Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Reviews 2024

The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer is the only printer designed specifically for sublimation printing. Packed with powerful features and an unprecedented color range, the SG500 offers ultra-fine photo quality reproduction up to 4880 x 1200 dpi with Sawgrass’s SubliJet-UHD inks. It also has two times faster speeds than its Ricoh predecessors and up to 687,754 colors out of just four cartridges so you can produce beautiful prints without compromising quality.

Plus, enjoy added convenience with WiFi connectivity and easy expansion options such as a bypass tray that extends media size up to 8.5×51 inches and a 250-sheet paper feed tray so you can keep multiple paper sizes ready for printing on demand. And every system comes with access to PartnerPlus, Sawgrass’s comprehensive user support program for real-time troubleshooting help and assistance with color management software.

Featuring a 2-year warranty in the EU for added peace of mind, the SG500 is perfect for any professional or enthusiast looking for world-class sublimation printing.

Why choose the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer?

Here are some key features and benefits of the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer that make it unique:

1. Dye-sublimation printing: The SG500 utilizes dye-sublimation technology, which uses heat to transfer ink onto specially coated substrates. This process ensures that the ink becomes a permanent part of the substrate, resulting in vibrant and durable prints with excellent color reproduction.

2. Compact and user-friendly design: The SG500 has a compact footprint, making it suitable for home or small office use. Its user-friendly interface and easy setup process make it accessible to beginners in the sublimation printing field.

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Reviews

3. Versatile substrate compatibility: The printer supports a wide range of substrates, including polyester fabrics, ceramics, metals, and more. This versatility allows you to explore various creative applications such as custom apparel, promotional products, personalized gifts, and home decor items.

4. High-quality output: The Sawgrass SG500 produces sharp and detailed prints with a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. This ensures that your designs, images, and graphics are accurately reproduced, resulting in professional-looking finished products.

5. Sublimation ink formulation: Sawgrass offers specially formulated sublimation inks for use with the SG500 printer. These inks are designed to work seamlessly with the printer, providing consistent color output and reliable performance.

6. Color management software: The SG500 comes bundled with Sawgrass’s CreativeStudio software, which provides a user-friendly platform for designing and managing your sublimation projects. It offers a wide range of templates, clip art, and design tools to help you create stunning and personalized prints.

7. Support and community: Sawgrass is known for its strong customer support and a vibrant community of sublimation enthusiasts. Whether you need technical assistance or want to connect with other users for tips and inspiration, Sawgrass offers resources to help you along your sublimation journey.

Things to remember before buying a Sawgrass SG500 color sublimation printer

Before buying the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation Color Printer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important things to remember:

1. Sublimation printing knowledge: Ensure that you have a basic understanding of sublimation printing and the process involved. Familiarize yourself with the concepts of dye-sublimation, substrate compatibility, heat transfer, and color management.

2. Printing requirements: Evaluate your specific printing needs and determine if the Sawgrass SG500 meets them. Consider the types of substrates you intend to print on, the desired print size and resolution, and the volume of printing you anticipate. Ensure that the printer’s capabilities align with your requirements.

3. Budget: Determine your budget for the printer and consider the overall cost of ownership. In addition to the printer itself, factor in costs for sublimation inks, transfer papers, heat presses, and compatible substrates. Also, consider ongoing maintenance and replacement parts.

4. Sublimation ink system: Understand the ink system used by the Sawgrass SG500. Sawgrass printers typically use proprietary ink cartridges specifically formulated for sublimation printing. Consider the availability, cost, and color range of these cartridges, as well as any limitations on using third-party inks.

5. Software compatibility: Ensure that the Sawgrass SG500 is compatible with the design and editing software you intend to use. Verify if it supports popular graphic design programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, or if it comes bundled with its own design software.

6. Support and resources: Research the customer support offered by Sawgrass, including warranty coverage, technical assistance, and access to online resources and communities. Consider the availability of tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and user forums to assist you in your sublimation printing journey.

7. Size and space requirements: Evaluate the physical dimensions of the printer and ensure that it fits within your available workspace. Consider the need for additional equipment such as a heat press and any ventilation requirements for the printing area.

8. User reviews and feedback: Read customer reviews and feedback on the Sawgrass SG500 to gauge the printer’s reliability, performance, and user satisfaction. Look for information on print quality, ease of use, and any potential issues or limitations users report.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and ensure that the Sawgrass SG500 Color Printer aligns with your sublimation printing needs and expectations.

Conclusion 

It’s important to note that the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer is primarily designed for sublimation printing and may not offer the same capabilities as traditional inkjet printers, such as document printing or photo printing on standard paper. Additionally, like any sublimation printing system, you will need compatible sublimation substrates and heat presses to complete the sublimation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many prints can you get from Sawgrass SG500?

The Sawgrass SG500 printer can produce over 200 full-coverage prints with its starter inks. While you may get a low ink warning, don’t worry, it’s just because a large portion of the ink is used to fill the lines. 

Q. What size printer will Sawgrass sublimation print?

The Sawgrass line boasts three printers in varying sizes. The desktop unit can handle media measuring up to 8.5” by 14” (22cm by 35.5cm), while another desktop unit can manage up to 13” by 19” (33cm by 48.3cm) media. If you need something more heavy-duty, the industrial 8-color system can print on 25” (63.5cm) comprehensive roll-fed paper. So experiment with your sublimation printing, and see what you can create with Sawgrass.

Q. How long will Sawgrass ink last?

With a shelf life of about 2 years for an unopened bottle or sealed cartridge of sublimation ink, you can trust that your prints will last. We contacted both Sawgrass and Epson, who confirmed Sawgrass ink lasts 2 years when sealed.

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