At Fedar, a leading manufacturer of sublimation printers, DTF printers, and digital printing solutions, we understand that choosing the right printing technology is crucial for your business. Two of the most popular options in the industry are sublimation printers and eco-solvent printers, each with unique advantages depending on the application.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between these two technologies to help you make an informed decision.
Sublimation Printer
Uses heat-activated disperse dye inks that turn into gas when heated (180–220°C).
The ink bonds permanently with polyester fabrics or polymer-coated surfaces.
Requires transfer paper to apply designs onto the final substrate.
Eco-Solvent Printer
Uses mild solvent-based inks with eco-friendly additives.
Inks dry through evaporation (60–70°C) and penetrate uncoated materials.
Prints directly onto media without transfer paper.
Sublimation Printing Works Best On:
* Polyester fabrics (apparel, sportswear, flags)
* Polymer-coated hard substrates (mugs, plates, phone cases)
Eco-Solvent Printing Works Best On:
* Uncoated vinyl (stickers, banners, vehicle wraps)
* PVC, canvas, and rigid materials (signage, exhibition displays)
|
Feature |
Sublimation Printer |
Eco-Solvent Printer |
|
Wash Resistance |
Excellent (50+ washes) |
Moderate (requires lamination for outdoor use) |
|
UV Resistance |
Good (fade-resistant) |
Excellent (ideal for outdoor signage) |
|
Best For |
Custom apparel, promotional products |
Vehicle wraps, banners, stickers |
Sublimation printing is slightly slower due to the transfer and heat-pressing process (~5–10㎡/hour).
Eco-solvent printing is faster (~15–25㎡/hour) since it prints directly onto the material with instant drying.
Sublimation inks are water-based and VOC-free, making them safer for indoor use.
Eco-solvent inks have low odor and are non-flammable, meeting Greenguard Gold standards.
Which Printer Should You Choose?
✔ Choose a sublimation printer if you specialize in custom apparel, sportswear, or hard-surface products (like mugs and phone cases).
✔ Choose an eco-solvent printer if you need durable outdoor signage, vehicle wraps, or stickers.
At Fedar, we offer high-performance sublimation printers and DTF printers designed for professional use. Whether you need vibrant textile printing or long-lasting outdoor graphics, we have the right solution for your business.
Explore our range of printers today at www.fedar.com!
