Getting started with sublimation

Do you want to get the most out of your sublimation printer? Then proper installation is essential. Sublimation printers differ from standard printers in a few key areas. In this article, we explain step-by-step how to install your SAWGRASS printer so you can immediately start creating beautiful, durable sublimation prints. 

Before you begin

Color Management 

Part of the correct installation of your Sawgrass printer is ensuring correct color management.  The colors you see on paper are not yet the final colors. They will undergo transformation and intensify when heated under the heat press. For this reason, the color output of your printer must be perfectly calibrated for this process. 
 
With the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 printers, Sawgrass offers the most user-friendly and advanced solution for this process: the Sawgrass Print Utility. 
 
On this page, you will find the instructions for the proper installation of your printer and the software, allowing you to immediately make optimal use of the unique color management capabilities and achieve consistent, vibrant sublimation results. 
 
Connection 

For the most reliable printer operation, we recommend connecting via a USB cable. 
When connecting the printer via a USB cable: Do not connect the printer until you are prompted to do so during the driver/software installation. 

Installing the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000

1. Unpacking and Installing Sawgrass Ink 

When unpacking the printer, make sure all Styrofoam and tape packaging material has been completely removed, including from the print head. (Open the top lid) 
On the Sawgrass website you will find all the instructions for the unpacking and installation instructions and a video that shows the entire installation process, for both Windows and Mac OS:

2. Installing the Print Utility 

Download and install the Print Utility. This software easily provides the correct color management for all your prints. Download the Sawgrass Print Utility here on the Sawgrass website.

Tips

Always Keep the Printer On 

Sawgrass printers have an automatic maintenance function that regularly pushes a small amount of ink through the print heads to prevent clogs. This only happens if the printer is plugged in and powered on. 
 
However, in the EU, by EU regulation, it is mandatory for the printer to automatically turn off. Therefore, it is important to disable this function so the printer remains in sleep mode, instead of switching off completely. 
 
This is easy to turn off in the printer menu

This only needs to be done once. The printer will now enter sleep mode when not in use (not turn off) and perform maintenance automatically from time to time. This prevents the print head from drying out if the printer is not used. 
 
This is easy to turn off in the printer menu

• Press the MENU button on the printer. 
• Go to System Settings. 
• Select Admin. Tools. 
• Select Main power off network disc. 
• Select Off. 

Stable Environment 

Environmental factors are very important for the optimal functioning of Sawgrass printers. 
Key factors here are the temperature and the relative humidity of the workspace. 
Temperature: Ideal Range: Sawgrass generally recommends an ambient temperature between 18°C and 26°C (65°F and 80°F). 

Nozzle checks

If you think the print quality is not optimal, always run a Nozzle Check first. 
Check our support article Pro tips, tricks & techniques for more information about the Nozzle Check. 

Sawgrass Supports

For free remote installation assistance from Sawgrass, you can book an appointment at “Onboarding Sessions” (English language). 
 
For other support questions about your Sawgrass printer, you can use the Sawgrass support form. Alternatively, you can start a support chat directly from the Sawgrass Print Utility. 
Tip: Use Google Translate to translate your question to Sawgrass from your preferred language into English and vice versa if required. 

Manuals

 Download all manuals.

FAQ