Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Printer. In today’s digitally-driven world, where personalized products and vibrant prints are in high demand, having a reliable and high-quality sublimation printer can make all the difference. In this article, we will delve deep into the features, performance, and benefits of the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500, shedding light on why it has become a go-to choice for both hobbyists and professionals alike. Whether you’re a seasoned sublimation expert or a newcomer to the world of printing, join us as we uncover the true potential of this remarkable printer.
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Printer is a high-quality printer designed for creating high-resolution, long-lasting prints. It is easy to use and produces vibrant, fade-resistant prints that are perfect for a variety of applications, including t-shirts, mugs, hats, and more.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 |
| Type | Dye-sublimation printer |
| Print resolution | Up to 4880 x 1200 dpi |
| Print speed | Up to 100 ppm (color) |
| Media size | 8.5″ x 14″ (standard); 8.5″ x 51″ (with bypass tray) |
| Media types | Sublimation paper, sublimation transfer paper, sublimation mugs, sublimation coasters, sublimation tiles, sublimation apparel, sublimation heat transfer vinyl |
| Inks | Sawgrass SubliJet UHD inks |
| Connection | USB, Ethernet |
| Dimensions | 15.75″ x 17.25″ x 8.5″ |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Operating system | Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later |
| Price | Around $600 |
Features
The Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer offers several key features that make it a top choice for small businesses:
- Dye-sublimation technology: The SG500 uses dye-sublimation technology, which means that it uses heat to transfer ink from a ribbon to a substrate. This results in vibrant, fade-resistant prints that are perfect for sublimation applications.
- Ink and Power Efficiency: The SG500 is designed to minimize ink and power consumption while delivering high-quality prints. This ensures that you can create the highest definition images while keeping the per image cost low.
- Compact and Reliable: With a compact footprint and rugged reliability, the SG500 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the SG400. It has undergone updates both externally and internally to provide improved performance and durability.
- Higher Resolution and WiFi Connectivity: The SG500 offers enhanced printing capabilities with higher resolution, resulting in sharper and more detailed prints. It also provides the convenience of WiFi connectivity, allowing for easy and seamless printing.
- Backwards Compatibility: The SG500 is compatible with SG400 accessories, including the bypass tray. This means if you already own a bypass tray for the SG400, you can continue to use it with the SG500. This expands your printing possibilities, allowing for media up to 51″ long (1295 mm).
- Easy to use: The SG500 comes with a software suite that makes it easy to create and print sublimation designs. The software also includes a variety of templates and tools to help you get started.
- Automatic (self) Maintenance Cycle: Like all Sawgrass printers, the SG500 performs its own automatic maintenance cycle, ensuring trouble-free printing and peace of mind.
- Warranty and Support: The SG500 is backed by a 2-year warranty, providing additional protection for your investment. Additionally, it offers unlimited technical support for the lifetime of the product, ensuring you have the assistance you need.
- Affordable: The SG500 is a relatively affordable printer, especially considering the quality of prints that it produces.
- Modulated dot technology: The SG500 uses modulated dot technology, which helps to produce smooth, uniform prints.
Overall, the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer combines efficiency, reliability, and advanced features to deliver high-quality prints at an affordable price. It is a versatile and user-friendly option for small businesses in need of a reliable sublimation printer.
Printing Performance
One of the most crucial aspects of any printer is its printing performance, and the Sawgrass SG500 certainly lives up to its reputation. In this section, I’ll dive into the printer’s capabilities and share my experience with its output quality.
The Sawgrass SG500 utilizes SubliJet inks, which are specifically designed for sublimation printing. These inks deliver vibrant and long-lasting colors that truly pop on a variety of substrates. Whether you’re printing on fabrics, mugs, or other sublimation-ready items, the SG500 ensures stunning results.
During my testing, I was thoroughly impressed with the print quality of the Sawgrass SG500. The colors were vivid, with excellent color accuracy and saturation. The fine details and sharpness of the prints were exceptional, capturing intricate designs with precision.
Moreover, the printer’s ability to handle gradients and shades seamlessly is worth mentioning. It reproduced smooth transitions between colors effortlessly, creating a professional and polished look in the final output.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Sawgrass SG500 is its speed. The printer efficiently processed and printed my designs, delivering quick results without compromising quality. This is particularly beneficial for those who need to fulfill large orders or have time-sensitive projects.
Furthermore, the Sawgrass SG500 offers a variety of print settings and customization options, allowing you to adjust the color profiles, print resolution, and other parameters according to your specific requirements. This versatility enables you to fine-tune the printing process and achieve the desired results for each project.
In terms of durability, the SubliJet inks used by the Sawgrass SG500 provide long-lasting prints that resist fading and wear. The colors retain their vibrancy even after washing or extended use, ensuring your creations maintain their high-quality appearance over time.
Overall, the printing performance of the Sawgrass SG500 is outstanding. Its ability to produce vibrant, accurate, and detailed prints, combined with its speed and versatility, makes it a top choice for sublimation printing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Whether you’re printing personalized apparel, promotional items, or home decor, the Sawgrass SG500 consistently delivers impressive results that will leave you satisfied and your clients impressed.
Exploring the Sawgrass SG500 Software
The Sawgrass SG500 printer comes with a software suite that makes it easy to create and print sublimation designs. The software suite includes:
- Sawgrass Print Manager: This is the main software application that you will use to print sublimation designs. It allows you to select your printer, load your designs, and adjust the print settings.
- Sawgrass CreativeStudio: This is a design software application that allows you to create your own sublimation designs. It includes a variety of tools and templates to help you get started.
- Sawgrass Sublimation Handbook: This is a PDF manual that provides detailed instructions on how to use the Sawgrass SG500 printer and software.
The Sawgrass SG500 software is available for Windows and Mac operating systems. You can download the software from the Sawgrass website.
By utilizing the software effectively, you can unleash the full potential of your Sawgrass SG500 printer and create stunning sublimation prints with ease.
Print Size
The Sawgrass SG500 printer can print on media at a standard 8.5” x 11.” You can increase the size to 8.5” x 51” with a bypass tray 8.5 x 51 inches. This means that you can print on a variety of substrates, including t-shirts, mugs, hats, mousepads, and more.
However, it is important to note that the actual print size will be slightly smaller than the media size. This is because the printer needs to leave a margin around the print to allow for the sublimation process. The actual print size is 8.2 x 49.6 inches.
The exact print size will depend on the media that you are using. For example, if you are printing on a t-shirt, the maximum print size will be the size of the t-shirt. However, if you are printing on a mug, the maximum print size will be the size of the mug.
If you are printing on a substrate that is smaller than 8.5 x 51 inches, you will need to crop your design to fit the media size. You can do this using the Sawgrass SG500 software.
Here is a table of the maximum print sizes for some common substrates:
| Substrate | Maximum Print Size |
|---|---|
| T-shirt | 11″ x 17″ |
| Mug | 5″ x 7″ |
| Hat | 7″ x 3.5″ |
| Mousepad | 8.5″ x 7″ |
It is important to note that the maximum print size may vary depending on the printer settings. For example, if you are printing at a higher resolution, the maximum print size may be smaller.
Pros
Pros of the Sawgrass SG500:
- Excellent Print Quality: The Sawgrass SG500 produces vibrant and accurate prints with sharp details and smooth color transitions. It consistently delivers high-quality output that meets professional standards.
- Fast and Efficient: With its efficient printing process, the SG500 offers quick turnaround times, making it ideal for large orders or time-sensitive projects. You can rely on its speed to meet your printing needs efficiently.
- Versatile Printing Options: The SG500 provides a range of customization options, allowing you to adjust color profiles, print resolutions, and other settings to achieve the desired results for different projects. This versatility enhances creative possibilities.
- User-Friendly Operation: Setting up and using the Sawgrass SG500 is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly design. The included instruction manual and online videos make installation and usage hassle-free, even for beginners.
- SubliJet Inks: The printer utilizes SubliJet inks, specifically formulated for sublimation printing. These inks offer vibrant, long-lasting colors that resist fading and wear, ensuring durability and professional-looking results.
- Reputable Brand: Sawgrass is a well-known and respected brand in the sublimation printing industry. Choosing the SG500 means investing in a reliable and trusted product.
Cons
Cons of the Sawgrass SG500:
- Limited Paper Size: The SG500 has a maximum paper size of 8.5 by 11 inches (letter size). If you frequently work with larger print formats, you may find this size limitation restrictive.
- Expensive Consumables: The cost of ink cartridges and sublimation paper can add up over time. While the quality of the output justifies the expense, it’s important to factor in the ongoing costs of consumables when considering the SG500.
- Limited Availability: While the Sawgrass SG500 is a popular printer, it may not be readily available in all locations. Availability can vary, and it might require some research or ordering online to purchase the printer.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity Limitations: While the SG500 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, there may be limitations depending on your setup or preferences. If you prefer a wired connection or if your Wi-Fi signal is unreliable, this could be a minor inconvenience.
- Learning Curve for New Users: If you’re new to sublimation printing, there may be a learning curve associated with using the SG500. While the printer is user-friendly, understanding the sublimation process and optimizing settings for different materials may require some experimentation and practice.
Costs Considerations
When investing in a new printer like the Sawgrass SG500, it’s essential to consider the costs associated with both the initial purchase and ongoing operation. In this section, I’ll break down the costs involved with the Sawgrass SG500 and provide a comprehensive overview.
1. Initial Purchase: The Sawgrass SG500 is a professional-grade sublimation printer, and as such, it comes with a higher price tag compared to entry-level models. The exact cost may vary depending on where you purchase it, but even the cheapest Sawgrass printers will force you to shell out around $600 upfront…
2. Ink Cartridges: The Sawgrass SG500 utilizes SubliJet ink cartridges, which are specially formulated for sublimation printing. The ink cartridges come in individual colors, including black, magenta, yellow, and cyan. While the initial set of ink cartridges is included with the printer, you’ll eventually need to purchase replacements as they run out. The cost of ink cartridges can vary based on the supplier and the quantity purchased.
3. Sublimation Paper: Sublimation printing requires specific sublimation paper for optimal results. The cost of sublimation paper depends on the brand, quantity, and size. It’s important to choose high-quality sublimation paper that ensures proper ink transfer and vibrant colors. Consider purchasing sublimation paper in bulk to reduce costs in the long run.
4. Maintenance and Consumables: Like any printer, the Sawgrass SG500 may require occasional maintenance and consumables. This can include cleaning supplies, such as printhead cleaning solutions or wipes, to keep the printer in optimal condition. These costs are typically minimal and sporadic but should be factored into your overall budget.
5. Substrates and Accessories: To fully utilize the capabilities of the Sawgrass SG500, you may also need to invest in various substrates, such as sublimation blanks, fabrics, mugs, or other items suitable for sublimation printing. The cost of substrates and accessories will vary depending on your specific projects and requirements.
It’s important to note that while the initial investment and ongoing costs associated with the Sawgrass SG500 may seem significant, the printer’s professional-grade performance and long-term durability make it a worthwhile investment. Additionally, the ability to create high-quality, personalized products opens up opportunities for generating income or expanding your creative endeavors.
When considering the costs, it’s crucial to factor in the potential returns and benefits you can achieve with the Sawgrass SG500. Whether you’re starting a sublimation business or pursuing sublimation as a hobby, the Sawgrass SG500 offers the tools and capabilities to help you succeed.
Choosing the Right Printer Bundle
The Sawgrass SG500 comes in various bundles and starter packs, allowing you to pick the one that best suits your needs. While you can purchase the printer alone, I highly recommend looking for bundle deals that include ink and paper. I have created a small selection on some fantastic bundles that provide everything you need to get started.
Final Verdict
Before you purchase a Sawgrass sublimation printer, you should carefully consider your options. It is a significant investment, and it may not be the right choice for everyone.
Sawgrass printers are not inexpensive. You will need to factor in the cost of the printer itself, as well as the cost of the ink cartridges. You may also need to purchase a bypass tray, which can add to the overall cost.
While Sawgrass printers are high-quality, they may not be worth the investment for everyone. If you are not sure if a Sawgrass printer is right for you, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Buy a Sawgrass sublimation printer if:
- You want a high-quality, business-ready printer that will produce consistent, high-quality prints.
- You are a hobbyist who does not have a lot of time but does have the money to invest in a high-quality printer.
- You are looking for a printer that will save you time and money by reducing the amount of time you spend troubleshooting and maintaining your printer.
Do not buy a Sawgrass sublimation printer if:
- You are comfortable with regular maintenance and troubleshooting.
- You are on a budget and are not willing to pay for the higher upfront costs of a Sawgrass printer.
- You do not plan on using the software that comes with the printer.
- You are not excited about the features of Sawgrass printers.
In short, Sawgrass sublimation printers are a good choice for businesses and hobbyists who want a high-quality printer that will save them time and money. However, they are not a good choice for people who are on a budget or who are not willing to pay for the higher upfront costs.
