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.
