Fabric printing is by far one of the best inventions we have today, especially heat transfer printing. Heat transfer printing refers to transferring pigment or dye to the target surface, like fabrics, metal, or ceramics, from a transfer paper. First, a laser or inkjet printer is used to print the design on the transfer paper. The paper is then placed on the fabric, and heat is applied using an iron. Doing so causes the dye to transfer from the paper to the fabric.
This article looks at the best inkjet printer for heat transfers, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision. Choosing the right inkjet printer for heat transfer determines the quality, accuracy, and durability of the final product.
Table Of Contents
- 1 SUMMARY – Best Inject Printers for Heat Transfer
- 2 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Inkjet Printer for Heat Transfer
- 3 Top Inkjet Printers for Heat Transfers
- 4 Comparison of the Top Inkjet Printers for Heat Transfer
- 5 Tips for Successful Heat Transfer Printing
- 6 Best Inkjet Printer for Heat Transfers FAQs
- 7 Conclusion
SUMMARY – Best Inject Printers for Heat Transfer
Best for Versatile Connectivity – Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Best for High-Resolution Printing – Epson SureColor P800
Best for Wide Color Gamut – Canon imagePROFGRAF PRO-1000
Best for CD And DVD Printing – Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Related: 5 Best All-In-One Printers for Home Use With Cheap Ink
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Inkjet Printer for Heat Transfer
Heat transfer printing is perfect for creating accurate custom Т-shirts, hats, house appliances, and other items. As such, choosing the right inkjet printer for heat transfer shouldn’t be left to chance. Here are some factors you need to remember when shopping for these printers:
- Print quality
- Print speed
- Connectivity
- Compatibility with heat transfer paper
- Maintenance and replacement parts
- Cost
Let’s look more into these factors.
- Print Quality
Quality work comes down to the type of printer you have. A good quality print should last longer and be clear and visible over that duration. For this reason, printers that use pigment-based ink are perfect due to the longevity of the print. Additionally, for a sharp and clear design, choose printers with 4800X1200 dpi as the resolution.
- Print Speed
A high-speed heat transfer printer is perfect for large-scale printing. It cuts down working hours and speeds up production. You measure a printer’s speed in pages per minute (ppm). However, the print speed can lower, even when using a high-speed printer, due to the design’s complexity. For instance, printing a full-color high-resolution design might take longer than printing a plain design.
- Connectivity
Printers have evolved to accommodate different connectivity options, with popular ones being USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivities. All these connectivity methods allow for speedy operations. Wi-Fi connectivity printers provide printing flexibility, allowing you to print from different devices, including smartphones.
- Compatibility With Heat Transfer Paper
Many printers work with specific heat transfer papers, posing a challenge when you try using a different media. Check the manufacturer’s manual to know the type of heat transfer paper you need for your device. Using the wrong heat transfer paper may compromise the design or not work at all.
- Maintenance and Replacement Parts
Printers are vulnerable to breaking down, especially when used too often. Regular maintenance ensures the device operates smoothly. Choose an inkjet printer that’s easy and affordable to maintain and repair.
- Cost
Inkjet printers for heat transfers attract different prices depending on the features and the print speed. Consider your budget first to know the type of printer you can afford. It’s crucial to read reviews from other users to familiarize yourself with these printers.
Related: 3 Creative Ways to Use a 3D Printer
Top Inkjet Printers for Heat Transfers
Although the market is saturated with inkjet printers, a few stand out from the rest. We’ll look at these devices and highlight features that make them unique.
Best for Versatile Connectivity
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
If you’re looking for a printer with versatile connectivity supporting USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, then you should consider Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000. It’s widespread, with many labeling it the best Epson inkjet heat transfer printer.
Specifications
- High Print Resolution – With a maximum print resolution of 5760 X 1440 dpi, you’re guaranteed high-quality photos with deep blacks, rich colors, and sharp details.
- Borderless Printing – Bring out your creative side by printing a professional and seamless look by utilizing borderless printing. It’s perfect for custom T-shirt printing.
- Wide Color Gamut – It’s now possible to print true-to-life colors images due to a wide color gamut. The printer uses Claria Photo HD ink technology to make all this possible.
Pros
- Fast printing speed
- Dual-sided printing
- Versatile connectivity
Cons
- Huge and bulky
- High ink costs
Check the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 latest prices on Amazon.
Best for High-Resolution Printing
Epson SureColor P800
The Epson SureColor P800 is another inkjet printer for heat transfer from Epson. It exceeds resolution expectations producing up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, making it a contender for the best inkjet printers. If you’re looking for an inkjet printer that’s easy to operate and prints high-quality images, then this device is worth considering.
Specifications
- UltraChrome HD Pigment Ink – You get a wide color gamut from the 9-color ink system, allowing you to print clear, smooth, and sharp images.
- High-Resolution Printing – Take advantage of the 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution and produce detailed, sharp, and high-quality images. The resolution also guarantees image longevity; you don’t have to worry about fading quickly.
- Connectivity options – Connect to the printer using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB, which comes in handy if you want to print from multiple devices.
Pros
- Advanced media handling
- Excellent color accuracy
- High-quality prints
Cons
- High ink consumption
- Costly
Check the Epson SureColor P800 latest prices on Amazon.
Best for Wide Color Gamut
Canon imagePROFGRAF PRO-1000
The Canon imagePROFGRAF PRO-1000 is equipped with 12-color LUCIA PRO for a wide color gamut producing HD images. It comes with amazing features like precision printing and large-format printing tailored to meet your printing needs.
Specifications
- 12-Color LUCIA PRO Pigment Ink System – The printer’s wide color gamut is excellent for printing multi-color and HD images. That’s why this inkjet printer is popular for commercial use.
- Precision Printing – Accuracy and consistency is crucial when printing, and this device gives you that. The high-precision head print has small nozzles that produce tiny and precise ink droplets.
- Large Format Printing – If you have a large-scale project requiring large-format printing, then this device is perfect for you. It prints formats up to 17” wide with accuracy and precision.
Pros
- Easy-to-use software
- Wide color gamut
- High-speed printing
Cons
- Costly ink replacement
- It’s huge to carry around
Check the Canon imagePROFGRAF PRO-1000 latest prices on Amazon.
Best for CD And DVD Printing
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Known for its resolution and sharp image printing, the Canon PIXMA Pro-200 is excellent for professional and personal printing. It’s labeled the best printer for heat transfer vinyl for many reasons, including offering high resolutions and CD/DVD printing, among others. Canon PIXMA Pro-200 is also popular for being user-friendly.
Specifications
- 8-Color Dye-Based Ink System – the impressive ink system enables the production of rich, accurate, and vibrant images to give your work a professional appeal. Due to the true-to-life color features, this printer is perfect for printing images and photographs.
- High-Resolution – It has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi, capable of producing detailed and sharp images.
- CD/DVD Printing – You can now customize your CDs and DVDs by printing any image on them. It’s a perfect alternative of using a mark pen to label your CDs and DVDs.
- Borderless Printing – If you want to produce large, borderless images, then this printer is for you. It allows up to 8.5 x 11 inches of printing.
Pros
- Dual paper tray for added convenience
- High-quality printing
- High-speed printing
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy card stock
- Limited compatibility with third-party ink cartridges
Check the Canon PIXMA Pro-200 latest prices on Amazon.
Comparison of the Top Inkjet Printers for Heat Transfer
Inkjet printers for heat transfer have different capabilities that determine their worth and value. We’ll compare the inkjet printers we have mentioned above under the following classes:
- Print quality
- Print speed
- Connectivity
- Compatibility with heat transfer paper
- Maintenance and replacement parts
- Cost
| Printer | PrintQuality | PrintSpeed | Connectivity | Compatibility with Heat Transfer Paper | Maintenance and Replacement Parts | Cost |
| Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 | Good | Fast | Wi-Fi | Good | Moderate | Affordable |
| Epson SureColor P800 | Excellent | Moderate | USB, Ethernet | Excellent | High | Expensive |
| Canon imagePROFGRAF PRO-1000 | Excellent | Moderate | USB, Ethernet | Good | Moderate | Expensive |
| Canon PIXMA Pro-200 | Good | Moderate | USB, Wi-Fi | Good | Moderate | Affordable but could also be expensive |
NOTE: The printer’s cost may vary based on the location and any added accessories.
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Tips for Successful Heat Transfer Printing
When using heat transfer printing, it’s always best to know some tips to make your work easier. These tips also show professionalism, making your work stand out from the rest. Here are a few tips you can follow today:
- Choosing the Right Heat Transfer Paper
The inkjet heat transfer paper is crucial to the printing process. First, work with a compatible heat transfer paper and one that’s suitable for the garment you wish to print. Second, check for the transferability and durability of the paper.
- Calibrating the Printer
A well-calibrated printer results in high-quality image and color reproduction. Calibration also improves color consistency, tones, and shades.
- Properly Preparing the Garment
Preparing a garment is crucial for image quality, avoiding damage, ensuring longevity, and increasing production efficiency.
- Temperature and Pressure Settings
Controlling the temperature and pressure settings comes in handy in equipment safety, material compatibility, and quality control, including sharpness and clarity and material compatibility.
- Pressing Time
It determines the transfer and image quality of the print. A longer pressing time results in a consistent and high-quality image. A shorter pressing time results in a low-quality image.
Related: How to Print From iPhone to Wireless Printer
Best Inkjet Printer for Heat Transfers FAQs
- What Printer Should I Use for Heat Transfer?
You should use a printer that has a high print speed, color accuracy and compatible with heat transfer papers. It should also be affordable with lower repair costs. In this case, Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, Canon imagePROFGRAF PRO-1000, and Canon PIXMA Pro-200 are ideal.
- Can I Use a Regular Printer for Heat Transfers?
Yes, you can use a regular printer for heat transfers. However, it’ll produce low-quality images, as regular printers are not equipped to handle heat transfer printing.
- Best Overal Inkjet Printers for Heat Transfers
The best overall inkjet printers for heat transfer include:
- Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
- Canon imagePROFGRAF PRO-1000
- Epson SureColor P800
- Canon PIXMA Pro-200
- Best Inkjet Printer for T-Shirt Printing?
The best inkjet printer for T-shirt printing should support borderless printing, dual-sided printing, a wide color gamut, and versatile connectivity.
Related: Best Photo Printer for iPhone – 5 Model To Consider in 2023
Conclusion
Heat transfer printing is a great way of printing on fabrics. It’s fast, precise, and accurate, with results lasting longer. The best inkjet printer for heat transfer is one with high resolution, compatibility with transfer paper, printing heads’ durability, and high printing speed. The future of heat transfer printing looks positive, and people are likely to adopt this technology. We should also expect the use of sublimation ink, which has lasting effects.