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Epson F170 Sublimation Printer & Craft Express Heat Press

Epson F170 Sublimation Printer & Craft Express Heat Press

What is Sublimation Printing? 

Sublimation printing is a creative, heat-based process that allows users to produce vivid, permanent designs on a wide variety of items, including apparel, tote bags, mugs, plaques, and metal panels. At Seton Hall University’s Innovation Hub, sublimation projects are created using the Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer paired with the Craft Express Heat Press, blending digital design with hands-on making. 

During the process, special sublimation inks are heated until they turn into a gas and permanently bond with the surface of the material. Because the ink becomes part of the material itself, designs will not peel, crack, or fade over time. Sublimation works best on polyester fabrics, polymer-coated items (such as mugs, metal plates, and plaques), and light-colored materials, making it ideal for student projects, campus events, promotional materials, and personalized gifts. 

About Sublimation at Seton Hall 

The Epson F170 Sublimation Printer and Craft Express Heat Press are available in the Seton Hall University Innovation Hub to support creative projects, academic coursework, and campus initiatives. The setup is designed to be approachable for beginners while still delivering consistent, high-quality results. 

Who Can Use the Sublimation Printer? 

Sublimation printing is available to Seton Hall University students, faculty, and staff through the Innovation Hub under the direct supervision of professional staff 

How it Works 

A typical sublimation workflow in the Innovation Hub follows a clear, step-by-step process that helps ensure consistent, high-quality results. 

  1. Design the Artwork
    Create or edit your design using graphic design software, ensuring it is properly sized and formatted for the item you plan to print. Before printing, mirror (flip) the design so it transfers correctly during the heat press process, especially for text and directional graphics. 

  2. Print on Sublimation Paper
    Print the finalized design onto sublimation transfer paper using the Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer and approved sublimation ink. Handle the printed sheet carefully to prevent smudging or ink transfer before pressing. 

  3. Set the Heat Press
    Adjust the heat press to the correct temperature, time, and pressure settings based on the material being used, such as fabric, metal, or a coated surface. Allow the press to fully preheat to ensure even and reliable heat distribution. 

  4. Press the Item
    Place the printed transfer paper face-down onto the sublimation-ready item and secure it to prevent shifting. Apply consistent heat and pressure using the heat press for the recommended duration to allow the ink to convert into gas and bond permanently with the material. 

  5. Cool & Inspect
    After pressing, carefully remove the item from the heat press and allow it to cool slightly. Peel away the transfer paper and inspect the colors, clarity, and overall quality of the final print. 

  6. Repeat or Refine
    If adjustments are needed, modify the design, heat settings, or pressure before printing again. This iterative step encourages experimentation and helps users refine their technique for future sublimation projects. 

Campus Use & Educational Benefits 

Sublimation printing supports learning across many disciplines by combining digital design, production planning, and hands-on fabrication. It allows students to transform ideas into professional-quality physical products while reinforcing both creative and practical skills. 

Academic & Instructional Use 

  • Art & Design
    Students can create custom apparel, graphics, and visual storytelling pieces such as posters, fabric prints, and display items. Sublimation allows for experimentation with color, layout, and composition while producing polished, durable results. 

  • Business & Marketing
    Sublimation is well suited for creating branded merchandise, promotional items, and mock marketing materials. Students can design and produce items such as shirts, tote bags, and signage to support campaigns, events, or class projects. 

  • Communication & Media
    Courses focused on messaging and visual communication can use sublimation to produce tangible campaign assets. Projects may include visual identity work, awareness campaigns, or storytelling through imagery and text. 

  • Entrepreneurship
    Sublimation supports product prototyping and small-batch production, allowing students to test product ideas, branding concepts, and pricing strategies before scaling. 

Skill Development 

  • Graphic Design & Layout
    Students gain experience creating designs that translate effectively from screen to physical product. 

  • Color Management & Material Selection
    Working with sublimation helps students understand how colors and materials interact under heat and pressure. 

  • Production Planning & Workflow Management
    Students learn to manage timelines, setup steps, and quality control throughout the production process. 

  • Creative Problem-Solving & Iteration
    Through testing and refinement, students develop the ability to evaluate results and improve designs over multiple iterations. 

Training & Safety Information 

To ensure safe and successful use: 

  • Operation of the sublimation printer and heat press is to be done only under the supervision of Maker Studio professional staff 

  • Users must follow all Innovation Hub safety guidelines 

 Learning & Support Resources