Screen Printing vs. Sublimation: Which is Cheaper?

Two common techniques for printing on fabrics and other materials are screen printing and sublimation. Although both has benefits and drawbacks, people frequently wonder which is less expensive. This article will examine the costs related to each approach and assist you in deciding which is the most economical choice. Costs of Screen Printing

Making a stencil or screen of the desired design is the first step in screen printing. The need for separate screens for each color in the design can raise the overall cost. A contributing component is the type of screen printing ink used because certain inks are more expensive than others. The price of the fabric being printed on may also change based on its quality and quantity.

Screen printing can be a cost-effective choice for greater quantities, notwithstanding the initial setup costs. As the quantity increases, the cost per unit falls, making it a suitable option for large orders. The setup costs, however, can exceed the advantages of screen printing if you only require a modest quantity of products produced. Costs of sublimation

Using a sublimation printer and ink, the design is printed using sublimation onto specialized transfer paper. Heat is then used to transfer the ink from the transfer paper to the fabric once it has been placed on the fabric. The price of the transfer paper and ink has a significant impact on the cost of sublimation printing.

Small orders can benefit financially from sublimation because there are no setup expenses. For larger orders, it might not be the most economical choice, though, since the price of the transfer paper and ink can soon mount up. Additional inquiries:

The following five materials are commonly used in screen printing: Screen mesh, emulsion, ink, a squeegee, and the substrate (the substance being printed on) are all included. Can I Create Tattoo Stencils on a Regular Printer?

How Many Shirts Can You Screen Print, Then?

Depending on the size of the design and the screen, a certain number of shirts can be screen printed. While a smaller design can fit on one screen, a larger design may need numerous screens. The quantity of shirts that can be produced can also depend on the printer’s speed and the printer operator’s skill.

Depending on the type and size of the printing press, the price can vary substantially. A high-end automatic press can cost upwards of $20,000, whereas a basic manual screen printing press can range in price from $100 to $1,000. Depending on the features and capabilities, sublimation printers can cost anywhere between $200 and $5,000.