The most commonly asked question about printing is that can you use sublimation ink for regular printing? The answer is simply, NO. You cannot use sublimation ink for regular printing. In thermal or inkjet printer technology, heat is used and it defuses ink onto the paper. But in case of regular printer, it does not support it.
In addition, sublimation ink uses heat to transfer the design on the material with the help of heat press machine. But in case of regular printing, it uses digital technology in which ink is required in liquid form during the whole process. There are several logical reasons that support this answer. In this article, you will get the answer with logical reasoning so that you can understand it. So, let’s go into the details and see which printer is compatible for sublimation ink and which is not.
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Can You Use Sublimation Ink for Regular Printing?
The regular printing process is different from the sublimation printing process. There are many regular printers which do not support sublimation ink. It is not a good technique to use sublimation ink for printers. There might be some common things between the two types of printing procedures but as a whole, both are two different things. Due to this reason, it is not wise to use sublimation ink for regular printing because you will not get the desired results.
It will actually turn into a disaster that you certainly do not want to experience. Given below is a list of some of the reasons that will answer your question. Let us discuss whether it is really appropriate to use sublimation for regular printing or not?
1- Complicated Process
The first major reason for the unsuitability of the sublimation ink for regular printing is that it is a complicated process, unlike simple printing. This process converts the solid form directly into the gaseous state. So, the liquid step is not there. If you use this link for regular printing on white paper then there will be no positive outcome. Rather, the results will be too light or no result at all. So, do not waste your time because your money too will go in vain.
2- Not Compatible
Another major reason that answers your question is that regular printers are not compatible with sublimation ink. Sublimation inks are special kind of inks that are solely made for sublimation printers. Only the sublimation printer can give you the best results. These printers are helpful when it comes to printing on clothes, nylon fabrics or mugs or any other thing. So, if you really want to see the best outcome then it is better you use this ink only with the sublimation printer.
3- Zero Results
The sublimation ink can be used only in the process in which designs are printed on various objects by pressuring the ink and turning it into a gas. This process can only be achieved through the sublimation printer otherwise it is not possible. Using the sublimation ink on a regular printer will lead to damage. The printer may stop functioning due to the incompatibility between the two. Choosing a supportive ink is an extremely important thing when it comes to sublimation printing. The permanent designs are only achieved if you rightly follow all the instructions.
The resultant color will be dull if we use sublimation ink for regular printing. When we print sublimation ink on a sublimation paper, the result is not according to our expectations. It seems very dull on the paper. When we sublimate it on to a material by applying heat the design move to the material from the paper. This method is suitable for sublimation but we can not perform the same process onto a piece of paper for our resultant material.
4- Compatible Technologies
Canon and HP printers are based upon thermal technology which does not support sublimation ink. However, there are certain brands that offer printers that support the normal printing process as well as the sublimation printing. Epson printers are the best example of such types of printers. So, if you want to use the sublimation ink on a regular printer then go for the Epson printers. Actually, sublimation ink is compatible with piezo technology. The Epson printers are based upon this technology which is why they support sublimation ink.
5- Sublimation Paper
Sublimation ink is not meant for regular paper either. It is only suitable for the sublimation paper. The difference between normal paper and sublimation paper is that you can use normal paper only for documents and assignments. On the other hand, sublimation paper is used for printing designs permanently on clothes or mugs, or frames. So the purpose of the type of paper is entirely different. Likewise, you cannot use sublimation paper for official purposes. Knowing the difference between the different technologies will help you understand the reasons behind its unsuitability.
6- CISS Ink
You can also turn a regular printer into a sublimation printer. However, there are a lot of things that you need to consider because all regular printers cannot be converted into sublimation printers. If your printer can function with a CISS ink then it can surely turn into a sublimation printer. If it is not compatible then it seems hard to do so.
Moreover, software updating is an extremely essential part of converting the regular printer into the sublimation printer. Also, you can get help from an expert in case you find it difficult. This conversion depends upon chance. So, do not waste your time on something which is not guaranteed. Now it is a clear picture of can you use sublimation ink for regular printing.
FAQs
How to use sublimation ink?
The first step towards using the sublimation ink is to get the sublimation ink box from the market. There will be multiple colors in the ink box. Then you need to have a pair of gloves to keep your hands protected. You will also need plungers. The printer has separate ink cartridges which is a space for the inks. So, just fill them with the colors.
What is sublimation ink used for?
The long lasting sublimation ink is used number of products, such as fabrics which includes polyester, cups, glass, mugs etc. For a detailed print result sublimation ink should be use for it.
Sublimation ink vs normal ink?
Sublimation ink is only used with sublimation printers. On the contrary, you can use normal ink for normal printers. Normal printers are used for everyday purposes like getting the documents printed. Meanwhile, sublimation ink is used for printing on different products.
Can you use sublimation ink in a regular printer?
No, you can not use sublimation ink in a regular printer. Mostly regular printer do not support sublimation ink. If you use sublimation ink in regular printer the final result will be a disaster. So it is better do not use sublimation ink for regular printer.
Conclusion
Hopefully you have got your answer can you use sublimation ink for regular printing? So, these are some of the reasons that show that you cannot use sublimation ink for regular printing. There are few exceptions to it but with limitations. This means that sublimation printing is not as simple as it may seem. It is a complex method in which you have to keep all the possibilities in mind.
