Sublimation

Sublimation printing is a method used primarily for decorating polyester fabrics and polyester-coated items with vibrant, high-quality designs.

Process: Sublimation printing involves a chemical process where solid dye turns into a gas without passing through a liquid state. The design is first printed onto sublimation paper using specialized sublimation inks. Heat and pressure are then applied using a heat press, causing the ink to sublimate (transform from solid to gas) and bond with the polyester fibers or polyester coating on the substrate.
Inks: Sublimation inks are formulated with dyes that can sublimate under heat and bond with polyester molecules. These inks are typically CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) and produce vibrant, durable colors. New colour added to the list are fluorescent colors like Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Pink, Fluorescent Orange, and Fluorescent Violet. For more color gamut the 6 color machine can also be used CMYK and LC,LM (Light Cyan, Light Magenta).
Versatility: Sublimation is versatile for decorating a wide range of polyester-based products, including apparel (such as t-shirts, jerseys), accessories (like bags, hats), home decor items (such as cushions, blankets), and promotional products (like mugs, keychains).
Detail and Color: It excels in producing high-resolution, photographic-quality prints with smooth gradients and vivid colors. The dye penetrates the fibers of the polyester substrate, resulting in designs that are washable and durable without fading.
Setup and Maintenance: Setting up for sublimation requires a sublimation printer, sublimation inks, and a heat press. The printer must be loaded with sublimation inks and sublimation paper. Regular maintenance of equipment ensures consistent and reliable printing results.
Advantages: Sublimation offers several advantages, including:
1. Excellent color reproduction and detail.
2. Long-lasting prints that are resistant to fading and washing.
3. No visible texture or feel on the substrate, as the dye becomes part of the material.
Limitations: Limited to polyester or polyester-coated substrates; not suitable for natural fibers like cotton or dark-colored fabrics. 1. Requires specific equipment and consumables, which can be initially expensive. 2. Designs may not appear as vibrant on colored or non-polyester surfaces compared to white or light-colored polyester.

In conclusion, sublimation printing is valued for its ability to create durable, vibrant prints on polyester-based materials, making it a preferred choice for applications where high-quality, full-color designs are desired.