Choosing the right type of printer does not have to be as difficult as some of you may think. today. However, if you want to make the best decision possible, you need to do your research first. By researching the different types of printers and their special features on the market today, you can narrow down your choices easily without a lot of unnecessary hassles.
Thankfully, there is a wealth of valuable information online about the different types of printers. Two of the most technically advanced and innovative are the sublimation printers and laser printers. Therefore, if you are trying to determine which one of these printers will work best for you. and the projects that you work on, let’s get started by reviewing the differences in functionality between each.
What are Sublimation Printers?
Today’s sublimation printers are used for specific needs and purposes so you will need to know exactly how they work. More importantly, you need to know the process of sublimation because it involves transferring a substance to a gas state from a solid-state.
For instance, sublimation printing is currently used to print different kinds of images on shirts for people or retail stores that like certain types of graphics and designs.
These images are first printed onto a sheet of paper, and then the same image is transferred to a different type of material, in particular polyester materials or a polyester mix.
This type of recent technology is considered to be a game-changer for a variety of reasons, especially because of its overall versatility. And, while there are some benefits to using this type of printer, there are some limitations involved with its usage, too.
For example, your images can only be placed on polyester and polyester mix materials so you cannot use a sublimation printer to print graphics on other materials like cotton, wool, or denim.
Also, before you buy a sublimation printer, you need to know that your images can only be transferred to a limited number of colors, white or light colors.
You can use this information to determine if sublimation printers are right for the jobs that you expect to do.
What are Laser Printers?
Laser printers are often seen and viewed as one of the most popular types of personal computers. Unlike the sublimation printer, however, it uses non-impact technology to reproduce its images.
Therefore, whenever an image is sent to this type of printer, it uses a laser beam to draw its graphics via the use of a selenium-coated drum (ie. uses electrical charges to create images). This printer is also designed with limited functionalities, particularly as compared to the sublimation printer capabilities.
For instance, you cannot use the traditional laser printer to print images on cotton, polyester, denim, or any other type of fabric. Instead, you will only have the capability to print your images on paper products that are suitable for laser printing projects.
The difference between sublimation printer and laser printer:
The main difference between a sublimation printer and a laser printer is the type of printing head used.
A sublimation printer uses a thermal transfer printhead that prints by melting a thermoplastic film and then passing an image onto the film through a heated nozzlet. A laser printer, on the other hand, uses a photoelectric print head that works by shining a light on the page and converting the light into an electronic signal that can be interpreted as text or images.
Can I use a laser printer for heat transfer printing?
Yes, you can use a laser printer for heat transfer. The key is to make sure that you use the right type of paper for the job.
You’ll also need to set the printer to the highest quality setting to ensure that the image is clear and crisp.
Is laser or inkjet better for sublimation?
When it comes to printing technology, there are two main camps: laser and inkjet. Both have their proponents and detractors, but which one is the best choice for sublimation printing?
Inkjet printers are better for sublimation because they produce a higher quality image. Laser printers can also be used for sublimation, but the results are not always as good.
Can you use laser printer ink for sublimation?
Laser printer ink is not made for sublimation. The inks are not formulated to release the dyes at the high temperatures needed for sublimation.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each of these types of printers. Therefore, you need to review the advantages of each prior to making your investment. One of the most important differences involved in making this type of selection is the types of materials that you will be required to use in your printing projects.
The sublimation printer is ideal for anyone who will be printing graphical images on fabrics like polyester and polyester mix materials. On the other hand, if you will be printing images on paper and then making the transfer to different types of fabrics like cotton, polyester, and denim, you should consider buying a laser printer for these and other similar jobs and projects.
