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Buying used sublimation equipment

By the Buckets of Ink equipment team · Updated October 1, 2026 · Tempe, Arizona

Sublimation equipment ranges from desktop printers to wide-format printers and calender presses. The printer's heads and the press's even heat decide the quality of every job.

Printers

  • Ask for a same-day nozzle check and confirm it has been running sublimation ink.
  • Ask about the print width and whether a RIP or software is included.

Calender and flatbed presses

  • Check the drum or platen heats evenly end to end.
  • Check the felt blanket on calenders for wear and tracking.
  • Ask about the heating type (oil or electric) and power requirements.

Mug and tumbler presses

  • Check each heating element reaches temperature and which sizes are included.

Before you pay for any used machine

  • See it run under load, not just power on. Ask the seller for a video of a real job if you can't visit.
  • Ask for age, hours or print/stitch count, and any service records or receipts for replaced parts.
  • Confirm parts and service are still available for that model.
  • Check the power it needs (voltage, phase, amps) against what your shop has, and price any electrical work.
  • Plan rigging, crating and freight before you buy. Heavy machines may need a forklift or liftgate at both ends.
  • Pay through escrow so the money is only released after you've inspected the machine.

Have a question about a machine? Call the Buckets of Ink team at 480-229-7806 or ask to see it run in our Tempe showroom.