Is there any other product besides sublimation ink to use with a heat press? -

I want to put photos on hard objects such as metal and tile. I know sublimation ink will work, but I was wondering if there is a chepaer alternative?

Unfortunately not, the only way to do it is with a good quality Dye-sub ink, with a good thermal transfer papers. You can get starter kits for a few hundred dollars including printer (excluding heat press)