Epson F170 vs. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printers

The Epson F170 and the Sawgrass SG500 are both popular dye-sublimation printers, but they have some distinct differences in terms of features, intended use, and target audience. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the key differences:

1. Brand and Ecosystem

• Epson F170:
  • Part of Epson’s line of dye-sublimation printers.
  • Epson manufactures both the printer and the sublimation ink, so it is designed to work seamlessly with their proprietary ink (Epson Sublimation Ink).
• Sawgrass SG500:
  • Manufactured by Sawgrass, which specializes in dye-sublimation printing.
  • It’s specifically designed for sublimation and comes with Sawgrass Sublimation Ink, which is highly regarded for color quality and consistency.

2. Size and Print Capacity

• Epson F170:
  • Compact and designed for small-format printing.
  • Maximum print size is 8.5″ x 14″, making it suitable for smaller products like mugs, phone cases, and small fabric prints.
• Sawgrass SG500:
  • Also compact but has the option to upgrade with a bypass tray, allowing for larger print sizes up to 13″ x 19″ with the tray.
  • Great for a wider variety of substrates, including larger items like apparel.

3. Ink System

• Epson F170:
  • Uses a cartridge-based ink system with Epson’s own dye-sublimation ink.
  • Ink comes in 4 colors: CMYK.
  • The cartridges are relatively small, so you may need to replace them frequently if printing in high volumes.
• Sawgrass SG500:
  • Uses Sawgrass SubliJet-UHD ink, which is known for vibrant colors and durability.
  • Also a 4-color system: CMYK.
  • The SG500’s ink is more expensive per ml compared to Epson, but it is optimized for high-quality sublimation output.

4. Software

• Epson F170:
  • Offers basic printing software with some templates for sublimation projects.
  • It can work with various design software, but there’s no specialized design software bundled with it.
• Sawgrass SG500:
  • Comes with Sawgrass Print Manager and CreativeStudio, which is a design platform specifically for sublimation printing. CreativeStudio has built-in templates, color profiles, and tools for sublimation-focused designs.
  • The color management with Sawgrass Print Manager is more refined, helping to achieve more accurate and consistent colors.

5. Price

• Epson F170:
  • More budget-friendly and typically priced around $350-$400.
  • Ink and replacement parts (like the printhead) tend to be more affordable.
• Sawgrass SG500:
  • More expensive, typically priced around $550-$600.
  • Ink cartridges are more costly, but they are designed for professional-quality output.

6. Target Audience

• Epson F170:
  • Ideal for beginners or hobbyists who want to explore dye-sublimation printing on a smaller scale.
  • Suitable for home-based businesses with limited print volume needs.
• Sawgrass SG500:
  • Aimed at professional sublimation printers and small businesses looking for higher quality and more versatility.
  • It is well-suited for businesses that require consistent and high-quality output for various sublimation products.

7. Durability and Output Quality

• Epson F170:
  • Produces good-quality prints, especially for beginners, but may lack the color vibrancy and consistency of the Sawgrass SG500 in some cases.
• Sawgrass SG500:
  • Known for better color accuracy and vibrancy due to specialized Sawgrass inks and software.
  • The SG500 is considered more reliable for heavy use, making it a solid choice for professional-level projects.

Summary:

• Epson F170: Budget-friendly, smaller print capacity, good for beginners and hobbyists, affordable inks.
• Sawgrass SG500: Higher-end printer with better color management, higher-quality output, larger print options, and geared towards small businesses or professional use.

If you’re looking for professional-quality prints and better software support, the Sawgrass SG500 is likely the better choice. If you’re a beginner or have a limited budget, the Epson F170 would be a more cost-effective option.