Technical comparison for TSHIRT printers
Ricoh Ri 100
Sawgrass SG500
| Specifications | Ricoh Ri 100 | Sawgrass SG500 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet DTG | Sublimation |
| Color Output | CMYK | CMYK |
| Print Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 80 sec | N/A |
| Color Print Speed (PPM) | 120 sec | High Speed |
| First Page Out Time | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Double-Sided | No | No |
| Input Paper Capacity | Built-in Tray | 100 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Supported Paper Sizes | 291 x 204 mm (A4) | A4 / Legal |
| Paper Weight Support | Light Cotton | Sublimation Paper |
| Scanner Type | None | None |
| Scan Resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Support | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Printing Support | Yes | Yes |
| Display Panel | N/A | N/A |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | N/A |
| Ink/Cartridge System | N/A | N/A |
| Borderless Printing | N/A | N/A |
| Width | N/A | N/A |
| Depth | N/A | N/A |
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Machine Weight | N/A | N/A |
| Energy Efficiency | N/A | N/A |
| Noise Level (dB) | N/A | N/A |
| Processor Speed | N/A | N/A |
| Internal Memory | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | N/A | N/A |
| Security Features | N/A | N/A |
| Compatible OS | N/A | N/A |
| Included in Box | N/A | N/A |
| Warranty Period | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended Use | N/A | N/A |
| Brand | Ricoh | Sawgrass |
✅ Pros: Compact, desktop-friendly, and very easy to use.
❌ Cons: Only prints on light-colored fabrics (No white ink).
✅ Pros: Best entry-level printer for sublimation transfers.
❌ Cons: Requires specific sublimation paper and high-polyester fabric.
Choosing between the Ricoh Ri 100 and the Sawgrass SG500 is a choice between light-garment DTG and specialized sublimation. The Ricoh Ri 100 is a compact all-in-one DTG printer for printing directly onto light-colored cotton t-shirts and tote bags. The Sawgrass SG500 is a desktop sublimation printer for transferring designs onto polyester and hard goods like mugs and phone cases. If you want to offer on-the-spot personalized cotton t-shirts in a shop, the Ricoh is the winner for its convenience and internal heating unit. However, the Sawgrass SG500 is more versatile for a home-based gift business, allowing you to make a much wider range of personalized items alongside apparel. The Ricoh is much more expensive and limited to light cotton, while the Sawgrass is affordable and works on a huge variety of substrates. For a local retail kiosk, the Ricoh is better. For a versatile home-based creator, the Sawgrass SG500 is our recommendation for its reliability and product range. Overall, the Sawgrass wins for its superior value and versatility.