Are you looking for the best dye-sublimation printer on the market right now? Congratulations! As your best printing intention has arrived at the appropriate port.
This will be a comprehensive and research-based reference that includes a directory of portable dye-sublimation firms. Naturally, we’ll discuss printers for both personal and professional use. Sublimation is an improved technology that involves the transfer of dye to any medium, such as paper, plastic, or card, by heat.
We'll discuss:
- 1 7 Dye-Sublimation Photo PrinterS
- 1.1 1- Polaroid Hi-Print – Bluetooth Connected 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer
- 1.2 2- KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer
- 1.3 3- Line 4×6” Photo Printer, Wi-Fi Picture Printer
- 1.4 4- Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Mobile Instant Photo Printer
- 1.5 5- SkyMall Mobile Wi-Fi & NFC Photo Printer
- 1.6 6- Liene 4×6” Portable Photo Printer Bundle (60 pcs + 2 Ink Cartridges)
- 1.7 7- HP Sprocket Portable 2×3″ Instant Photo Printer
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3 Purchasing Guide for Sublimation Printers
7 Dye-Sublimation Photo PrinterS
There are some critical factors to consider before purchasing one. Additionally, we’ve discussed the essential aspects you should be aware of. For your next dye sublimation printing project, let’s have a look at a comprehensive comparison of 7 industry-standard dye-sublimation printers.
1- Polaroid Hi-Print – Bluetooth Connected 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer
Polaroid’s Hi-Print 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer is the company’s latest entry into the market for portable photo printers. Faced with stiff competition from Canon, Fujifilm, HP, and Kodak, the Hi-Print distinguishes apart because of its dye-sublimation printing technology, resulting in more brilliant photos than the Zero Ink (ZINK) imaging approach employed by many such pocket printers. While the Hi-Print result is excellent, the consumables are more laborious. They generate significantly more packaging waste, and the cost per photo is exceptionally high, even more so given this model’s modest 2.1-by-3.4-inch dimension. Additionally, our test model lacks even a rudimentary supply of paper and ink to get you started. The Hi-Print is all about the premium: high-quality prints at a premium price.
Specifications
Polaroid indeed pioneered something by introducing its first instant camera in 1948. Naturally, the rapid, analog printing business has mainly been supplanted by the digital age. Still, there are occasions when nothing beats a paper print for sharing or displaying without resorting to a gadget.
The Polaroid Hi–Print 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth pairing, while the Polaroid Hi–Print companion software for iOS and Android enables you to quickly and effortlessly generate a photo print in under a minute.
Connectivity
Bluetooth pairing is straightforward and ensures that your phone or any iOS or Android smart device can communicate with one another. However, there is no Wi-Fi Direct or other networking possibilities, and printing from a computer is not possible via the Micro USB port, solely for charging the internal battery. The battery charges in approximately an hour and has enough capacity to shoot 20 images before it needs to be recharged again.
Design
The Polaroid Hi-Print is refined and uncluttered as far as design is concerned. It’s small and lightweight enough to be held in one hand. The top features a rainbow strip — a tribute to the printing process – along with the device’s printing slot. The Hi-Print can be positioned vertically or horizontally — but the former is slightly more unsafe than the latter.
- Superior print quality
- A simple-to-use, robust mobile device application
- Well-built and aesthetically pleasing
- Cannot print from a personal computer
- Operating costs are high, even more so for the small 2-by-3-inch dimension.
Cartridges are loaded on the left side of the pack, which may be opened with your fingernail. There is a power button and two LED status LEDs on the right-hand side. The bottom of the gadget is a Micro-USB charging connector (a cable is included), another status light, and a reset button.
2- KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer
The Kodak Photo Printer Mini is a pocket-sized printer that quickly prints wallet-size images from mobile devices. Simply be aware that such prints will cost significantly more than they would at a drug store.
Best Mini Version
The Kodak Photo Printer Mini is one of a few small printers meant to print small images directly from your phone or tablet. While the Mini is the best of these subminiature picture printers we’ve encountered, it falls short of the Editors’ Choice Canon Selphy CP1200 in terms of networking options, running costs, and print quality. However, if you’re OK with wallet-size prints and only want to print from photo albums on your mobile device or social media accounts, the Mini is the pinnacle of convenience.
Connectivity
After pairing your mobile device with the printer, you’ll be able to view photographs from your camera roll or an Instagram or Snapseed folder. Additionally, you may access pictures directly from your Facebook, Instagram, or Google Photos feeds using the app’s Connect option. Once a photo is opened, it can be resized, edited (brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpening), framed, and embellished with stickers or text.
- With built-in Bluetooth, it’s simple to connect to your smartphone and print images.
- It also includes a sticky-back paper with embedded dye crystals for high-quality prints.
- Prints photographs that are waterproof and tear-resistant and will last for a long time
- Not compatible with Android-based mobile devices
Then you’re ready to print, though if you spend more than five minutes touching up your photo, the printer will shut down, and you’ll need to restart it and reconnect your mobile device.
3- Line 4×6” Photo Printer, Wi-Fi Picture Printer
The Liene 4×6″ Instant Photo Printer rapidly and affordably produces beautiful pocket-size photos, making it an excellent choice for families.
Compatibility
Liene’s 46-inch Instant, Full-Color Wi-Fi Photo Printer is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. It employs thermal dye sublimation and generates 46-inch photographs using a four-pass process. To ensure the photographic quality of the image it develops, it applies a protective coating that is both water- and smudge-resistant during the fourth pass.
Smooth working
No more paper jams! Photo paper can be aligned with the picture printer and threaded adequately when printing. You can see which printing step was used when printing via the app. Fear not; the Liene app will guide you through resolving issues step by step, keeping you on track. Additionally, for your convenience, Liene includes 20 sheets of complimentary photo paper and one ink cartridge (for up to 40 prints). We anticipate having a good time with the Liene picture printer.
Connectivity
Please take a moment to calm yourself if you get concerned about the connection; To avoid being impacted by a complex and unpredictable home network, Liene has integrated a built-in WiFi hotspot inside the portable photo printer; you may connect directly to this wifi picture printer without relying on the surrounding network. Additionally, this sophisticated design outperforms Bluetooth or port connect in terms of no damage to your device and simultaneous connection of up to five devices.
Why not simply use a conventional rear-mounted hopper? Or about an easier-to-load front hopper?
Portable
Portability is the answer. The majority of printers are inconvenient to transport due to their uneven shape. Hoppers, trays, and other features frequently draw attention. By contrast, when transporting the Liene printer, the hopper may be readily removed. The hopper then clamps into the housing’s top, eliminating the need to carry it separately.
- Convenient size and portability.
- Photographs of exceptional quality.
- WiFi connection and a smartphone app that is simple to use.
- TDS printing is hygienic and convenient.
- To print from a PC or Mac, you must download drivers.
- The ink cartridge should be replaced approximately every 40 photographs.
What’s more, it’s the same width and length as the printer housing. Thus, when it is snapped into the top, the unit as a whole does not have any strange, additional angles.
4- Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Mobile Instant Photo Printer
Photography is no longer what it once was. As with most types of technology, the method we capture and produce images has evolved and gotten easier over time. For many years, the only way to capture a photograph was to use a large, cumbersome camera. Then, to develop the picture, you either had to take it to be processed or set up your darkroom.
Convenience
It seems absurd to consider nowadays, especially given that most of us have high-definition cameras built directly into our cell phones. Due to the size of most cameras and phones, taking unforgettable images on the fly has become effortless, convenient, and less inconvenient. However, there is still the matter of the processing, printing, and viewing of these photographs once taken.
Pocket friendly
The Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Mobile Instant Photo Printer is a pocket-sized printer designed only for printing small images. The successor to the (very similar) Kodak Photo Printer Mini, the Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Mobile Instant Photo Printer–hereafter referred to as the Kodak Mini 2–defies the retro-revival trend aimed at cashing in on nostalgia that companies like Polaroid pursue, instead of focusing on functionality and omitting superfluous features. The Kodak Mini 2 Instant Photo Printer crams a lot of functionality into a small and unassuming package.
- It is more compact than its predecessor.
- Simple to assemble and operate.
- Overall, the print quality is excellent.
- App for mobile devices that is robust.
- NFC enables a simple connection to a mobile device.
- Cannot print from a personal computer.
- Costs of operation are high.
- In comparison to the competition, print speeds are modest.
It is more compact than its predecessor, the Kodak Photo Printer Mini, which prints images through a slot along the front edge. It is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. Additionally, it supports NFC.
5- SkyMall Mobile Wi-Fi & NFC Photo Printer
Connects via Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or NFC for blazingly fast image data transfer Innovative Dye Sublimation Printing Technology Produces Crisper Photos with a Wider Color Range.
Best in Size
Preservation of Photographs The Overcoat Layer Preserves Your Memories in Their Original State without Fading. Convenient Cartridge Design Conveniently Stores Everything in a Single, Disposable Package
The SkyMall Mobile Printer is another portable printer that enables you to capture the best images while on the road. You may print images wirelessly via NFC, WiFi Direct, or regular WiFi. As with the other printers on this list, this one has a complementary mobile app that brings many editing possibilities to the forefront. You will receive only one cartridge with the device, which can print approximately ten images. As a result, you won’t accomplish much with this device alone and will likely need to acquire cartridges almost immediately. Given the device’s size, it’s reasonable why there can’t be too many photographs on a single cartridge. This is the price users must pay for the convenience of carrying the printer about and taking smooth images practically anyplace in a matter of seconds.
Photo Preservation Overcoat Layer
SkyMall discusses the Photo Preservation Overcoat Layer, which is said to protect your photographs from fading over time. This is critical, as images do not last in perpetuity. As a general guideline, it’s usually prudent to save a digital copy of your photographs so that you can print one out as needed. In this manner, you may preserve your pictures in perpetuity. This printer is available in three colors: black, white, and pink. All variations are available for purchase on Amazon.
Connectivity
This mobile printer connects effortlessly via Wi-Fi, NFC for lightning-fast image data transmission, and Wi-Fi Direct. This is why it is the most outstanding portable printer currently available. It is equipped with cutting-edge Dye Sublimation Printing Technology, enabling it to generate a broader color gamut and more explicit images than any other mobile printer.
- Includes a complimentary photo editing application
- User-friendly
- It has a straightforward setup procedure.
- None
This is the most outstanding mobile printer for preserving your memories precisely as you recall them, without fading. This is accomplished by the inclusion of the Photo Preservation Overcoat Layer technology. It is simple to use and comes in a throwaway box due to the cartridge design. This is why it was the most incredible portable printer in 2000. As a result, purchase one while supplies last.
6- Liene 4×6” Portable Photo Printer Bundle (60 pcs + 2 Ink Cartridges)
Nowadays, digital photography has mostly supplanted traditional analogue photography. To be honest, there is and probably always will be a small community of film buffs. However, digital photography offers a lot of advantages.
Connectivity
To begin, because there is no film involved, the camera is tiny enough to be integrated with other devices. This enables us to use cellphones, laptops, and tablets as cameras. Another significant advantage of digital photography is the ease with which your photographs can be shared on social media. You can also do this directly from the camera app on modern devices. With a physical photograph, you’d need to scan it and post it, which is an unnecessary step. As a result, it’s understandable why the world has gone digital.
Portable
Having said that, there are situations in which a digital image on a screen is preferable to a real photograph. In that instance, your standard office printer will fall short. They just do not print at a high enough resolution to produce high-quality photographs. To achieve the highest possible quality, you’ll need a specialist photo printer and some picture paper. Additionally, standard office printers are large. That is perfectly acceptable if your printer is on your desk. However, if you intend to take your printer on the road, you’ll want something slightly more portable. These are just a few of the reasons why you might wish to invest in a high-quality picture printer.
Convenience
The Liene 46′′ Photo Printer is housed in a compact enclosure measuring 8.07 inches wide, 4.91 inches deep, and 3.36 inches thick. This is around the size of a large paperback novel – think Stephen King. In other words, while it is not pocket-sized, it is tiny enough to fit easily in a backpack or laptop bag. It weighs 4.34 pounds, which is a little heavy for its size. However, when you consider how many components are required to operate a printer, this makes sense.
- Outstanding print quality
- Low operating expenses
- Up to five direct wireless connections are supported.
- Conveniently and securely packs
- Does not support flash memory devices
Apart from that, it’s not as if it’s impossible to carry. If you have a gaming laptop, it is almost certainly the same weight.
7- HP Sprocket Portable 2×3″ Instant Photo Printer
The HP Sprocket is endlessly entertaining for individuals seeking rapid gratification through photo printing. While Zink (or no-ink) printing isn’t perfect, it’s adequate for scrapbooking and other keepsake-making activities.
Connectivity
The HP Sprocket Select portable printer pairs wirelessly with your phone and prints credit-card-sized photos on sticky-back Zink (or Zero Ink) paper. The Select is HP’s third-generation Sprocket 200 printer. It produces larger prints, similar to its predecessor, the Sprocket Plus – but without the added weight.
Bear in mind to load the Zink paper with the glossy side up. Each new pack includes a barcode sheet at the bottom that must be processed by the printer prior to printing photos. Consider this to be similar to the printhead alignment operation on a regular inkjet printer but without the ink.
Latest tech
Zink paper is composed of microcrystals that change colour in response to the amount of heat applied. This implies that when the printer is in operation, it may grow slightly heated.
Zink paper is loaded on top of the Sprocket Select, and the cover, which features an appealing marbled design, effortlessly lifts off to reveal the paper tray. The lid magnetically snaps back into place when closed, which is convenient if the printer is prone to roll around in the bottom of your handbag or backpack. If you wish to protect your Sprocket, you may purchase a case.
Fast and reliable
The Sprocket Select loads up to ten sheets simultaneously — at least on paper (pun shamelessly intended). In actuality, I discovered that stacking the paper tray resulted in printer jams, which is not something you want to deal with when out with friends. Additionally,
- Mobile photo printing Simple-to-use application
- Printing and augmented reality choices that are enjoyable
- battery that can be recharged
- Inconsistent reproduction of photographs
- costly picture paper
I’d recommend retaining the barcode sheet in order to adjust the print head if you end up loading fewer sheets than recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a Dye Sublimation Printer Work?
A dye-sublimation printer works by transferring inks onto a piece of fabric via heat. To begin, a design is created on a particular type of paper. The inks are then mixed with the material and permanently printed using the sublimation process.
Is it possible to convert my printer to a sublimation printer?
This is accomplished solely by inflicting dye sublimation ink into a printer. Naturally, this must be done while the printer is brand new. Before using this ink, you cannot use any other ink in your printer.
What type of printer is required for sublimation?
Sublimation cannot be accomplished with just any printer. You would not be able to do so with standard paper. Therefore, ensure that the printer you choose is compatible with the technique. Numerous alternatives are available. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective option, you won’t go wrong with our supplied list.
Is dye sublimation a better option than inkjet printing?
Indeed, it is. The primary distinction is in the image quality. The photo quality is far superior to that of a standard Inkjet printer. While there is a dust issue, you may rely on your sub-dye printer even if it has been idle for an extended period. Additionally, the images are instantaneously dry and durable.
Is any printer capable of sublimation?
Certainly not. A specialist printer is required for sublimation projects. Because sublimation paper is incompatible with all printers, it requires a specialized printer to be used effectively. Unless your printer can print on sublimation paper, the ink will not function on conventional printing paper.
Purchasing Guide for Sublimation Printers
That concludes our in-depth examinations. We realize your urgency in acquiring a printer immediately. You must, however, make an informed decision.
In this section, we’ve highlighted several critical considerations to consider when purchasing a sublimation printer.
Use
While sublimation printers have certain characteristics, some are designed for professional use, while others are geared for hobbyists, home users, and craft enthusiasts. Therefore, before making a purchase, examine the purpose for which it will be used.
Certain versions are largely utilized in businesses because they can print images on mugs, plaques, and t-shirts. These are more expensive, but they create exceptionally precise and smooth prints. As such, they are frequently spotted in photo booths, digital printing shops, and professional events.
Additionally, they offer wide-format printing, which is perfect for graphs, corporate charts, and posters. The Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Mobile is best as it gives premium images in no time.
Other types are limited to producing smudge-proof images for scrapbooks or picture frames. While the printing quality is not as high as that of professional models, these printers are simpler to operate and have lower operating costs.
Resolution for Printing
Sublimation printers are expensive, and you should not skimp on image resolution. Dots per inch, or DPI, relates to the image’s clarity, density, and sharpness.
A better resolution photograph will have well-lit areas, smooth gradations, precise colors, and fewer grains. Ideally, a printer with a resolution of 300 DPI will suffice for the majority of consumer models.
If, on the other hand, you require better clarity and ultra-high-quality photographs, consider a printer with a resolution of 600 to 1200 DPI.
Options for Connectivity
The latest versions of sublimation printers operate smoothly on a variety of devices. Nonetheless, we recommend perusing the product details and confirming that the printer you’re considering purchasing is compatible with your device. The Polaroid Hi–Print 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer is the best keeping in mind this option.
Conclusion
That is all, gentlemen! That concludes our list of the top sublimation printers available. We hope that our guide has clarified the features of each model and that you may now purchase one without hesitation.
It is critical to maintaining your sublimation printer properly, which includes cleaning the nozzle heads and using only genuine ink cartridges. This will extend the life of your gadget.
While all of the models we’ve mentioned are excellent, the following are our favorites. The HP Sprocket Portable is a good choice for medium- to large-sized offices since it features superior wired and wireless connectivity.