Sublimation printing is a popular digital printing technique that allows you to print custom designs onto fabrics, mugs, phone cases and other items using specialty inks that infuse color into the material rather than simply laying on top. To print sublimation designs, you need a few key supplies:
- Sublimation ink
- Sublimation transfer paper
- A sublimation printer
- A heat press or oven
The sublimation printer is a crucial component, as it needs to be able to print the full-color designs onto the transfer paper cleanly and accurately. Most consumer inkjet printers cannot work for sublimation, even if filled with sublimation inks, because they lack the specifications needed.
One printer that is commonly asked about for sublimation use is the Epson XP-15000. In this article, we’ll look at whether or not the Epson XP-15000 and other Epson XP series models can be used for sublimation printing.
What is the Epson XP-15000?
The Epson XP-15000 is an inkjet photo printer designed for home and small business use. Key features and specifications include:
- Print resolution up to 5760 x 1440 DPI
- Prints up to 13″ x 19″ pages
- Uses Epson Claria photo inks
- Has a front paper tray and rear specialty media feed
- Built-in scanner with 4800 DPI resolution
- LCD screen and control panel
- Connects via USB, Ethernet or WiFi
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
The XP-15000 retails for $499.99 and is one model in Epson’s line of XP-series printers. Other models like the XP-7100, XP-8500, and XP-970 offer similar capabilities with differences in features like maximum print size, ink cartridge configurations and connectivity options.
All of the XP series use Epson’s Claria photo ink and are designed as high quality photo printers for the home and office. They are NOT dye-sublimation printers and are not sold specifically for sublimation use.
Can the Epson XP-15000 Be Used for Sublimation Printing?
Even though the Epson XP-15000 is not advertised as a sublimation printer, some users have experimented with using it for sublimation with some success. Here are the key factors to consider:
Print Resolution
With a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI, the XP-15000 matches or exceeds the print resolution required for quality sublimation printing. Resolution in the range of 1440 to 4800 DPI is generally recommended. So the XP-15000 meets the resolution requirements.
Ink Compatibility
Since the XP-15000 uses standard Epson Claria inks and not sublimation inks, you would need to replace the ink cartridges with sublimation ink to print sublimation designs. Some users have reported success using Sawgrass SubliJet or Cobra sublimation inks in the XP-15000, but grayscale printing may suffer. OEM cartridges or CIS systems with sublimation ink would be best.
Paper Handling
The XP-15000 supports media up to 1.3mm thick and a rear specialty paper feed allows you to load sublimation transfer paper. The paper capacity and handling should be sufficient for sublimation transfer printing.
Print Area Size
At 13″ x 19″, the maximum print size of the XP-15000 is large enough for most common sublimation printing projects like mugs, shirts, iPhone cases, etc. The print area is sufficient for sublimation use.
Heating Element
The XP-15000 does not have a built-in heating element. This is expected since it’s not designed specifically as a sublimation printer. You would need to press your prints using a standalone heat press or oven.
Print Costs
Using OEM Epson Claria ink cartridges in the XP-15000 is more expensive than ink designed for high volume sublimation printing. Cartridges yield 100 – 200 mL for $13-$45 each. Sublimation ink refill systems and bulk ink may help lower ink costs. But print costs are higher than with a dedicated sublimation printer.
Print Speed
The XP-15000 has fairly fast print speeds for an inkjet photo printer, ranging from about 1.1 ppm (pages per minute) for a high quality 13″x19″ print up to 15 ppm for 4″x6″ draft mode prints. So it can produce multiple prints fairly quickly.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Epson XP-15000 for Sublimation
Based on the above analysis, here are some key advantages and disadvantages of using the Epson XP-15000 as a sublimation printer:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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As you can see, the XP-15000 meets many of the technical requirements for sublimation printing like print resolution, print size and ink compatibility. However, the ink costs tend to be higher and more setup is required compared to a dedicated sublimation printer.
Best Practices for Using an Epson XP Printer for Sublimation
While Epson XP printers like the XP-15000 are not sold specifically as sublimation printers, they CAN produce good results if set up properly. Here are some tips:
- Use a high quality sublimation ink like Sawgrass SubliJet or Cobra ink to refill OEM cartridges or use in a CIS system.
- Print at the highest quality setting for best results.
- Use official sublimation transfer paper like Beaver TexPrint or Joto Paper.
- Follow printer cleaning and nozzle check procedures to maintain printhead health.
- Limit high volume production runs to avoid excessive wear on printhead.
- Use a calibrated heat press or oven for best ink transfer.
- Print mirror images for pressing fabric items.
- Expect some trial and error while dialing in optimal print settings.
The XP series does not have official sublimation support from Epson. But following best practices can help maximize your print quality.
Alternative Sublimation Printers
While the Epson XP-15000 can work for sublimation, you may want to consider a dedicated sublimation printer for more reliable results, lower ink costs, and an overall easier setup. Some good entry-level options include:
- Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400 and SG800 printers
- Ricoh Gen5 series dye-sublimation printers
- Epson SureColor F170 or F570 sublimation printers
- HP DesignJet T630 PostScript Printer
These printers are designed specifically for sublimation use with features like:
- Built-in heating elements
- Bulk ink tank systems
- Lower ink costs
- Optimal printheads and drivers for sublimation
- Vendor support for sublimation use
While more expensive upfront than a standard XP printer, they will offer an easier and likely more reliable sublimation printing experience in the long run.
Conclusion
The Epson XP-15000 and other XP series photo printers offer excellent print quality and resolution in a relatively affordable printer. With some modifications and setup, they can produce good sublimation prints. However, a printer designed specifically for sublimation will offer better ink economics, easier setup, and more reliable results for high volume sublimation printing. But for occasional hobbyist use, an Epson XP printer can potentially get the job done.
| Printer | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson XP-15000 | $499.99 |
|
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| Sawgrass Virtuoso SG800 | $995.00 |
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So in summary, the Epson XP-15000 CAN work for sublimation printing with some additional setup and modifications. But for best results, a printer designed specifically for sublimation is recommended for most users.
