Sawgrass SG500 vs Ricoh Ri 1000
Technical comparison for TSHIRT printers
Sawgrass SG500
Ricoh Ri 1000
| Specifications | Sawgrass SG500 | Ricoh Ri 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Sublimation | Professional DTG |
| Color Output | CMYK | CMYK + White |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | N/A | 28 sec |
| Color Print Speed (PPM) | High Speed | 42 sec (Fine) |
| First Page Out Time | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Double-Sided | No | No |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets | Interchangeable Platen |
| Output Tray Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4 / Legal | 16 x 19.6 inches |
| Paper Weight Support | Sublimation Paper | Any Fabric |
| Scanner Type | None | None |
| Scan Resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Ethernet Support | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Printing Support | Yes | No |
| 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 | Sawgrass | Ricoh |
Sawgrass SG500 Review
✅ Pros: Best entry-level printer for sublimation transfers.
❌ Cons: Requires specific sublimation paper and high-polyester fabric.
Ricoh Ri 1000 Review
✅ Pros: Fastest maintenance in its class, high durability prints.
❌ Cons: Requires a heat press for curing (not included).
Expert Verdict
Choosing between the professional Ricoh Ri 1000 and the desktop Sawgrass SG500 is a choice between DTG for apparel and sublimation for gifts. The Ricoh Ri 1000 is a high-speed Direct-to-Garment printer designed for professional printing on cotton t-shirts and hoodies, including dark fabrics. The Sawgrass SG500 is a small desktop sublimation printer for transferring designs onto polyester and hard goods like mugs and phone cases. If you want to start a premium t-shirt brand, the Ricoh is your primary tool for its speed and high-quality results. However, for a home-based gift business, the Sawgrass provides a much more manageable and profitable starting point with lower overhead. The Ricoh is a significant industrial investment that requires daily maintenance, while the Sawgrass is almost entirely maintenance-free. If you are focused on high-end cotton apparel, the Ricoh Ri 1000 is the winner. For a versatile home-based merchandise shop, the Sawgrass SG500 is our recommendation for its simplicity and reliability. Overall, the Ricoh wins for its professional garment-printing capabilities.