What is the difference between a sublimation printer and a regular printer?

Sublimation printing vs inkjet

Inkjet printers print liquid ink on top of paper, while sublimation printers permeate the material with ink vapors. Sublimation printing is best suited for printing graphics onto plastic substrates.

What does a sublimation printer do?

Well, sublimation printing uses heat to essentially bring ink and fabric together as one. ... The heat opens up the pores of the fabric, then with the applied pressure the ink cools and returns to a solid form. The result is a permanent, full colour image that won't crack, peel or wash away from the substrate.