Low-Cost Sublimation with AM.CO.ZA: The Cheapest Workable Setup, What You Pay for Once and per Item, and the Budget Mistakes to Avoid
This page started as a short 2023 sublimationinks.co.za post saying the AM.CO.ZA range makes sublimation printing affordable: good print quality, cost-efficiency, a full product line, a beginner-friendly approach, technical support and eco-friendly options. It now turns that into a practical budget guide: the four things you actually need, which AM.CO.ZA press is the cheapest one that still fits what you want to make, what is paid once and what is paid for every item, where beginners waste money, and how each claim in the original post holds up against AM.CO.ZA's own product data and videos. The original post is kept at the bottom.
Product facts come from the AM.CO.ZA product data behind buythis.co.za (product JSON on am.im, dump dated 2026-10-19) and AM.CO.ZA's own YouTube videos. This page deliberately shows no prices: the product data says prices are linked to foreign exchange rates and adjusted every week or two, so compare the current price on each linked buythis page. Stock is not shown here.
Quick answer
- The cheapest workable setup is a dye-ink office inkjet printer you buy separately (AM.CO.ZA suggests a new Epson EcoTank), the four-colour 100 ml ink pack H-INK/COMBO/100, A4 sublimation paper H-PAPER/A4, heat-resistant tape, a Teflon sheet for flat items, sublimation-coated blanks or white polyester, and the smallest press that fits what you will make.
- Mugs only: H-HOBBY/MUG (manual, 320 ml mugs) or H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO (one-button automatic, 320 ml mugs).
- T-shirts, mugs, caps and plates on one press: H-HOBBY/P5 or H-HOBBY/M5 from the Hobby range, or H-PRESS/MT5 when it is for a business and you want the 1,400 W Heatware press.
- What keeps it cheap: refilling a bulk-tank printer from bottles instead of buying cartridges, pressing only polyester or coated blanks, and avoiding the mistakes in the table further down, because a ruined blank costs more than the ink on it.
- What not to expect: the Hobby combos, the Hobby 3D and the automatic mug press are sold for hobby use, with a manual but no training, and their warranty covers the electronic components only. Attachments, accessories and consumables carry no warranty, and the M5, P5 and 3D product data says no additional or replacement attachments are available.
The four things you need
AM.CO.ZA's heat press business video sums it up: a heat press with its attachments, heat-resistant tape and Teflon, sublimation ink and paper, an inkjet printer, and the blanks you want to decorate. AM.CO.ZA supplies everything except the printer, which you buy from a normal retailer.
- A printer that can print dye ink. In #SortIT, Choose EPSON EcoTank Bulk Ink Printer for Sublimation Printing for Our Heat Press Machine (2018-10-30), AM.CO.ZA says a normal office printer with a bulk ink system is enough for most heat-press work, as long as it can print dye ink and reproduce colour at a minimum of 600 dots per inch. AM.CO.ZA recommends Epson inkjets because most of them can print dye ink at competitive prices. The ink product data adds that sublimation ink suits piezoelectric drop-on-demand printheads, not thermal (heat-expansion) printheads, and suggests a brand-new Epson EcoTank printer for the best result.
- Sublimation ink. H-INK/COMBO/100 gives 100 ml of cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Busy printers move up to the 1 kg bottles in H2-INK/COMBO/CMYK.
- Sublimation paper. H-PAPER/A4 and H-PAPER/A3 are 100 g sheets, 100 per bag, for hard surfaces and light-coloured polyester fabric, printed with sublimation ink as a mirror image.
- A heat press, plus tape and Teflon. The press is the main one-time cost and the choice is covered next.
Which press is the cheapest one that fits
Buy the press for the items you will actually make. A dedicated mug press is the smallest outlay for mugs; a combo press is cheaper than buying a separate flat, mug and cap press if you need all three.
The Heatware Hobby range
| Press | What it does | Power and heat | Size and weight (packed) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H-HOBBY/MUG | Standard 320 ml mugs, model F110 | 320 W, up to 210 °C | 22 × 23 × 26 cm, 2.5 kg | Portable; set temperature and time on the control panel |
| H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO | Standard 320 ml mugs, automatic sensing and clamping | 280 W, up to 200 °C, timer 1 to 100 s | 23 × 35 × 22 cm, 3.5 kg | One button; single fixed pressure; closes and opens by itself |
| H-HOBBY/TUMBLER | Straight-sided tumblers up to 85 mm diameter in a 270 mm holder, model F320 | 620 W, up to 210 °C | 24 × 36 × 28 cm, 5 kg | For coated drinkware |
| H-HOBBY/CAP | Caps, with a cap stretcher and 70, 75 and 100 mm pads, model F136 | 310 W, up to 205 °C | 21 × 41 × 41 cm, 8.5 kg | Dedicated cap press |
| H-HOBBY/P5 | 5 in 1 portable combo: 250 × 300 mm flat press, 320 ml mug, cap, and sponges for 20 and 25 cm plates, model P1210 | 1,000 W, up to 200 °C, timer 1 to 999 s | 26.5 × 61.5 × 37.5 cm, 7.41 kg | Lightest combo |
| H-HOBBY/M5 | 5 in 1 combo: 290 × 380 mm flat press, 320 ml mug, cap, and sponges for 20 and 25 cm plates, model F910 | 850 W, up to 205 °C, timer 1 to 999 s | 42 × 43 × 35 cm, 14 kg | Larger flat area; mug and cap pads rated for about 500 pressings each |
| H-HOBBY/3D | 180 × 205 mm flat pad plus a silicone vacuum chamber for phone cases, stone, aluminium and crystal plates, and a vacuum mug clamp for mugs up to 90 mm diameter and 260 mm long, model PD2800 | 800 W, up to 220 °C | 38 × 41 × 36 cm, 12 kg | For shaped items; one product data line gives the flat press as 180 × 250 mm, so confirm the pad size with sales |
| H-HOBBY/3838C | 380 × 380 mm clamshell flat press for T-shirts, tote bags and cushion covers, model F3802 | 1,200 W, up to 205 °C | 70 × 60 × 36 cm, 17 kg | Biggest Hobby flat area |
The Hobby presses run on 220 V household power. The M5, P5, 3D and automatic mug press list an EU Schuko plug cable, and the product data says you can replace the plug without affecting the warranty; the same four list temperature control precise to within 1 °C. Those four are also DIY products: you assemble them yourself with the manual and the videos.
When the Heatware business presses are the better buy
| Press | What it does | Power and heat | Why pay more |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-PRESS/MT5 | Multitalent 290 × 380 mm flat press with mug, two plate and cap attachments | 1,400 W, 93 °C to 232 °C, precise to within 2 °C, timer 1 to 999 s | A heavier business press (19.8 kg packed) for start-ups, print shops and gift businesses |
| H-PRESS/3838 | 380 × 380 mm swing-away flat press | 1,400 W, 93 °C to 232 °C | The swing-away top moves the hot platen aside; it works with Multitalent mug, plate, cap and shoe attachments |
| H-PRESS/3838C | 380 × 380 mm clamshell flat press | 1,400 W, up to 230 °C | Saves bench space for T-shirt and fabric work |
| H-PRESS/MUG | Standalone mug press with a 320 ml cylinder holder | 93 °C to 232 °C | Adjustable temperature and pressure for different mugs |
| H-PRESS/MUG/ALL | Automatic tumbler press up to 85 mm diameter and 270 mm long, model F300 | Power and range not listed | Automatic pressing; also presses many common mug and cup sizes |
The MT5, 3838 and standalone mug press product data carries AM.CO.ZA's SANS note: AM.CO.ZA says it was the only company to have its heat press pass the South African National Standards (SANS) test, and that at the time no other heat press on the market had been tested. All the presses on this page, Hobby and business, list a 12-month (1 year) quality warranty against faulty materials or poor workmanship, not wear and tear or misuse.
A simple rule: if you will press a few items a week for gifts or a side hustle, a Hobby press is the low-cost start. If the press will run every day, or you need to replace a worn attachment later, the business range is the cheaper choice over time, because the Hobby combos list no replacement attachments.
What you pay once, and what you pay for every item
| Paid once | Paid for every item |
|---|---|
| The printer (bought separately) | Ink used on the print |
| The heat press and its attachments | One sheet (or part sheet) of sublimation paper |
| Teflon sheets | The blank: a coated mug, tumbler, plate or a polyester garment |
| A strip of heat-resistant tape | |
| Electricity for heating up and pressing |
Ways to bring the per-item cost down, all from AM.CO.ZA's own material:
- Refill, do not buy cartridges. AM.CO.ZA's affordable ink video points out that filling a bulk ink printer from bottles means you no longer keep buying new cartridges.
- Buy ink by the kilogram once volume grows. H2-INK/COMBO/CMYK packs a 1 kg bottle of each colour.
- Stay with one ink brand. The heat press business video advises keeping the same ink brand when you refill so the colour pigments do not mix.
- Buy blanks in a box. H-PRESS/MUG/36 is a box of 36 standard 11 oz (320 ml) sublimation mugs. The product data marks it as no shipping, so plan to collect it.
- Use the white space. Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22) notes that sublimation has no white ink, so you can leave a white border around a mug design and cut neatly without wasting print.
- Buy the right tape. AM.CO.ZA lists heat-resistant transfer tapes as add-ons to the Hobby presses: H-TAPE/THERMAL (10 rolls, 5 mm wide, about 220 m in total), H-TAPE/THERMAL/8 and H-TAPE/THERMAL/20 (silicone based, blue, no residue), and H-TAPE/THERMAL/T20 (Teflon based, 0.08 mm thin, 100 m, white, no residue).
Budget mistakes that cost more than they save
| Mistake | What happens | What AM.CO.ZA says to do |
|---|---|---|
| Using a printer with a thermal printhead | Sublimation ink is activated by heat, so it does not suit thermal printheads | Use a piezoelectric printer such as an Epson inkjet; a new EcoTank is suggested |
| Pressing cotton-rich shirts | In the sublimation FAQ video, the cotton share of a blended shirt loses its ink once it is washed | Use white or light polyester; the T-shirt demo says 100% polyester or spandex, or at least 75% polyester with 25% cotton |
| Using a normal shop mug | The mug tips video explains a normal mug has no special coating for the ink to bond to | Buy sublimation-coated blanks such as H-PRESS/MUG/36 |
| Touching the printed ink | Oils from your fingers transfer to the print and can leave a blemish | Handle the print by its edges |
| Pressing to the edge, or on mesh, without protection paper | Ink passes the fabric and permanently stains the press blanket | Put tissue or liner paper behind the fabric |
| Leaving the printer on automatic colour | The driver changes your design's colours | Follow the Epson driver settings video: plain paper, high quality, no colour adjustment |
| Mirroring twice | The design ends up the wrong way round | Mirror either in the printer driver or in the design software, not both |
| Peeling a mug straight out of the press | The video for H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO warns that it will burn you | Let it cool a little, then remove the print |
| Buying dark-fabric paper as sublimation paper | H-PAPER/DARK/A4 and H-PAPER/DARK/A3 are white heat transfer papers printed on a normal inkjet printer and cut out, not sublimation papers | Use H-PAPER/A4 or H-PAPER/A3 for sublimation ink; use the dark-fabric papers for dark or cotton-rich fabric |
Two paper routes for cotton and dark fabric
Sublimation itself only works on polyester and coated surfaces. For cotton and dark garments AM.CO.ZA lists two other Heatware papers, both 20 sheets per bag and both rated for fabric with up to 95% cotton:
- H-PAPER/A4L and H-PAPER/A3L: printed on a normal inkjet or laser printer as a mirror image.
- H-PAPER/DARK/A4 and H-PAPER/DARK/A3: white transfer paper for dark fabric, printed on a normal inkjet printer, cut around the design, and applied with a heat press or a suitable iron.
The original 2023 post linked the dark-fabric paper as "sublimation paper". It is a transfer paper for normal inkjet ink, so it is listed here separately.
The original claims, checked against AM.CO.ZA facts
| Original claim | What the AM.CO.ZA facts show |
|---|---|
| Exceptional print quality on textiles, ceramics, metals and other substrates | Quality depends on the substrate: sublimation bonds with polyester and sublimation-coated blanks, while cotton loses its share of the ink in the wash. Use printer settings with no colour adjustment and press at the right temperature and time |
| Cost-efficiency, "from entry-level sublimation printers to ink sets and transfer papers" | AM.CO.ZA's own advice is to buy an ordinary dye-ink office printer (an Epson EcoTank is suggested) rather than a dedicated desktop sublimation printer; the savings come from bottled ink refills, bagged paper and right-sized presses |
| Comprehensive product line, including heat presses and blank substrates | The product data covers ink, papers, Hobby and business presses, attachments, tapes, cleaner and blank mugs; the printer is the one item you buy elsewhere |
| User-friendly for beginners | The Hobby presses come with a user manual, and AM.CO.ZA publishes unbox and operation videos for the M5, P5 and automatic mug press. The mug and tumbler press video says AM.CO.ZA's mug presses need no installation. The combos are DIY assembly |
| Technical support and resources | The DIY product data points to SortIT.co.za videos and AM.CO.ZA support on WhatsApp 060 600 7000. Note that the Hobby combos, Hobby 3D and automatic mug press list training as not included |
| Eco-friendly options | The inks are water-based dye inks. The product data makes no further environmental claims |
Your first low-cost print, step by step
- Fill a new dye-ink printer with one brand of sublimation ink, as the heat press business video advises.
- Set the printer driver once and save it as a preset: plain paper, high quality, no colour adjustment, mirror image (driver settings video).
- Print on the shiny, coated side of H-PAPER/A4.
- Trim the print, handling it by the edges, and tape it to the blank with heat-resistant tape.
- For a polyester T-shirt, set light to medium pressure, use Teflon above and below, and press at about 200 °C for 60 to 90 seconds, then peel the paper straight away (T-shirt demo).
- For a mug, the mug press video sets about 200 °C; time depends on the mug, so follow the blank's guideline and test one first. On the automatic press, insert the mug when the green light shows and let it open by itself.
- Check other materials against AM.CO.ZA's temperature and press time guideline.
Three budget paths
| Path | Press | Ink and paper | Blanks and extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mugs for gifts and markets | H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO or H-HOBBY/MUG | H-INK/COMBO/100, H-PAPER/A4 | H-PRESS/MUG/36, a heat-resistant tape |
| T-shirts, mugs and caps from one press | H-HOBBY/P5 or H-HOBBY/M5 | H-INK/COMBO/100, H-PAPER/A4 or H-PAPER/A3 | Polyester garments, coated mugs, Teflon, tape |
| A growing small business | H-PRESS/MT5, or H-PRESS/3838 plus a mug press | H2-INK/COMBO/CMYK, H-PAPER/A3 | Blanks bought in bulk; keep F-AQUA/CLEAN/100 on hand for printhead cleaning |
Frequently asked questions
What is the least I need to start sublimation printing? A dye-ink inkjet printer, sublimation ink, sublimation paper, a heat press that fits your items, heat-resistant tape, Teflon, and polyester or sublimation-coated blanks.
Does AM.CO.ZA sell the printer? For office-printer sublimation, AM.CO.ZA's advice is to buy a normal dye-ink inkjet such as an Epson EcoTank from a retailer. For production volumes, AM.CO.ZA sells FastCOLOUR ONE large format sublimation printers.
Is a Hobby press good enough? For hobby use and small orders, yes; that is what it is sold for. The combos include a manual but no training, the warranty covers the main electronic components only (attachments, accessories and consumables carry none), and the M5 and P5 list no replacement attachments. For daily business use, look at the Heatware MT5 or 3838 presses.
Which Hobby combo should I pick, P5 or M5? Both have a mug press, a cap press and plate sponges. The P5 is lighter and portable with a 250 × 300 mm flat press at 1,000 W; the M5 has a larger 290 × 380 mm flat press at 850 W and is heavier.
Can I sublimate onto cotton or dark shirts? Not lastingly. Use polyester or the Heatware cotton and dark-fabric transfer papers instead.
Can I use any mug? No. A normal mug has no coating for the ink to bond to. Use sublimation mugs such as the box of 36.
Where are the prices? On each linked buythis page. Prices are linked to foreign exchange rates and change every week or two, so this page does not repeat them.
Videos
- Start a Business with Heat Press Machines, All Kinds of Heat Press & Sublimation Machines Explained (2021-02-20)
- #SortIT, Choose EPSON EcoTank Bulk Ink Printer for Sublimation Printing for Our Heat Press Machine (2018-10-30)
- Affordable Sublimation Ink for Sublimation Printing from AM CO ZA for Office Inkjet Printer (2018-10-30)
- #SortIT, Change Printer Setting for Better Colour While Using Heatware Sublimation Ink from AM CO ZA (2018-10-30)
- T-Shirt Sublimation Printing by Print on Office Inkjet Printer and Press on Heatware Heat Press Demo (2018-11-09)
- #SortIT, Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper Temperature and Press Time Guideline for All Fabrics (2020-03-17)
- Sublimation Printing FAQ, Large Format Sublimation Printer and Roller Heat Press Usage Guide (2025-02-10)
- Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22)
- How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29)
- Operation Guide for Heatware Hobby Automatic Mug Heat Press, One Button Simple Auto Press (2025-08-03)
- Basic Operation Steps for Heatware Hobby 5 in 1 Portable Heat Press Combo (2025-05-07)
- Unbox Heatware Hobby M5 5 in 1 Heat Press, Assemble and Operation Guide (2025-05-21)
- Heat Presses Tour of Popular Heat Presses in South Africa Market for Business and Industrial (2024-05-28)
- Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Combo with 9 Attachments for Sublimation Heat Press Application (2018-07-28)
Related pages
- The benefits of sublimation ink
- Sublimation printing business offerings
- 5 sublimation printing projects
- Heat Press SKU Guide
- Heat Press Machine Gallery Images
Original post (2023, sublimationinks.co.za)
Source: https://sublimationinks.co.za/low-cost-sublimation
- published: 2023-10-20 16:50:10
- modified: 2023-10-24 17:06:04
From custom apparel and home decor to promotional items and gifts, sublimation printing offers a world of possibilities. However, one often faces the challenge of balancing quality and affordability. Enter the AM.CO.ZA range of sublimation printing inks and products, for sale on the Buythis.co.za, a true game-changer for those seeking excellence on a budget.
Revolutionizing Sublimation on a Budget
AM.CO.ZA has positioned itself as a pioneer in the field of digital printing solutions, offering a wide array of products that cater to both beginners and professionals via the https://sublimationinks.co.za/shop. What sets the AM.CO.ZA range apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality while keeping costs in check, making it an ideal choice for those venturing into sublimation printing with budget constraints.
Exceptional Print Quality
One might assume that a low-budget solution could compromise print quality. However, AM.CO.ZA defies this notion by offering sublimation inks that produce vibrant, sharp, and true-to-life prints. Whether you're working with textiles, ceramics, metals, or other substrates, these inks ensure that every image and design exudes professionalism and eye-catching appeal.
Cost-Efficiency Redefined
AM.CO.ZA has redefined cost-efficiency in Sublimation printing. By providing a range of products that are affordable without skimping on quality, they have made it possible for businesses and individuals to enter the Sublimation printing arena without breaking the bank. From entry-level sublimation printers to ink sets and transfer papers, every product is designed to maximize value for money.
Comprehensive Product Line
The AM.CO.ZA range goes beyond just sublimation inks. It encompasses an entire ecosystem of sublimation printing products, ensuring that users have access to everything they need for a seamless printing experience. This includes sublimation paper, heat presses, blank substrates, and more. This comprehensive approach streamlines the printing process and eliminates the need to source products from multiple suppliers.
User-Friendly Approach
One of the standout features of the AM.CO.ZA range is its user-friendly approach. The products are designed with beginners in mind, providing straightforward setup and operation instructions. This empowers newcomers to the world of sublimation printing to quickly grasp the process and create stunning prints from the get-go.
Technical Support and Resources
Embarking on a new printing venture, especially on a budget, can be a daunting task. AM.CO.ZA understands this and offers excellent technical support and resources to guide users through any challenges they might encounter. From troubleshooting assistance to helpful tips and tutorials, users can rely on AM.CO.ZA to be a supportive partner in their sublimation journey.
Sustainability Considerations
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the AM.CO.ZA range of sublimation inks has taken a step forward by offering eco-friendly options. This ensures that your sublimation printing endeavours not only remain budget-friendly but also align with sustainable practices.
The Verdict: Unleash Your Sublimation Creativity with AM.CO.ZA
The AM.CO.ZA range of sublimation printing inks and products is undoubtedly a game-changer for those seeking to embark on a sublimation printing journey without breaking the bank. With their commitment to quality, affordability, and comprehensive support, AM.CO.ZA has redefined what's possible for low-budget sublimation printing. Whether you're a small business owner, a hobbyist, or an entrepreneur with creative ambitions, AM.CO.ZA is your partner in unlocking the full potential of sublimation printing while keeping your budget intact.