Today’s Blog is about Best Printer for Heat Transfers in 2022. If you’re looking to start a new hobby or side hustle, selling clothing designs is a great way to do it! But to make the best prints possible, you need to find the right printer. This blog post will discuss the best printers for heat transfers and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Choosing the best printer for heat transfers is essential for a graphic designer or illustrator who wants to sell your work on clothing. But it’s not always easy – hundreds of printers are out there, and comparing specs can be overwhelming. Luckily I’ve done all this research so that you don’t have!
We’ll cover everything from color quality and print resolution to ink quality and longevity. So whether you’re just starting or doing this for a while, read on for some helpful tips!
Several types of printers can be used for this purpose, so it is essential to understand what you need before making a final decision. This article will help guide you through some key considerations when selecting your next printing partner!
Important things to consider.
First, consider what you should consider when choosing a printer for heat transfers.
1). Ink quality and longevity:
You’ll want to find a printer with high-quality ink that will last when it comes to heat transfers. Many printers use dye sublimation inks, known for their vibrant colors and resistance to fading over time. So if longevity is vital, look for printers that use these links!
2). Print Quality:
But if you’re looking for a printer with good print quality, then it’s probably best to avoid using dye-sublimation ink. The problem is that the colors on paper tend to be less saturated as they dry out more quickly than other types of inks like thermal wax transfer and heat-activated ink.
3). Printer’s Resolution:
Another essential factor to consider is the printer’s resolution. This is especially important if you want to create high-resolution prints of your designs. Many printers have a 1200 x 2400 dpi resolution, so look for those when comparing models.
4). Size:
Finally, it’s also essential to consider the size of your prints. If you’re planning to make large prints, you’ll need a printer with a larger printing bed. Conversely, if you’re looking to print small designs, many printers offer a smaller printing size.
5). Smoothness:
One of the most important things to consider with a printer is how smooth it prints. You want your design printouts to have clean lines and no bleeds or smudges. Some printers are known for their smoothness, while others can be grainy. So if this is important to you, test out the printers before making your final decision. Heat transfers can get wrinkled during transfer, so make sure your printer has a smooth finish that won’t wrinkle up when ironed on Fabric!
6). Printing speed:
Another thing you may want to consider is the printer’s printing speed. If you’re in a hurry, you’ll want to find a printer that prints quickly. But if you’re not in such high demand, it might be worth taking your time to get better quality prints. Choosing a printer with a fast printing speed is essential if you’re a graphic designer or illustrator. You don’t want to spend all day waiting for your designs!
7). Touchscreen:
Menu navigation and configuring your most-used printing options can be simplified with a handy touchscreen function. It also helps you choose the paper size you want to use and punch in the number of copies you need. Some also ask you for an email address to send the printed document directly.
8). Self-weeding heat transfer:
Self-weeding paper is used with laser printers and is ideal when you only want to transfer the image without cutting anything out. This is a handy feature for a printer’s large-scale projects or commercial use.
9). WiFi:
If you find USB cables too much of a hassle, look for printers that allow WiFi connectivity so you can print your stuff from another room. However, the configuration is needed as you must install drivers and connect the printer to the network.
So, what’s the best printer for heat transfers? In short, it depends on your needs and preferences. But by considering the factors I’ve mentioned above, you should be able to find the perfect printer for your needs! And if you’re still unsure where to start, check out some of our top picks below. Happy printing!
Top 8 Top Printers for Heat Transfers in 2022.
Here are a few of our favorite printers for heat transfers based on our research. We’ve compiled this list of eight perfect printers for heat transfers.
1). Canon’s PIXMA TR4520
This printer offers high-quality prints with rich colors and deep blacks. It also has a high printing resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, making it perfect for creating high-resolution images of your designs. It also has a fast printing speed, so you won’t have to wait long for your prints!
The transfer paper printer’s unique Hybrid Ink System works seamlessly with WiFi for detailed photos and documents. With Auto 2-Sided (Duplex) printing in this wireless inkjet printer, you can print out borderless photos and save paper costs.
Canon offers a wide range of supplies, including inkjet paper and photo paper, to complete your printing needs. The Canon PIXMA TR4520 is one of the best heat transfer printers on the market and perfect for any graphic designer or illustrator.
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 is also wireless and can be used through your smartphone or tablet’s Canon Print application. Features like AirPrint can also be used with your Apple devices, while the Mopria Print Service works with Android. The transfer paper printer’s unique Hybrid Ink System works seamlessly with WiFi for detailed photos and documents.
With Auto Duplex printing in this wireless inkjet printer, you can print out borderless photos and save paper costs. Connectivity for your PIXMA heat transfer printer is easy thanks to WiFi, AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service.
Features:
- Print speed: Up to 15 pages per minute (black) and up to ten pages per minute (color)
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Special Feature: Auto-Duplex
- Brand: Canon
- Connectivity Technology: WiFi, USB
- Model Name: Canon PIXMA TR4520
- Compatible Devices: Smartphones, PC, Laptops
- Recommended Uses For Product: Office
- Sheet Size: 4-inch x 6
- Color: Black
- Printer Output: Color
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Fast printing speed | Non-standard printer ink cartridges |
| Wireless connectivity and printing from mobile devices and social media platforms | Only prints in black and white when using the transfer paper mode. |
| High print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi | — |
2). TUSY Heat Press Machine
The TUSY Heat Press is an affordable heat press machine that’ll help you get started with your side hustle. It has the same features as other machines, but at a lower price, so you won’t break the bank when starting! Plus, it has everything you need to start using it immediately, including an instructional DVD.
This 12×15-inch heat press machine is perfect for small or home businesses. It has a built-in digital timer and temperature control, so you can be sure your transfers are always consistent.
TUSY offers an excellent printer for making t-shirts, featuring an LCD Control Board that displays the temperature and time, allowing you to adjust both. With full-range pressure available, you can customize this with the help of the knob according to the thickness of the Fabric being used.
This gives you better control of the transfer quality, guaranteeing satisfaction and maximum resolution. While the plate of the heat press printer dissipates a substantial temperature, it shuts off automatically to prevent accidents.
It also has a silicon pad and silicone heating pad to get you started, but they can be replaced if needed. This machine is perfect for printing T-shirts, tote bags, hats, and more!
The TUSHY heat press is heavy-duty steel with a thick aluminum heating base. It’s designed as a commercial-grade heat press for professional use.
Features:
- Package Dimensions: 26.38 x 17.72 x 15.75 inches; 49.25 Pounds
- Date First Available: April 29, 2020
- Manufacturer: TUSY
- ASIN: B087TGLMF63
- Best Sellers Rank: #19,377 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts,
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Affordable | Not suited for large businesses or high-volume printing |
| It comes with an instructional DVD and accessories | — |
| Built-in digital timer & temperature control | — |
3). Epson Artisan
The Epson Artisan is an excellent printer for heat transfers that offers high-quality prints with accurate colors. It has an advanced MicroPiezo inkjet printing head with six color channels that produce stunning photos with accurate colors and lifelike detail. The Artisan also has a high-speed processor for faster printing.
This printer is perfect for businesses that need to produce prints with high color accuracy and detail. The printer uses a six-color system with stunning images, lifelike detail, and accurate colors.
Don’t limit yourself in Size. The Epson Artisan 1430 inkjet printer is one of the most versatile printers accommodating media types. This transfer printer can work with any size heat transfer up to 13 x 19-inches. The printer also offers quick borderless printing in several preset sizes. It prints beautifully on a variety of media, including heat transfer paper.
This printer excels at smooth printing gradients and true-to-life colors. You won’t have to worry about grainy prints or smudging, as the ink is smudge, faded, and waterproof. Compare that to the best printer ink, which consistently delivers unrivaled quality.
Work big with your designs with this wide-format printer that allows borderless printing up to 13 x 19 size media. Achieve photographic-like prints with resolution up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi.
Features:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Special Feature: Network-ready
- Brand: Epson
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless; Mobile; USB
- Model Name: 1430
- Compatible Devices: Smartphones, PC, Laptops
- Recommended Uses For Product: Office, Home
- Sheet Size: 13 inches x 19 Inches
- Color: Black
- Printer Output: Color
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Six-cartridge Claria ink produces in high-definition | It uses a lot of ink |
| It supports over 60 media types and sizes | — |
| Print from a smartphone, iPhone, tablet, and mobile devices | — |
4). Okidata
This Okidata can print colors and solid white on transfer media, which allows you to achieve a new level of crispness and vibrancy. The print quality is impressive, and the printer works well with most transfer papers. This printer has a USB cable, so you don’t have to worry about buying one separately to hook it up.
If you’re looking for a printer that can handle large jobs, this may be the one for you! It has an impressive maximum monthly duty cycle of 50,000 pages and print speeds up to 18ppm.
The Oki Data C332dn is a high-quality printer with duplexing capabilities, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper at once! It produces vibrant colors that will make your work stand out from others as nothing else can.
This printer is designed for printing on alternative media with a focus on heat transfer paper. With High Definition LED color printing and a dedicated white toner cartridge, you can achieve a richness of color and contrast on your prints that other printers on this list can’t. It’s perfect for heat transfers that you will apply to dark color fabric.
The unit has a convenient dedicated tray for heat transfer paper that holds up to 100 sheets. It also prints at a relatively quick pace of up to eight pages per minute on heat transfer paper.
Overall, the transfer paper gets handled through the feeding tray smoothly and reliably, no matter how big of a job you’re working on. You may consider the best large format printer with two 250-sheet high-capacity paper feeding trays and a rear input tray for specialty media.
Features:
- Printing Technology: Laser
- Brand: OKI
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Compatible Devices: PC
- Printer Output: Color
- Print media: Paper (plain)
- Resolution: 1200 x 600 dpi
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Memory Storage Capacity: 256 MB
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Dedicated white toner cartridge | It weighs over 60 pounds |
| Microfine High Definition toner | — |
| Designed for merchandising and graphic arts printing | — |
5). Brother HL-L2320D Mono Laser Printer
The Brother HL-2320D mono Laser printer has automatic two-sided printing, with a high printing speed of 30 ppm (page per minute) and 250 sheet capacity for letter, executive, legal, and custom paper sizes.
This reliable printer is perfect for small businesses or home offices. It prints in black and white and color, making it versatile for any project you may need to complete. The Brother HL-L2320D mono Laser printer doesn’t require much maintenance, making it easy to use without fear of causing damage.
The HL-L2320D prints at a resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, making your photos look professional and accurate. This printer also has a USB interface for easy connectivity to a laptop or desktop computer.
It also has a USB interface to connect easily with laptops and computers without hassle or delay. The high-speed monochrome laser printer can print at speeds of up to 30 pages per minute (ppm), making it ideal for those looking to save time on large printing jobs.
Laser printing with a resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi (dot per inch) ensures detailed, high-quality, commercial-grade prints. Never worry about having a bend or any wrinkling in your work when completing heat transfer printing, as your projects print straight through the printer.
You can create various fabric designs with white toner and colored heat transfer paper for laser printing. Brother HL-L2320D Mono Laser Printer is a simple and low-profile design that makes for a more excellent starter heat transfer printer and further use as an everyday printer.
Features:
- Printing Technology: Laser
- Special Feature: Auto-Duplex
- Brand: Brother
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Model Name: L2320D
- Compatible Devices: PC, Laptops
- Recommended Uses For Product: Office, Home
- Sheet Size: 2.1
- Color: Black
| Pros: | Cons: |
| High customer rating | Requires computer and USB to connect |
| Printing Speed | For printing only, unable to copy, scan, or fax |
6). HP Color Laser
The HP Laserjet Pro M454dw Wireless Color Printer produces high-quality prints with 600 x 600 dpi (dot per inch), resulting in vivid graphics. Enjoy the ability to print wireless with or without a network connection, as this color laser printer is designed to connect to your smartphone or use built-in WiFi.
This printer also has a front USB port for easy direct printing access versus wireless printing. Compatible with Linux, Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems.
Built-in security features consisting of instant threat notifications and optional Pin/pull printing to help protect your color laser printer from being an entry point for attacks and ensure the safety of your sensitive data.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw Wireless Laser Printer saves time with automatic on/off technology, automatic 2-sided printing, and black and color printing speeds of 28 ppm (page per minute).
Also, save money knowing that this energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR® certified LaserJet printer saves up to 11% energy over prior HP products. Another cost-saving option the manufacturer recommends is utilizing HP toner cartridges to help avoid reprints and wasted supplies.
The 2. 7″ color touchscreen and 250-sheet input tray, and 550 optional paper tray make completing projects easier when utilizing this heat transfer printer on multiple mediums such as envelopes, paper, card stock, labels, glossy photo paper, and high-resolution paper.
And if you ever need help, enjoy the 1-year limited hardware warranty with 24/7 customer support. This heat transfer printer is ideal for time management while growing your business.
Features:
- Printing Technology: Laser
- Brand: HP
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, Ethernet
- Model Name: M454dw
- Compatible Devices: Smartphones, PC, Laptops
- Recommended Uses For Product: Office
- Sheet Size: 3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14, Letter, Legal, Envelope
- Color: White
- Printer Output: Color
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB printing | Recommend use of HP original ink cartridges |
| Fast printing speed, especially for color printing | For Printing only, unable to copy, scan or fax |
| High customer rating | USB cable not included |
| Ecofriendly and ENERGY STAR® certified | — |
7). Arkscan
The Arkscan A306 is an excellent option for your heat transfer printing needs. This printer has a 600dpi print resolution and prints at speeds up to 20 pages per minute, making it perfect for high-volume printing. It also supports multiple media types, including card stock, labels, and photo paper, so that you can create high-quality prints on various materials.
It supports Arkscan’s, Zebra compatible, and Dymo compatible labels w/o pre-printed content on the back. All free shipping labels from UP & FedEx are supported. Most common shipping labels in Size 4×6″, 4×8.25″ 4×6.75 are supported. The A306 also has an automatic cutter, so you can easily create finished prints without additional cutting. And with its sizeable 300-sheet input capacity, you can print for more extended periods without having to refill the printer’s paper tray.
This printer also supports wireless printing, so you can easily print from your smartphone or another mobile device. The Arkscan A306 is an excellent option for your heat transfer printing needs. This printer has a 600dpi print resolution and prints at speeds up to 20 pages per minute, making it perfect for high-volume printing.
It also supports multiple media types, including card stock, labels, and photo paper, so that you can create high-quality prints on various materials.
Features:
- Printing Technology: Inkjet
- Brand: Arkscan
- Model Name: A306
- Compatible Devices: PC, laptop, smartphones
- Recommended Uses: Home, office
- Sheet Size: A306 supports multiple sheet sizes
- Color: Black and white
- Printer Output: Monochrome
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Wireless printing capabilities | No color printing capabilities |
| High print resolution | Ink is not refillable |
| Automatic cutter for quickly finished prints | — |
| Ample input capacity for more extended printing periods without refilling the paper tray | — |
8). Silhouette Cameo 4
Last but not least is the Silhouette Cameo 4. It’s the only cutting machine on my list. So if you like cutting straight onto Fabric, this one might be the right printer for you!
The Cameo 4 is specially designed for transfer (on vinyl or iron-on film) and cutting. This means that there should never be a jam like some regular printers do. It prints at a resolution of 540dpi and can cut materials up to 12 inches wide and ten feet long.
The Silhouette Cameo is a good choice for people who want a machine to cut and print. Though it is more expensive than other printers, it’s worth the investment if you need to be able to do both. It comes with software (Silhouette Studio), making designing your artwork easy!
With this machine, you’re set up to start designing and printing your heat transfers right away. The Silhouette Cameo is a cutting machine that allows you to cut out images on vinyl, cardstock, Fabric, or other materials.
This means no more worrying about jams or other problems with your printer! This machine has been upgraded from previous models and now features Bluetooth connectivity so that you can print wirelessly from any device.
Features:
- Brand: Silhouette
- Color: White
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 7.87 x 22.44 x 6.69 inches
- Item Weight: 13.7 Pounds
- Print media: Card stock, Fabric
- Print Technology: Inkjet
| Pros: | Cons: |
| High-quality printing results. | Very expensive. |
| Great for vinyl cutters and fabric printers as well | — |
| Can print on various materials such as cardstock, magnet paper, and more. | — |
| Good software is included with the printer. | — |
FAQs:
Q. What is the best printer to use for heat transfers?
- > Although you can use many types of printers, the best ones for heat transfers are excellent color printing at a high resolution. Although you can use many inkjet printers to print onto transfer paper, the quality of the design after pressing it will be blurry, grainy, and may fade quickly if it is not high enough quality.
Q. Can I use any printer for heat transfer?
- > Generally, you can use an inkjet or laser printer for heat transfers. However, if you want a long-lasting print with transparent colors and edges, you will want to use a high-quality, high-resolution printer designed to work with different kinds of paper.
Q. What kind of printer do you need to print iron-on transfers?
- > You can use an inkjet, sublimation, or laser printer to print onto iron-on transfer paper. Inkjet and dye-sublimation printers provide higher quality. To produce a high-quality design on Fabric, you’ll need to look at the printer’s features to ensure that it can handle the job. Look at the elements to consider above to understand better what to look for.
Q. What is needed for heat transfer printing?
- > Once you have a design, you’ll need a high-quality printer to produce it onto heat transfer paper. It’s recommended to get the best heat transfer paper you can. Ensure that you have the correct size paper and that the printer can accommodate that Size. After printing, you may need to cut out your design with scissors or a cutter. Then you will need heat tape to adhere the design to the Fabric you are applying it to. Lastly, you’ll need a heat press to finish the job.
Conclusion:
Heat transfer printers are the future of printmaking. With our list, the right printer can help you create stunning designs at incredible speeds to ensure your side hustle or investment pays off! In addition to being safe, affordable, and quick, these machines also allow you to customize unique prints from the comfort of your home.
These printers will have your back if you want to buy one for your commercial business or daily office use. The best part about these printers? You can design your unique prints from the comfort of home. Whether you want one for commercial business or daily office use, we bet they’ll have what it takes!
You can also read: Best Printers for Crafting in 2022
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