartridges that deliver grain-free accurate, and sharp prints that are perfect for high-grade crafting. You can choose your favorite color from Cyan, magenta, yellow, Black, Light cyan, and light magenta.
This printer is the best choice for professional photographers as this Epson Artisan features a wide-format design that is capable of accommodating 13-inch sheets of paper so you can print invitations to posters to anything you want.
As all other printers offer, this printer also gives you a lot of wireless options. This is compatible with Wi-Fi, so you can print directly from your computer, laptop, or smart device. Now printing just on paper is a past; it allows you to print accurately on DVD and CDs also.
As you might expect, the Artisan 1430 is also compatible with Wi-Fi and now takes prints straight from wireless mobile devices and laptops. And in case you run out of ink, the device lets you replace just the colors you need, so you won’t have to spend on resources you still have in stock.
The remarkable image quality is all possible just because of DX5 MicroPiezo printhead technology that comes with 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution and ink droplets as small as 1.5 picoliters.
- High res images
- Offers 6-color Claria ink
- 13-inch Wide Format Prints
- Don’t except thick papers
Final Verdict:
4.) Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S
This is a world of DIY crafting, and Cricut printing is the daily bread and butter for crafters and DIYers, so print your t-shirts make cute labels, stickers for laptops by taking prints from this Mitsubishi CP-K60DW printer that is the best sublimation printer for Cricut without any doubt.
Key Features:
The Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S is an eco-value dye-sublimation printer that stands out among others due to its switching ability between two sheet sizes, which are 4×6 and 6×8 without even swapping the ribbon ink or paper roll.
You can change the paper size that saves not only time but also makes it easy to maintain and use.
This Mitsubishi printer specially designed for sublimation printing offers high-resolution print quality at 300DPI. Quickly and effectively print your high-quality prints that never crack with this much resolution.
This compact and lightweight printer comes with all the necessary developments and does not need a lot of space to install. From its number of features, one of the noticeable features is its image processing method which produces natural images and smooth edges that look and feel great.
You can use this printer for Cricut with an aspect ratio of 1:1 to print Instagram images. Besides, DIY makers can use it to print wide-format projects and also 4 x 6 inches prints with a fast printing speed of 11.2 seconds.
Crafting a Cricut design is a very exciting past-time activity that is now easier due to its amazing paper handling capacity. This printer’s paper tray can handle rolls of paper for up to 5 or 6 inches.
- Incredible image quality
- Comes with a USB 2.0 port
- Consume 96% less Standby-energy
- Mac and Windows compatibility
- Sometimes slows down a bit
Final Verdict:
5.) Canon Selphy CP1300
Making your first T-shirt using the Cricut print and cut option is a good start for your business, but all you need is a good sublimation printer like our Selphy CP1300 by Canon. The Best Sublimation Printer for Cricut is used to transfer detailed and beautiful full-color designs onto the projects.
Key Features:
This best printer for Cricut maker projects is capable of printing 55 prints with a single battery charge, more than the previous model which prints just 35 prints. This dye-sublimation printer’s prints dry instantly, and the photos remain in good quality for up to 100 years.
This printer features dye-sublimation technology which is great as dye-sublimation printers are ideal for photo booths and businesses with high volumes of print demands. This printer also offers wireless printing via its Canon Print app. It is now easy to connect your smartphones and tablets and take prints directly from a USB or memory card.
This high-end printer can fulfill all your printing needs as you can print on various paper sizes like 4.0 x 6.0-inch postcards, card size of 2.1 x 3.4, and square labels on 2.1 x 2.1 inches. Additionally, you can print collage with the 2 x 6 photo booth layout or the party shuffle.
Moreover, this printer saves your time with high-speed prints that take just 47 seconds to print borderless photos. With its 3.2″ nice touchscreen display screen, it is now easy to give commands about paper size and type.
This compact and portable printer comes with an Output tray capacity of 18 sheets with a postcard-size paper cassette. The Operating temperature used by this machine is 5 – 40 degrees Celsius. Now print on the go via its extra battery pack that allows you to share your memories wherever you are.
- Portable
- Massive color range
- Deliver great quality prints
- Offers water-resistance photos
- Prints a variety of sizes
- Slower than the other portable printers
Final Verdict:
6.) Brother MFC-J995DW
Many printers are designed specifically for sublimation, but this Brother MFC-J995DWcan be converted into a sublimation printer by using special sublimation ink. Now it is ready and steady to make high-quality customizations and give you more professional results.
Key Features:
Start printing as many as you want by not worrying about the shortage of ink as it comes with tank technology. The re-engineered INKvestment tank cartridge plus an internal ink storage tank gives you uninterrupted printing for almost 1 year without investing in buying more ink.
It is a valuable choice for many tasks as it is compatible with windows 8, 7, 8.1,10, windows server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 10.12.x, 10.13.x,and 2016 Mac-OS X v10.11.6.
This incredible product of Brother works efficiently in the intermediary fabric printing process, providing you a useful solution for printing.
A good heat press machine is essential for printing scarves, t-shirts, table covers, and much more. So make sure the ink is good for colored polyester, cotton, or rayon and stays for long, but no worries if you are using cotton because the sublimation technology is now equally compatible with cotton t-shirts also.
As we mentioned above about heat, this printer works well after conversion to a sublimation printer and operates at the temperature of 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. All you need to do is make a design on Cricut and send a command to a printer via its wireless connection to the computer, so now printing can be done using Google cloud print, AirPrint, and Wi-Fi direct.
- Offers wireless printing
- Automatic duplex printing
- Have internal storage tank
- Compatible with mobile devices
- Difficult to align cartridges
Final Verdict:
7.) Canon Pixma MG3620
Searching for a sublimation printer that not only works best but also saves a lot of time and money then stops here. The Canon Pixma MG 3620 is loaded with all the necessary incredible features to provide you a low-cost sublimation that lasts longer.
Key Features:
Get this Epson cheapest starter option and experience a fast print speed of 9.9 IPM for Black and 5.7 IPM for color, along with its amazing maximum print speed of 16.
The Canon Pixma MG3620 comes with Auto duplex printing features that lessen the use of paper to 50%, which automatically saves your money, time, and of course, papers.
This sublimation printer is equally good for a novice or pro in Cricut maker projects in the sense that you can print bespoke designs, make your own designs by using its wireless options that include the Canon Print app that allows you to print from your iPad or other smart devices by just a click.
This compact and space-saver printer come with a quick and easy wireless setup; the Canon Pixma MG3620 works fantastically well with Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and more.
This exceptional device by Epson is ready to cater to all your printing, scanning, and copying needs as it features nice all-in-one options. It allows you to fulfil all your crafting needs.so, use Cricut software to set up your favorite designs for mobile covers, t-shirts, and much more, and open your DIY studio at home.
This is not good for office use, so it is better to use it at home because it is best for low-tech people. So, make your crafting business by showing awesome designs to your buyers.
- Good for students
- Pocket-friendly
- Easy and quick setup
- Compatibility connect with both Android and iPhone
- Not good for office use
Final Verdict:
Buying Guide for Best Sublimation Printer for Cricut:
Printer:
You can use a sublimation printer or convert a simple inkjet printer to a sublimation printer. Printers that can be converted are less expensive and easy to find. For conversion, you need a special ink not to use that one that comes with the printer (Non-printer brand ink will void the warranty).
Some of the sublimation printers are solely for mugs, t-shirts, or plaques, and others for photos. So make sure of what you actually want to do before buying one. Besides, there are two types that you can find one for commercial purposes and another one is used to cater to all your crafting needs.
Types of Ink:
Whether a ribbon or a cartridge both use special inks and special paper for printing. Make sure to use the best quality inks and paper without which the speed, efficiency, performance will be ruined. Printers with ribbon or cartridge ink come with specialized papers. Buying a combo will make sure that ink remains bright and not fades.
Heat Press:
Heat press (a press with heated upper plate and stationary lower plate for flat objects, for example, Cricut Easy Press). The temperature should be higher, and pressure will be exerted by the lever so that the project will give an excellent final look.
The Cricut EasyPress worked really well for most of the items because it transfers the ink permanently onto the project design and makes it long-lasting. The high temperature of 360 degrees will help to transfer the ink onto projects quite efficiently. It will surely take less space and be easy to transfer to somewhere else to do crafting projects.
Working of Cartridge:
Make sure that the cartridge that you use can handle the dye sublimation process. Cartridges focus on a single color. These include cyan, magenta, and yellow and black cartridges to fulfill all your printing needs.
Other Supplies:
There are few important things that you need along with a heat press and printer; top sublimation kits come with tweezers, paper, heat resistance tape, and much more that are explained below.
- Paper – Some people use copy paper and got equally the best results, but you have to use a specialized sublimation paper as it is best to print onto heat-resistant paper, which is not so expensive. So, try both yourself and see what the difference is.
- Butcher paper – You can use butcher paper to sandwich your projects between the two plates of your heat press. Butcher paper helps the heat press from leaking any ink.
- Heat resistance tape –As the name suggests, the tape is used to hold your project tightly onto the butcher paper, so it remains in its place while exerting pressure.
- Tweezers – Since the paper project will become very hot, you have to use tweezers to lift the sublimation paper just to check if more heat is needed.
- Object to print – the most important thing is the object that can be a t-shirt (polyester or a high poly blend) and ornaments or tiles.
- Wrapping Paper cutter – this is not necessary but an optional item that is used to cut the big roll of butcher paper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I Sublimate With Any Printer?
No, you have to buy a specialized printer or convert an inkjet printer along with sublimation transfer paper and special ink or cosmos ink as Cosmo’s inks are great for all types of sublimation printers. You need special paper, which is butcher paper, and special ink, to do sublimation.
Can I Convert Any Of My Printers To Sublimate?
No, only some of the printers can convert into sublimation printers, such as the Epson EcoTank. Other printers that can be converted are the Brother MFC-J995DW, and the Mitsubishi CP-K60DW (previously the CP-D70DW) which is a small-size photo printer, while it prints high-quality photos, but due to the small size of prints we do not recommend it. If you don’t mind the size, then Canon Selphy CP1300 is good as well as affordable and is capable of converting to a sublimation printer.
Why Do I Need To Buy Specific Sublimation Blanks?
You purchase the printer, mug press, or sublimation heat transfer; now you also need some great blanks for sublimation printing. Some of the popular sublimation blanks are Drinkware and Mugs. All of them have a special polymer coating, which means you just visit any dollar store and pick any mug or drinkware randomly.
They are of ceramic material and are customizable enough so you can easily do long-lasting print transfers of any vibrant image of yours or friends, artwork, logo, or brand tagline. Your sublimation can transfer to any of the mugs, bottles, tumblers, or shot glasses. The highest-quality sublimation transfer works well with hard or soft blanks.
What Kind Of Crafts Can I Make With A Sublimation Printer?
A sublimation printer can print your number of crafting materials and do your DIY business like never before. Some of the beautiful crafts are apparel, personalized gifts.
Some other popular items are:
Can I Use Any Type Of Printer For Cricut Prints And Cuts?
No, a specialized sublimation printer is used for Cricut print and cuts that use Cricut infusible ink to give the best results. Canon printers guarantee superb quality printing regarding Cricut, but most suggested are inkjet printers. The reason for this is its incredibly high resolution and fantastic picture quality.
We are afraid that you cannot go to use any printer as per Cricut is concerned. Not all printers are Cricut-worthy printers because of their features. Some office printers can print on slender or lighter media.
Final Words:
All of them are superb and carry their own features and specifications. But if you are in doubt; we recommend you to go for the Canon Selphy sublimation printer that is best both for professionals as well as for hobbyists just because of its reliability and high functionality. These two factors are vital when making an actual purchase.
So, hurry up, buy one of your ideal printers and start your crafting business.
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