The Best Sublimation, Engraving, and Sign-Making Equipment for 2027
Over the past several years, the personalization, apparel decoration, and sign-making industries continue to see innovation expand, and 2026 was no exception. Trusted manufacturers like Epson, Sawgrass, xTool, and eufyMake all released or updated equipment with features to help businesses produce more products, expand into new markets, and improve profitability.
Whether you're launching a custom apparel shop, expanding your promotional products business, or adding capabilities to an existing sign company, choosing the right equipment is essential for success. The best sublimation printers, laser engravers, UV printers, and heat presses can help increase productivity, product offerings, and revenue opportunities.
To help you prepare for growth in 2027, we've compiled our favorite equipment releases and top-performing systems from 2026.
Best Equipment Comparison at a Glance
| Equipment | Recommended Use Case | Technology | Standout Capability |
| Epson SureColor F370 | Desktop sublimation production | Dye Sublimation | Prints up to 13" × 19" |
| Sawgrass SG1000 | Growing sublimation businesses | Dye Sublimation | Expandable media support & VersiFlex™ system to sublimate on cotton |
| xTool F Series | Personalized products & engraving | Multiple laser technologies | Portable and production-ready options |
| xTool P3 | Sign-making and fabrication | CO₂ Laser | Large-format acrylic and wood cutting |
| Flux Beambox II | Sign-making and fabrication | CO₂ Laser | Laser engrave 40oz tumblers and rounded surfaces |
| Epson SureColor V4000 | Direct-to-object printing | UV-LED | Print braille for ADA-signage |
| eufyMake E1 | Small business UV customization | UV-LED | Texture printing and unique effects |
| GeoKnight Maxi Press Air | Sublimation, DTF/DTG | Heat Press | Large scale capability and automatic option |
| Hotronix Dual Air Fusion IQ 16" x 20" | Sublimation, DTF/DTG | Heat Press | Dual stations allow for double the output |
The Best Sublimation Printers of 2026
Sublimation remains one of the most profitable decorating technologies for small businesses. From custom apparel and drinkware to photo gifts and promotional products, sublimation provides vibrant, long-lasting prints on polyester fabrics and coated hard goods.
The Best Small Sublimation Printers
Both Epson and Sawgrass offer excellent sublimation printers for small businesses. Both brands provide solutions for businesses and start-ups that need professional-quality output from a small, affordable machine.
Epson SureColor F370: A Strong Choice for 13" × 19" Desktop Sublimation
The Epson SureColor F370 is one of the most anticipated and versatile desktop sublimation printers available today. The 13” x 19” print capability perfectly fills the gap between the Epson SureColor F170 and the Epson SureColor F570. Designed specifically for dye-sublimation printing, it eliminates the need for aftermarket conversions while providing the reliability businesses need for everyday production. The F370 excels at creating:
- Custom apparel transfers
- Personalized towels and textiles
- Hard-surface photo panels
- Promotional products
- Home décor items
Why businesses choose the Epson F370:
- Prints up to 13" × 19"
- Affordable cartridge-free ink system
- Purpose-built sublimation design
- Wireless and mobile printing capabilities
- Compact footprint for smaller shops
For businesses looking for their first professional sublimation system, the Epson F370 offers one of the best combinations of print size, ease of use, and long-term reliability.
Sawgrass SG1000: A Strong Choice for Dedicated Sublimation Production
The Sawgrass SG1000 has remained a favorite among dedicated sublimation decorators due to its color management ecosystem and proven performance. Unlike many office printers converted for sublimation, the SG1000 is engineered specifically for decoration businesses and integrates directly with Sawgrass software and ink systems.
Benefits include:
- Standard support for 11" × 17" media
- Optional bypass tray for 13" × 19" printing
- Professional color management tools
- High-capacity ink options
- Dedicated sublimation workflow
- Option for the VersiFlex System™ to sublimate on cotton
The SG1000 is particularly appealing for businesses focused on drinkware, promotional products, awards, and personalized gifts.
The Best Large Sublimation Printers
For businesses that have outgrown desktop production, large-format sublimation printers open the door to higher-volume output, oversized graphics, sports apparel, and all-over garment decoration. These systems are often the next step for growing decorators who need greater efficiency, lower operating costs, and expanded product offerings.
Among the most popular options for commercial sublimation shops are the Epson SureColor F6470 and Epson SureColor F6470H. While both printers share the same production platform, the addition of fluorescent ink capabilities on the F6470H creates opportunities for businesses serving sportswear, promotional products, and high-visibility apparel markets.
Epson SureColor F6470: Best for High-Volume Sublimation Production
The Epson SureColor F6470 is a 44-inch dye-sublimation printer designed for production environments that require speed, consistency, and professional color output. It is well-suited for businesses producing team uniforms, corporate apparel, home décor, banners, and soft signage.
Unlike desktop sublimation printers, the F6470 uses roll-fed media and bulk ink packs, helping reduce interruptions and increase efficiency during longer production runs.
Reasons to consider the Epson F6470 include:
- 44-inch print width for larger graphics and production applications
- PrecisionCore® MicroTFP printhead technology for consistent image quality
- Bulk ink pack system designed to minimize downtime
- Ideal for soft signage, sportswear, apparel decoration, and promotional products
- Professional production speeds for growing and established print shops
For businesses looking to expand beyond desktop sublimation, the F6470 represents one of the strongest production-level upgrades available.
Epson SureColor F6470H: Best for Fluorescent Apparel and Sports Graphics
The Epson SureColor F6470H builds on the capabilities of the F6470 while adding fluorescent ink options that help businesses produce more vibrant graphics and eye-catching apparel.
This printer is particularly attractive to companies serving:
- Athletic and team sports programs
- Spirit wear businesses
- Promotional apparel providers
- Event merchandise companies
- High-visibility workwear markets
The F6470H can be configured with fluorescent yellow and fluorescent pink inks, allowing decorators to create brighter color palettes and expanded design possibilities that stand out on garments and textiles.
Key advantages of the Epson F6470H include:
- All the production benefits of the standard F6470
- Fluorescent ink configuration options
- Expanded color gamut for specialty apparel applications
- 44-inch roll-fed production workflow
- Excellent choice for vibrant sportswear and promotional products
Businesses focused on athletic apparel, school spirit programs, and attention-grabbing retail graphics may find the F6470H worth the additional investment due to its enhanced color capabilities.
F6470 vs. F6470H: Which Should You Choose?
If your primary focus is standard sublimation production, the Epson SureColor F6470 offers excellent performance and value. If you're targeting athletic apparel, spirit wear, or specialty promotional graphics, the Epson SureColor F6470H provides additional design flexibility through its fluorescent ink options.
The Best Laser Engravers of 2026
Laser engraving continues to offer businesses unique marking and cutting capabilities. New technology and models allow businesses to expand into new markets, from personalized tumblers and jewelry to industrial part marking and custom signage. Today's laser systems offer more specialized capabilities than ever before, making it important to choose technology that aligns with your intended applications.
xTool F Series
xTool continues to be an innovator in the laser space. They’ve upgraded their F1-series to include higher power, faster speeds, and a built-in camera
xTool F2: Best for Portable Personalization and Live Events
The xTool F2 is designed for businesses that want to bring personalization directly to customers. Combining a 15W diode laser with a 5W infrared laser, the F2 offers the flexibility to engrave a wide range of materials while maintaining a compact footprint that's ideal for travel, pop-up shops, trade shows, and in-store customization events.
For many small businesses, the ability to personalize products on demand creates a unique customer experience and can command premium pricing.
Reasons to consider the xTool F2 include:
- Portable design for events and retail environments
- Dual-laser technology for broader material compatibility
- Built-in camera for faster positioning and workflow setup
- Suitable for tumblers, keychains, leather goods, jewelry, and promotional products
- Fast turnaround for personalized, one-off orders
The F2 is an excellent choice for makers and personalization businesses that prioritize mobility and customer interaction over large-scale production.
xTool F2 Ultra 60W MOPA & 40W Diode Dual Laser Engraver: Best for Metal Engraving Businesses
Businesses specializing in industrial marking, awards, firearms accessories, jewelry, or premium metal products should consider the F2 Ultra 60W MOPA & 40W Diode Dual Laser.
The 60W MOPA fiber laser system provides:
- Deep engraving
- Black metal marking
- Color marking on select metals
- Faster cycle times
- Advanced process control
The addition of a 40W diode laser expands the machine's versatility, allowing users to process non-metal materials alongside metal-focused production. For shops that generate significant revenue from metal engraving, the F2 Ultra represents one of the most capable desktop laser systems currently available.
Flux Beambox II: A Powerhouse Laser for Makers and Small Shops
The Flux Beambox II is a versatile CO₂ laser cutter and engraver that offers professional capabilities in a desktop-friendly footprint. Designed for makers, educators, sign shops, and growing product customization businesses, the Beambox II combines user-friendly software with powerful cutting and engraving performance.
Its enclosed design, integrated camera system, and intuitive workflow make it particularly attractive for businesses entering laser fabrication for the first time.
Common applications include:
- Custom signage
- Wood and acrylic gifts
- Retail displays
- Personalized home décor
- Leather products
- Educational and prototyping projects
Reasons to consider the Flux Beambox II include:
- CO₂ laser technology ideal for wood and acrylic processing
- Full-wrap 40oz tumbler and curved surface engraving capability
- Built-in camera for design placement and job alignment
- Enclosed design for improved safety and usability
- User-friendly software ecosystem
- Excellent balance of performance, footprint, and affordability
For small businesses looking for a professional-grade laser that can handle both engraving and cutting applications, the Flux Beambox II remains one of the strongest all-around options in the desktop laser category.
The Best Sign-Making Equipment of 2026
Modern sign-making rarely relies on a single piece of equipment. Today's most successful shops combine multiple decoration and fabrication technologies to expand their product offerings and improve production flexibility. Common equipment combinations include UV printing and laser engraving for direct-to-object customization, or sublimation and laser engraving for creating personalized signage, awards, and promotional products.
Many production methods also require supporting equipment. For example, sublimation, DTF (Direct-to-Film), and DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing workflows all require a heat press to properly apply transfers or cure printed graphics. As businesses grow, they often discover that sign-making is not defined by one machine, but by an ecosystem of complementary equipment working together to create finished products efficiently and profitably.
The best sign-making setup ultimately depends on the products you sell, but combining technologies often creates more opportunities than relying on a single decoration method.
The Best UV-LED Printers of 2026
UV printing continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the personalization industry because it allows businesses to print directly onto finished products without transfers or additional decoration processes.
Epson SureColor V4000
The Epson SureColor V4000 gives sign shops and promotional product businesses access to industrial UV printing technology capable of decorating a wide range of substrates, plus the capability to UV print braille for ADA-signage.
Ideal applications include:
- ADA signage
- Acrylic panels
- Promotional products
- Awards
- Signage
Key benefits include:
- Direct-to-object printing
- Four independent vacuum beds
- White ink capabilities
- Gloss and texture effects
- Durable outdoor-ready graphics
- Production-focused workflow
Businesses looking to expand beyond transfers and engraving should strongly consider UV printing as part of their long-term growth strategy.
eufyMake E1
The eufyMake E1 helps bring UV printing to smaller businesses and makers who want a more accessible entry point.
Its compact footprint and user-friendly workflow make it attractive for:
- Etsy sellers
- Home-based customization businesses
- Gift shops
- Promotional product startups
- Small personalization brands
For businesses entering UV printing for the first time, the E1 offers an approachable path to direct-to-object decoration.
The Best Heat Presses of 2026
A sublimation printer is only one part of a complete production workflow. High-quality heat presses ensure transfers are applied consistently and professionally.
GeoKnight Maxi Press
The GeoKnight Maxi Press Air remains a favorite for decorators producing oversized graphics and specialty applications. Choose from manual or automatic options to further optimize your workflow.
Best suited for:
- Large-format sublimation
- Flags
- Banners
- Oversized apparel
- Textile decoration
Its rugged construction and large platen make it ideal for production environments.
16" x 20" Hotronix Dual Air Fusion IQ
The Hotronix Dual Air Fusion IQ continues to be one of the most versatile heat presses available.
Key advantages include:
- Automatic operation
- Touchscreen controls
- Multiple platen configurations
- Consistent pressure distribution
- High-volume production capability
For businesses that rely heavily on sublimation or heat transfer decoration, the Fusion IQ remains one of the best investments available.
Which Equipment Is Right for Your Business?
The best sublimation printer, laser engraver, or sign-making system depends entirely on your business goals. Reach out to a JPPlus representative to talk through what options are best for you and receive a quote! Don’t forget to explore the tax advantages available with Section 179 of the IRS tax code.
Check back often to see what equipment is coming is coming to JPPlus.com!