Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer Review: Worth Trying?

The Epson SureColor F170 stands out as a compelling option for anyone ready to dive into sublimation printing.

This compact printer promises professional results without the complexity of larger systems. But does it deliver on its promises?

This comprehensive review explores every aspect of the F170 to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Professional PrecisionCore Technology delivers exceptional print quality with 1200 x 600 dpi resolution. The printer uses 784 nozzles to create sharp, vibrant images on sublimation paper. This technology ensures consistent color reproduction across all your projects.
• Genuine Epson Dye-Sublimation Ink comes included with the printer. You get CMYK ink cartridges designed specifically for sublimation printing. The ink produces brilliant colors that transfer beautifully to polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items.
• Compact Design with 150-Sheet Auto-Feed Tray saves space while maintaining productivity. The printer handles letter-size and legal-size paper with ease. You can load multiple sheets and let the printer work without constant monitoring.
• Plug-and-Play Setup means you can start printing within minutes of unboxing. The printer arrives ready for sublimation with no conversion required. Both Mac and Windows compatibility ensures seamless integration with your existing setup.
• Affordable Entry Point at approximately $399 to $499 makes professional sublimation accessible. The printer costs significantly less than many competitors while delivering comparable quality. Lower ink costs compared to other dedicated sublimation printers reduce your ongoing expenses.

Understanding Dye-Sublimation Printing Technology

Dye-sublimation printing represents a specialized printing method that transfers dye onto materials using heat. The process differs significantly from standard inkjet printing. Instead of applying ink to paper surfaces, sublimation ink converts from solid to gas under high heat.

This gas then bonds with polyester fibers or polymer coatings at the molecular level. The result creates permanent, vibrant images that resist fading and washing.

The science behind sublimation explains why this printing method produces such durable results. When you apply heat through a heat press, the solid dye particles skip the liquid phase entirely.

They transform directly into gas in a process scientists call sublimation. This gas penetrates the polyester material and becomes part of the fabric itself. Once cooled, the dye returns to solid form, now permanently embedded in your product.

This technology works best on materials containing at least 65% polyester content. White or light-colored fabrics produce the most vivid results because sublimation ink is semi-transparent.

The process also works wonderfully on polymer-coated items like mugs, phone cases, and ceramic tiles. Understanding these basics helps you choose the right materials for your projects and set realistic expectations for your finished products.

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer

The Epson SureColor F170 arrives as a complete sublimation solution designed for immediate use. This printer eliminates the guesswork and complexity often associated with entering the sublimation market.

Epson designed the F170 specifically for sublimation applications, which means every component works together optimally. You avoid the trial and error that comes with converted printers or incompatible ink combinations.

The printer measures compact enough to fit on most desks or craft tables without dominating your workspace. Its dimensions make it ideal for home-based businesses or small craft rooms where space comes at a premium.

Despite its smaller footprint, the F170 does not sacrifice functionality. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray holds enough paper for extended printing sessions, reducing the need for constant paper refills.

Setup simplicity stands as one of the F170’s most praised features. Users report completing the unboxing, setup, and first print in under 30 minutes. The printer comes with genuine Epson sublimation ink already installed.

You simply need to connect the power cable, install the driver software, and load paper. The printer handles the initial charging and alignment automatically during the first setup sequence.

PrecisionCore Print Head Technology Explained

The heart of the Epson SureColor F170 lies in its PrecisionCore print head technology. This advanced printing system represents years of Epson’s research and development. The technology uses a high-density nozzle array that delivers exceptional accuracy and consistency. Each droplet of ink lands precisely where the printer intends, creating crisp lines and smooth gradients.

PrecisionCore technology enables the F170 to achieve 1200 x 600 dpi resolution for impressive detail. The 784 nozzles work in concert to produce professional-quality output. This level of precision becomes especially important when printing detailed graphics, photographs, or text. Fine lines remain sharp, and subtle color transitions appear smooth without visible banding.

The technology also contributes to faster printing speeds without sacrificing quality. The print head can fire droplets at higher frequencies than traditional inkjet systems. This capability allows you to complete projects more quickly, which translates to increased productivity. Whether you print single items or run small production batches, the speed advantage becomes noticeable over time.

Maintenance requirements remain minimal thanks to the sophisticated design of the PrecisionCore system. The printer includes automatic cleaning cycles that prevent nozzle clogs. These maintenance routines run in the background, ensuring consistent print quality without requiring manual intervention. Users report excellent reliability even with regular daily use.

Print Quality and Color Accuracy Performance

Print quality ultimately determines the success of any sublimation printer. The Epson SureColor F170 delivers impressive results that rival more expensive systems. Colors appear vibrant and true to the original design files when properly calibrated. The printer reproduces subtle color variations accurately, which becomes crucial for photographic prints and complex graphics.

Testing reveals that the F170 handles a wide color gamut effectively. Reds remain rich and deep without appearing oversaturated. Blues maintain their brilliance across different shades. Yellows appear bright and clean without shifting toward green or orange. The CMYK ink system provides sufficient range for most sublimation applications, though some extremely saturated colors may require adjustment.

Black ink performance deserves special mention because many sublimation printers struggle with true blacks. The F170 produces deep, neutral blacks that add punch to designs. Text remains sharp and readable even at smaller point sizes. This capability proves valuable when creating designs that combine graphics with text elements.

The printer maintains consistency across multiple prints, which matters greatly for business applications. When you print the same design repeatedly, each copy matches the others closely. This reliability allows you to fulfill orders confidently, knowing that batch production will yield uniform results. Color shifting between the first and last print in a series remains minimal.

Top 3 Alternatives for Epson SureColor F170

Genuine Epson Sublimation Ink System

The ink system represents one of the most critical components of any sublimation printer. The Epson SureColor F170 uses genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink formulated specifically for this application.

This purpose-designed ink differs significantly from standard inkjet ink or even third-party sublimation alternatives. Epson’s chemistry ensures optimal performance with the F170’s print head technology.

Each F170 ships with a complete set of CMYK ink cartridges included in the box. This inclusion allows you to start printing immediately without additional purchases. The ink cartridges hold sufficient volume for approximately 800 to 1,200 letter-size prints depending on coverage. This capacity proves adequate for small businesses and hobbyists who produce moderate volumes.

Replacement ink costs remain reasonable compared to many alternatives. A complete set of four cartridges typically costs between $80 and $120, depending on where you purchase them. This pricing translates to approximately 7 to 15 cents per page for ink alone. When compared to Sawgrass SubliJet UHD ink or other proprietary systems, the Epson ink offers competitive value.

The ink performs consistently across a wide range of sublimation papers and materials. Users report good results with both premium and economy sublimation papers. The ink transfers efficiently during the heat press stage, producing vibrant colors on polyester fabrics and coated items. Color fastness after transfer meets or exceeds industry standards, with printed items showing excellent resistance to washing and UV exposure.

Paper Handling and Media Compatibility

The Epson SureColor F170 features a 150-sheet auto-feed tray that handles standard letter-size and legal-size paper. This capacity allows for extended printing sessions without constant paper reloading. The tray design accommodates sublimation paper weights ranging from standard to heavyweight options. Most users find that 120-gram sublimation paper feeds reliably without jamming.

The printer officially supports paper sizes up to 8.5 x 14 inches through the standard feed system. Some advanced users report successfully printing on longer sheets up to 47.2 inches with modifications to the paper feed system.

However, these extended-length prints fall outside official specifications and may require experimentation. For most applications, the standard sizes prove sufficient for creating designs that fit common substrate dimensions.

Media compatibility extends to various sublimation paper brands and types. The F170 works well with premium papers from major manufacturers as well as economical options from lesser-known brands.

The key factor involves choosing paper with adequate ink absorption and release characteristics. Papers designed specifically for Epson printers often yield the best results, though many universal sublimation papers perform admirably.

The printer includes paper size detection and can adjust settings automatically for different formats. This feature simplifies workflow when switching between letter and legal sizes. The straight-through paper path helps prevent curling and ensures that sublimation paper exits flat. This consideration matters because sublimation paper needs to remain as flat as possible during the heat transfer process.

Software Compatibility and Workflow Integration

The Epson SureColor F170 supports both Mac and Windows operating systems seamlessly. Epson provides driver software that integrates with standard printing workflows. You can print directly from popular design programs including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Silhouette Studio. The driver includes sublimation-specific color management profiles that help ensure accurate color reproduction.

Setting up the printer on your computer follows a straightforward process. Epson offers downloadable drivers from their support website, or you can use the included installation disc.

The driver installation includes the Epson Print Layout software, which provides additional control over print settings. This utility allows you to manage color profiles, adjust print quality settings, and configure paper types.

The printer includes automatic mirroring capability essential for sublimation printing. This feature remains enabled by default in the driver settings. When you send a design to print, the driver automatically mirrors the image horizontally.

This mirroring ensures that when you transfer the design to your substrate, it appears in the correct orientation. You can disable this feature if needed for specific applications.

Color management settings deserve attention to achieve optimal results. The driver includes specific profiles for Epson genuine sublimation paper and ink. Using these profiles provides the best starting point for accurate color reproduction.

Advanced users can create custom ICC profiles for specific paper and substrate combinations. This level of control allows you to fine-tune color output for your particular workflow and materials.

Ideal Applications and Use Cases

The Epson SureColor F170 excels in numerous sublimation applications. Custom apparel decoration ranks among the most popular uses. You can create unique t-shirts, hoodies, and athletic wear with vibrant, permanent designs.

The printer’s quality proves sufficient for both personal projects and small business production. Many users successfully operate home-based apparel businesses centered around the F170.

Personalized drinkware represents another thriving market for F170 users. Custom mugs, tumblers, and water bottles remain consistently popular for gifts, promotional items, and retail sales. The printer produces designs that transfer beautifully onto polymer-coated drinkware. Colors remain vivid and details stay sharp even on curved surfaces when proper heat press techniques are followed.

Home decor items offer creative opportunities for F170 owners. You can produce custom throw pillows, blankets, and wall art with professional results. The printer handles photographic reproductions well, allowing you to create personalized home decor from family photos or artistic images. The permanent nature of sublimation ensures these items withstand regular use and washing.

Promotional products and corporate gifts represent a potentially lucrative market. The F170 allows you to create customized mouse pads, keychains, badges, and awards. Small businesses and organizations regularly need these items for marketing purposes.

The ability to produce small batches economically makes the F170 ideal for this application. You can offer fast turnaround times without maintaining large inventories.

Heat Press Requirements and Recommendations

Sublimation printing requires a heat press to transfer designs from paper to substrate. The Epson SureColor F170 produces excellent prints, but a quality heat press completes the system. Clamshell and swing-away presses both work well for flat items like t-shirts and mouse pads. Clamshell presses cost less and require less space, while swing-away designs offer better heat distribution and safety.

Temperature and pressure settings vary depending on the substrate you’re transferring to. Polyester fabrics typically require 385-400°F for 45-60 seconds at medium-firm pressure. Polymer-coated mugs need similar temperatures but different press times depending on the mug press design. Ceramic tiles might need slightly lower temperatures to prevent cracking. Experimentation with your specific materials helps establish optimal settings.

Specialized heat presses expand your capabilities beyond flat items. Mug presses create personalized drinkware efficiently. Hat presses allow you to customize baseball caps and other headwear. Plate presses enable you to produce decorative ceramic pieces. Many F170 users start with a basic clamshell press and add specialized equipment as their business grows.

Press quality significantly impacts final results regardless of printer quality. Cheap heat presses often suffer from uneven heat distribution, inconsistent pressure, and inaccurate temperature controls.

These issues lead to blotchy transfers, incomplete color development, and wasted materials. Investing in a reliable heat press proves essential for achieving professional results consistently. Many successful F170 users recommend allocating as much budget to the heat press as to the printer itself.

Operating Costs and Long-Term Value

Understanding the total cost of ownership helps you evaluate the F170’s value proposition. Initial printer cost ranges from $399 to $499 depending on promotional pricing and included accessories. This entry price positions the F170 competitively against both converted printers and other dedicated sublimation systems. The included genuine Epson ink adds value since you can start printing immediately.

Ongoing ink costs represent the primary recurring expense. A complete four-color cartridge set costs approximately $80 to $120. Based on average coverage, this provides 800 to 1,200 letter-size prints. Your actual yield varies depending on how much ink coverage your designs require. Solid color backgrounds consume significantly more ink than line art or text-heavy designs.

Sublimation paper costs add to your per-print expenses. Quality sublimation paper typically costs between $0.15 and $0.40 per letter-size sheet depending on brand and bulk purchasing. Premium papers produce better color transfer and sharper details but increase your costs. Many users find mid-range papers offer the best balance of quality and economy for most applications.

Maintenance costs remain minimal for the F170. The printer includes automatic cleaning cycles that prevent most clog issues. Occasionally you might need to run additional cleaning cycles if the printer sits unused for extended periods. These cycles consume small amounts of ink but remain necessary to maintain print quality. Users report excellent reliability with minimal intervention required.

User Experience and Learning Curve

The Epson SureColor F170 earns praise for its user-friendly design and operation. Complete beginners can achieve good results within their first few projects. The combination of genuine Epson ink, purpose-built hardware, and straightforward driver software reduces common frustrations. Most users report feeling comfortable with the printer after printing just five to ten test designs.

Initial setup proves straightforward even for those with limited technical experience. The included quick start guide walks you through unboxing, ink installation, and driver setup. The printer’s control panel uses simple icons and minimal buttons to reduce confusion. Automatic features like paper size detection and maintenance cycles handle tasks that might otherwise require user intervention.

The printer provides clear feedback when attention is required. Low ink warnings appear with sufficient advance notice to order replacements before running out. Paper jams occur rarely, but when they do, the printer displays helpful messages indicating the problem location. The driver software includes troubleshooting assistance for common issues.

Community support enhances the ownership experience significantly. Online forums, Facebook groups, and YouTube channels dedicated to sublimation printing provide wealth of knowledge. F170 owners actively share tips, settings, and solutions to common challenges. This community aspect helps beginners overcome obstacles quickly and inspires creativity through shared project ideas.

Comparison with Converted Epson EcoTank Printers

Many crafters consider converting standard Epson EcoTank printers for sublimation use. Popular models like the ET-2720, ET-2760, and ET-15000 can be converted by replacing regular ink with sublimation ink. This approach offers potential cost savings and access to larger print formats. However, the conversion process introduces complications that the F170 avoids.

Converted printers require purchasing sublimation ink separately and carefully filling the ink tanks. This process carries risk of air bubbles, spills, and contamination. Once filled with sublimation ink, the printer becomes dedicated to that purpose since you cannot switch back to regular ink without thorough cleaning. The F170 arrives ready for sublimation with no conversion complexity or contamination concerns.

Print quality comparisons generally favor the F170 for sublimation work. Epson designed the F170’s print head, ink formulation, and driver profiles specifically for sublimation. Converted EcoTanks use third-party sublimation inks that may not perfectly match the printer’s specifications. The F170 typically produces more consistent colors and better detail reproduction with less trial and error.

Warranty considerations differ significantly between approaches. Converting an EcoTank to sublimation use typically voids the manufacturer warranty. If problems arise, you may struggle to obtain support or repairs. The F170 maintains full Epson warranty coverage because sublimation represents its intended purpose. This peace of mind carries value, especially for business users who depend on their equipment.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even well-designed printers like the F170 present occasional challenges. Understanding common issues and their solutions helps you maintain smooth operation. Color accuracy concerns top the list of user questions. If prints appear washed out or colors seem incorrect, first verify you’re using the correct color profile in your driver settings. The Epson profile for genuine ink and paper should be selected by default.

Banding or streaking in prints usually indicates a need for print head cleaning. The F170 includes automated cleaning cycles accessible through the printer’s control panel or driver utility. Running one or two cleaning cycles typically resolves minor nozzle issues. If banding persists after multiple cleanings, you might need to perform a more thorough print head alignment procedure.

Some users report paper feeding issues when using certain sublimation papers. This problem often relates to paper thickness or curl. Ensure you’re using paper within the printer’s specified weight range. If sublimation paper arrives curled from shipping or storage, gently flex it in the opposite direction before loading. Storing paper flat in a dry environment prevents many feeding problems.

Ink consumption concerns arise when users notice their ink levels decreasing faster than expected. Remember that initial setup requires substantial ink to charge the print head system. Additionally, automatic maintenance cycles consume ink to prevent clogs.

Solid backgrounds and high-coverage designs naturally use more ink than simpler graphics. Optimizing your designs and using appropriate print quality settings helps manage ink usage.

Business Viability and Production Capacity

The Epson SureColor F170 suits small business applications particularly well. Its combination of quality output, reasonable operating costs, and compact size makes it ideal for home-based businesses. Many users successfully operate part-time or full-time sublimation businesses centered around the F170. The printer handles the production volume typical of startups and small operations.

Production capacity depends on several factors including design complexity and your workflow efficiency. The F170 can produce approximately 30 to 40 letter-size prints per hour when operating continuously. This rate allows for a small business to fulfill moderate order volumes without requiring multiple printers. Batch printing similar designs maximizes efficiency and reduces per-item costs.

Scaling your business beyond the F170’s capacity becomes possible through several strategies. Many successful operators start with a single F170 and add a second identical unit as business grows.

This approach doubles capacity while maintaining consistency since both printers use the same ink and profiles. Alternatively, businesses can upgrade to larger format Epson sublimation printers like the F570 or F570 Pro while keeping the F170 for smaller items.

Profit margins in sublimation business depend on your product pricing, material costs, and production efficiency. Typical markup on sublimation products ranges from 100% to 400% depending on the item and market.

Custom mugs that cost $3 to $5 to produce often sell for $15 to $25. T-shirts with $8 to $10 production costs might retail for $25 to $40. These margins allow small businesses to achieve profitability even with moderate sales volumes.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability

Sublimation printing offers some environmental advantages compared to alternative decoration methods. The process produces minimal waste since you only print what you need when you need it.

Screen printing requires creating screens and often involves excess ink disposal. Heat transfer vinyl generates plastic waste from weeding scraps. Sublimation’s main waste consists of used transfer paper, which is far less problematic.

The permanence of sublimation prints contributes to product longevity. Items decorated through sublimation resist fading and washing better than many alternatives. This durability means products last longer before requiring replacement. Long-lasting products inherently carry environmental benefits by reducing the frequency of disposal and replacement.

However, sublimation printing does have environmental considerations to acknowledge. The process works primarily on polyester fabrics and synthetic materials. Polyester production involves petroleum-based processes with their own environmental impacts.

Additionally, most sublimation substrates like ceramic mugs and polymer-coated items involve manufacturing processes that consume energy and resources.

Epson’s genuine ink cartridges participate in the company’s cartridge recycling program. Used cartridges can be returned through various collection methods for proper recycling. This program helps reduce landfill waste from empty cartridges. The relatively high page yield of F170 cartridges also means fewer cartridge changes compared to smaller capacity alternatives.

Maintenance and Reliability

The Epson SureColor F170 earns high marks for reliability and minimal maintenance requirements. The printer’s design incorporates automatic maintenance features that preserve print quality with little user intervention.

Regular printing keeps the system in good working order by preventing ink from drying in the nozzles. Users who print at least several times per week report excellent reliability over extended periods.

The printer performs automatic print head cleaning cycles as needed to maintain optimal performance. These cycles typically run when you first power on the printer or after it has been idle for several days. The process takes only a few minutes and consumes minimal ink. You can also manually trigger cleaning cycles through the printer’s control panel if you notice any quality degradation.

Print head longevity appears excellent based on user reports. Many F170 owners report consistent performance over thousands of prints without issues. The PrecisionCore print head design seems robust and resistant to the clogging problems that plague some other inkjet printers. Proper care and regular use appear to be the primary requirements for long-term reliability.

Storage considerations matter if you use the printer intermittently. For best results, print at least once per week to keep ink flowing through the system. If you must store the printer for an extended period, run a cleaning cycle before shutting it down.

This ensures the nozzles remain as clear as possible during storage. When resuming use after storage, expect to run several cleaning cycles to restore optimal print quality.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The Epson SureColor F170 delivers exceptional value for anyone entering the sublimation printing market or upgrading from converted printers. Its combination of purpose-built design, quality output, and competitive pricing makes it stand out in its category. The printer succeeds in making professional sublimation accessible to small businesses and serious hobbyists without requiring expert-level knowledge.

The F170 particularly excels for users who value simplicity and reliability. The plug-and-play setup and automatic features eliminate common frustrations associated with sublimation printing. You can focus on creating designs and fulfilling orders rather than troubleshooting printer issues. This ease of use carries real value, especially when you’re building a business and cannot afford extended downtime.

For businesses with growth ambitions, the F170 provides an excellent foundation. You can master sublimation techniques and build a customer base without over-investing in equipment initially. As demand grows, the printer continues serving you well while you add capacity or upgrade to larger format options. Many successful sublimation businesses still operate their original F170 alongside newer equipment.

The printer does have limitations to consider. The 8.5 x 14-inch maximum size restricts you to smaller projects. If you regularly need to print larger designs or gang multiple items per sheet, you might require a wide-format printer. Additionally, the F170 works specifically for sublimation applications. It cannot function as a general-purpose document printer, so you’ll need separate equipment for office printing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Epson SureColor F170 for regular document printing?

No, the Epson SureColor F170 uses dye-sublimation ink that only works for sublimation applications. You cannot use this printer for regular document printing or photos that do not require heat transfer. The sublimation ink will not produce correct colors on standard paper without the heat press transfer process. You need a separate printer for general document and photo printing needs.

Does the F170 work with all types of fabric?

The F170 works specifically with polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items. You need materials containing at least 65% polyester for good results. The printer cannot sublimate on 100% cotton, leather, or other natural materials without special polymer coatings. White or light-colored polyester produces the most vibrant results because sublimation ink is semi-transparent.

How long do ink cartridges last in the F170?

Genuine Epson ink cartridges for the F170 typically produce 800 to 1,200 letter-size prints depending on ink coverage. Designs with solid backgrounds or heavy color coverage consume more ink than simple graphics or text. A complete four-color cartridge set costs approximately $80 to $120, translating to about 7 to 15 cents per page for ink costs alone.

Do I need special software to use the Epson SureColor F170?

The F170 works with standard design software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Silhouette Studio, and similar programs. You do not need special software beyond the Epson driver that comes with the printer. The driver includes automatic mirroring and color management profiles for sublimation printing. You simply design your graphics in your preferred program and print normally.

Can I print photographs with the F170 for sublimation?

Yes, the F170 excels at printing photographs for sublimation onto polyester fabrics, mugs, ceramic tiles, and other suitable substrates. The printer’s high resolution and color accuracy reproduce photographic details well. You should use high-resolution source images of at least 300 dpi for best results. The printer handles continuous tone images better than many sublimation printers in its price range.

What heat press temperature should I use with F170 prints?

Most substrates require temperatures between 385 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with medium-firm pressure for 45 to 60 seconds. Specific settings vary depending on your substrate type and heat press model. Polyester fabrics typically need 400°F for 45 seconds, while polymer-coated mugs might require 385°F for slightly different times. Always test your specific materials to determine optimal settings.

Is the F170 suitable for starting a sublimation business?

Yes, the F170 provides an excellent foundation for starting a sublimation business. Its combination of quality output, reasonable operating costs, and reliability suits small business applications well. The printer can produce 30 to 40 prints per hour, sufficient for startups and part-time operations. Many successful sublimation businesses started with the F170 and either added additional units or upgraded to larger printers as they grew.

Last update on 2026-02-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API