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Sawgrass SG500 vs SG1000: Which Printer Is Right for You?

Sawgrass Printer Guide

Sawgrass SG500 vs SG1000: Which Sublimation Printer Is Right for You?

The Sawgrass SG500 and Sawgrass SG1000 are professional desktop printers designed for sublimation and VersiFlex printing. This guide compares the two models to help you choose the right printer for your workflow, materials, and production volume.

Quick Answer

Choose the SG500 if you are starting a customization business or producing smaller products such as mugs, apparel, and promotional items. Choose the SG1000 if you need larger print sizes or higher production capacity for growing businesses.

The Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 are two of the most popular desktop sublimation printers for custom product businesses. Both printers support SubliJet UHD sublimation inks and VersiFlex ink systems, but they differ in print size, production capacity, and ideal use cases.


SG500 vs SG1000 Comparison

Feature Sawgrass SG500 Sawgrass SG1000
Maximum Print Size 8.5" x 14" 11" x 17" (13" x 19" with bypass tray)
Best For Startups, small businesses Higher production businesses
Ink Capacity Standard cartridges Standard or extended cartridges
Paper Size Options Up to legal size Up to tabloid size
Recommended For Home businesses Production environments

Sawgrass SG500 Overview

The Sawgrass SG500 is one of the most popular desktop sublimation printers for creators and small businesses. It supports both SubliJet UHD sublimation inks and VersiFlex inks, allowing users to produce custom products such as apparel, mugs, and promotional items.

  • Compact desktop footprint
  • Affordable entry point for customization businesses
  • Reliable print quality for sublimation and VersiFlex transfers
  • Ideal for small production environments

Sawgrass SG1000 Overview

The Sawgrass SG1000 is the larger production model in the Sawgrass desktop printer lineup. It offers a larger print area and higher ink capacity, making it better suited for businesses producing larger items or higher volumes.

  • Larger print format for bigger designs
  • Optional bypass tray for oversized media
  • Higher productivity for growing businesses
  • Compatible with both SubliJet UHD and VersiFlex ink systems

Which Sawgrass Printer Should You Choose?

If you are launching a customization business, the SG500 is typically the best starting point because of its lower investment and versatile capabilities.

If you expect higher production volumes or want the ability to print larger designs, the SG1000 offers greater flexibility and scalability.

Both printers use the same Sawgrass software ecosystem and can run different ink systems depending on your application.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Do the SG500 and SG1000 use the same ink?

Yes. Both printers support the same Sawgrass ink systems including SubliJet UHD sublimation ink and VersiFlex ink.

Can the SG500 print large designs?

The SG500 supports prints up to 8.5" x 14". For larger designs, the SG1000 provides greater media flexibility.

Which printer is better for beginners?

Most beginners start with the SG500 because of its lower cost and compact size while still delivering professional results.

Can I upgrade from SG500 to SG1000 later?

Yes. Many businesses start with the SG500 and later upgrade to the SG1000 as production demand increases.


Why Buy from SawgrassInks.com?

We are an authorized Sawgrass dealer serving the professional printing industry since 1996. We supply genuine Sawgrass printers, inks, and media to help businesses build reliable customization workflows.