Sublimation printing is a digital printing technique that utilizes heat to transfer dye onto materials, primarily those with polyester or polymer coatings. Here's a more detailed explanation:

The Process:

• Digital Design:
  • A digital design is created on a computer.
• Sublimation Ink and Paper:
  • The design is printed onto special sublimation transfer paper using sublimation inks. These inks are unique in that they can transition from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid.
• Heat Transfer:
  • The printed transfer paper is placed onto the target material (e.g., a polyester fabric, a mug with a polymer coating).
  • Heat and pressure are applied using a heat press.
• Sublimation:
  • The heat causes the solid sublimation ink to turn into a gas.
  • This gaseous ink then penetrates the fibers of the polyester fabric or the coating of the other material.
  • As the material cools, the gaseous ink reverts to a solid, becoming permanently embedded within the material.

Key Characteristics:

• Vibrant and Durable Prints:
  • Sublimation produces high-resolution, full-color prints that are vibrant and long-lasting.
  • Because the ink becomes part of the material, the prints won't crack, peel, or fade.
• Polyester and Coated Materials:
  • Sublimation works best on polyester fabrics and materials with a polymer coating.
• All-Over Printing:
  • It allows for "all-over" printing, meaning designs can cover the entire surface of an item.

Common Applications:

• Apparel:
  • Sportswear, custom t-shirts, and other polyester garments.
• Promotional Products:
  • Mugs, phone cases, keychains, and other personalized items.
• Signage and Displays:
  • Fabric banners, flags, and other display materials.

In essence, sublimation printing is a process that uses heat to infuse dye into materials, resulting in high-quality, durable, and vibrant prints.