Fabrics, ceramics, and metal may all be printed on with high-quality, bright results using the popular sublimation printing technique. It is an affordable way to produce personalized goods like mugs, phone covers, and t-shirts.
Converting a regular HP inkjet printer into a sublimation printer is one method to get started with sublimation printing. By doing this, you can save money by using your current printer instead of spending money on a dedicated sublimation printer.
In this article you’ll learn exactly how to convert HP printer to sublimation printer. To help you get the greatest results from your converted printer, we’ll also offer hints and troubleshooting guidance.
Contents
Required Materials for Sublimation Printing
You will require the following supplies before starting the conversion process:
Sublimation Ink: In order to be absorbed into the substrate, sublimation ink is a specialized ink that when heated, transforms into a gas. It is offered in cartridges that work with particular printer models.
Sublimation Paper: To get the finest results, you must use sublimation paper, which was created to operate with sublimation ink.
Heat Press: The sublimation ink is transferred to the desired substrate using a heat press. In order to ensure that the ink is completely absorbed and the colors are bright, it applies pressure and heat to the printed image.
Optional: A conversion kit that can contain extra hardware and software to change your printer’s settings and make it compatible with sublimation ink is also available.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that not all printers can use sublimation ink and the converting process. Before purchasing any materials, do some research on the particular model of your printer to make sure it can be converted. Make sure the sublimation ink and paper you purchase are suitable with the design of your printer.
You can start the conversion procedure once you have all of the required materials.
Setting up a converted HP printer for sublimation printing
Setting up your printer correctly is essential before you start the conversion process. This entails calibrating the printer correctly, calibrating the print head, and changing the ink cartridges with sublimation ink.
Remove any remaining ink cartridges, then clean the print head by using a cleaning solution to clear up any obstructions or debris. This will guarantee that the sublimation ink generates a clear image and flows easily.
Sublimation ink cartridges should be used in lieu of the old ink cartridges that were previously in your printer. Use the right cartridges for your printer model by being careful.
Adjust the printer’s settings and do a test print to make sure the printer is calibrated correctly. This will guarantee accurate color reproduction and excellent print quality.
Optional: If you’re using a conversion kit, install the extra hardware and software in accordance with the directions supplied. Making ensuring the printer is suitable for sublimation ink and tweaking the printer’s settings may be part of this.
Following these instructions, your printer ought to be prepared to use sublimation ink.
It’s vital to keep in mind that switching a printer to sublimation could void the warranty on your printer, so make sure to check with the manufacturer before making the switch.
Printing and pressing
Once your printer has been converted and is ready to use, you can begin printing your patterns on sublimation paper and transferring them using a heat press to your selected substrate.
Printing: Place your sublimation paper in the printer after creating your design using your favourite design program. Print your design onto the sublimation paper after configuring the printer’s parameters appropriately for sublimation printing.
Pressing: Lay the printed-side-up design down on the substrate after it has been printed. After positioning the substrate on the heat press, the press should be heated to the proper pressure and temperature for the substrate’s kind. The substrate should be removed from the press after cooling down after the necessary amount of time has passed.
It is crucial to remember that various substrate types may call for various pressing durations, temperatures, and pressures, thus it is crucial to check the suggested parameters for the particular substrate you are using.
The sublimation process is irreversible, so testing and fine-tuning the parameters before beginning to print your final designs are essential to ensuring the greatest results.
These instructions will let you transform a regular inkjet printer into a sublimation printer so you can start producing colorful, high-quality prints on a number of substrates.
Troubleshooting for converting HP printers to sublimation printers
The following advice will help you get the finest outcomes from your converted sublimation printer:
Use premium sublimation ink and paper to ensure brilliant colors and high-quality printing. Premium sublimation ink and paper can assist ensure that the colors are vibrant and the print quality is good.
Try out several substrates: Fabrics, ceramics, and metal are just a few of the materials that may be printed on using sublimation. Try out various substrates to determine which ones work best for your ideas.
The temperature, pressure, and time must be adjusted for every new job since different substrates and designs call for varied parameters.
Regular cleaning of the printer’s print head and other components can assist prevent jams and guarantee that the sublimation ink flows smoothly.
Troubleshooting typical problems:
Poor print quality: Check the sublimation ink and paper quality as well as the calibration of your printer. Make sure the print head is clean and debris-free as well.
Smudging of the ink is brought on by applying too much pressure or heat to the print. Verify that the settings you are using are appropriate for the particular substrate you are working with.
Lack of heat and pressure during the sublimation process can result in faded colors. Verify that the settings you are using are appropriate for the particular substrate you are working with.
With a converted sublimation printer, you can get the best results by paying attention to these suggestions and fixing these problems.
Conclusion
One affordable approach to enter the sublimation printing industry is to convert a regular inkjet printer to one. You may successfully convert your printer and start producing high-quality, colorful prints on a range of surfaces by following the instructions provided in this article.
It’s vital to keep in mind that switching a printer to sublimation could void the warranty on your printer, so make sure to check with the manufacturer before making the switch. Additionally crucial are the usage of premium sublimation paper and ink, experimentation with various substrates, setting adjustments, routine printer maintenance, and printing on the proper side of the paper.
With a converted sublimation printer, you can get the best results by paying attention to these pointers and fixing typical problems. So go ahead and experiment with various layouts and materials to produce unique products that will stand out in the marketplace.
I hope it helped you to learn how to convert HP printer to sublimation printer and start your custom printing journey.
Image Source: HP
