Sublimation inks must be manufactured with a given printer in mind. Not every inkjet printer can process sublimation ink. For example, some print heads use heat, which can cause premature gassing of the dye solids in the ink. Additionally, head jets, pressure systems, and internal tubing must be able to handle the inks without having their composition degraded in the process.
In the same vein, bulk inks, while less expensive, can introduce air bubbles and contaminants into your printer, which can not only reduce the quality of your print, but also irreparably damage the hardware. Choosing high-quality inks in closed cartridges, then pairing them with printers designed for sublimation printing, ensures you get the most value – and life – out of your printer investment.
-Jimmy Lamb, Sawgrass
