Can you use a Canon printer for sublimation? Sublimation printing is a complicated art, and you might not have an easy time learning it.
The first thing you need is a sublimation printer. Most sublimation printers are rather expensive, so it is easier to convert a regular printer.
Canon printers are a popular option for regular printing, especially images. Since they are so good with images, can you use a canon printer for sublimation? Let us look at this printer’s design and operation to see if sublimation printing is a possibility;
Can You Use A Canon Printer For Sublimation?
No, you can’t use Canon printers with sublimation ink, therefore. They use thermal printing technology.
This printing mechanism will negatively impact sublimation ink and ruin the job. You can use an Epson Eco tank and some hp STITCH series printers for sublimation.
What Is Sublimation Printing?
Before you get into sublimation printing, you need to understand it. Getting the idea of how the sublimation process works will guide you on sublimating. You will get new concepts as you work more, but the basics are still crucial. So what is sublimation?
Sublimation is a printing technology that has existed for several years now. It has grown more popular in recent years, and the market is also growing.
By scientific definition, sublimation is when matter goes from a solid-state to gas without becoming a liquid. Most substances will melt into a liquid before becoming gases. Regular ink does not adhere to this rule, but special sublimation ink does.
The printer puts down a special sublimation ink on sublimation paper. This ink reacts differently to heat and pressure than regular ink. When you heat sublimation ink, it forms a permanent bond with polyester polymers at the molecular level.
This bond creates permanent graphics that are part of the fabric. This is a better way of creating permanent graphics since they are part of the fabric.
Sublimation technology does not wash out of the fabric. This product is better than regular printers that only work on the surface.
Sublimation paper is a special type of paper that allows the sublimation inks to sit in it. You can then use powerful heating elements to heat the ink off. The ink will transfer to the sublimation fabric, hence the name, heat transfer.
How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
Sublimation technology has come a long way over the decades. You can use a normal inkjet printer for sublimation with a few modifications.
You can’t use the normal pigment ink, but special ink will work. First, you must understand how sublimation printing works.
The sublimation process has two steps. First, a sublimation printer will use sublimation ink to print the image on sublimation paper. The printer will reverse the image on the sublimation paper, and it might seem odd at first.
This image has to be opposite for it to sit upright on the final printout. The printed paper must stay near a heat press for about 30 seconds so the ink dries. Drying the ink will ensure a clear image without smudges or blurs.
Once dry, place the printed side of the sublimation paper over a printing surface. You should tape the sublimation paper to ensure it doesn’t move during the sublimation transfers. You can convert some normal inkjet printers to do this. At this point, you need to bring in the heat.
The sublimation process usually begins at about 3200F. You should set your heat press higher than that. This high temperature is to help account for any difference between the materials used for sublimation.
The best temperature will be between 3750 and 4000 F to start. The time you press for will depend on how conductive the sublimation printing surface is.
License plates will take about 60 seconds, while non-conductive surfaces like ceramics need a few minutes.
After the dye sublimation printing, you need to get the sublimation media out. Remember that the process uses a lot of heat; thus, the print media will be hot. Use gloves to protect your hands from the heat. The sublimation paper will release the ink under high temperatures.
The pressure will transfer the ink onto the sublimation surface. The ink fuses with the printing surface, but the sublimation paper will have some. You must be careful when removing the sublimation paper, so you don’t smudge it.
Most sublimation printers have settings that allow you to automate most of the process. Some sublimation printers have state-of-the-art thermal printing technology that gives superb printouts.
What Does It Mean To Convert A Printer To Sublimation?
When you start the dye-sublimation printing business, you will hear about converting normal printers to sublimate. This is a rather simple process that works for Epson printers, hp printers, and several non-thermal printers.
Many printers can work with this, and the conversion process is almost similar, and they have similar print heads.
Converting a printer to use for sublimation means you make changes to a regular inkjet printer. This allows it to work the same as a sublimation printer.
To begin, you need to use sublimation ink. Printers have different designs; you need to drain the cartridges and refill them with the Epson eco tanks. Remove all the pigment ink in the printer and replace it with sublimation ink.
Make sure you don’t mix the sublimation ink with normal inkjet printer ink. Mixing the two will negatively impact sublimation ink which will reduce printout quality. You can buy sublimation ink on Amazon or any other store close to you.
When you power on your printer, it will run an initialization process. This might take about 10 minutes in Epson printers.
Printers will take you through several tests to ensure the ink is working correctly. You can print a few pages to ensure there isn’t any pigment ink in the print head.
You then need to download sublimation printing software on your PC or phone. You will use the software to create and edit sublimation printing profiles. You need to flip the image horizontally, so the final sublimation print is upright.
When printing, remember to use sublimation paper. Regular paper will not release the ink when you heat it. The sublimation print will come out a bit lighter than the real image. You shouldn’t worry about this; the color depth will show in the final print media.
You will have to use an external press to print the images. Even thermal printers can’t work the same way as sublimation printers since they don’t have enough heat or pressure. A heat press application is the only way to transfer the image onto your sublimation blank.
Here Are The Benefits Of Using A Canon Printer For Sublimation
There are numerous options to use, and you might want to choose another. Canon printers are an amazing option for professionals and hobbyists. Here are some of the best things about Canon printers that make them the best choice;
Canon Uses Cutting Edge Technology
Canon is a leader in printer production, and they have a special focus on image printing. You can be certain they will give you a product that produces the best images. Sublimation depends on printer quality, and Canon printers assure you of this.
Canon printers are also easy to maintain and repair. Parts are easily available, and you can call tech support with any issues you encounter.
Canon printers are mostly affordable.
Despite their high-end technology, canon printers are often affordable. If you compare the features and performance, you find they are of better value than other options. They will, however, hike their ink price to cover the printer.
You can use cheaper ink options.
Canon has expensive ink, but you can switch it for a cheaper option. The printing heads in Canon printers are compatible with many inks. You shouldn’t go too cheap since you will compromise your work’s quality.
FAQs
Can you use a regular printer for sublimation printing?
You can convert a regular printer for sublimation if it does not use thermal printing technology. Thermal printing will negatively impact sublimation ink and ruin your work.
Can you use HP printers for sublimation?
You can use some HP printers for sublimation if they use piezo technology. You will need to get a Micro piezo print head to use the printer for sublimation.
Can you use Epson printers for sublimation?
You can use the Epson eco tank with sublimation ink without adjustments. It is easy to use and refill.
Are canon printers good for sublimation?
No, Canon printers use thermal printing technology, which is bad for dye sublimation printing. It will ruin the sublimation ink.
Conclusion
Can you use a canon printer for sublimation? You can’t use a Canon printer for sublimation printing since they use thermal printing technology. All Thermal printers are off the list for converting regular printers for sublimation printing.
You can use brother printers, hp printers, and Epson printers for sublimation printing. You will need to use sublimation ink and a heat press, but they should work. Ensure you check the printer’s specifications to ensure it is compatible with sublimation ink.