what is sublimation printing

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing

The general definition of sublimation is “sublimation is a chemical process in which the solid is turned into a gas without undergoing any liquid procedure.” Sublimation printing is also known as dye sublimation printing. It is the printing method to print the images or designs onto desired materials. In a typical printing way, the solid is moved towards the liquid before turning into any gas. In the sublimation procedure, the solid is not transferred to any liquid stage as it straightaway changes from solid to gas due to the specific chemical process.

Sublimation printing is widespread for the transferring of images to make classy fabrics. This printing method gives the exact similar print with the right resolution as the design we have. The product that is made with sublimation printing is known for its exceptional durability and long-lasting use.

How sublimation printing works

The sublimation printing method involves a few steps, it uses a digital printer to create the images on the sublimation transfer paper, but it is done using special sublimation ink. After that, the sublimation paper is placed into a heat press with the fabric on which we want the design to get printed. The heat press is set to a high temperature of about 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The effects of heat press will help the ink, and the transfer paper is turned into a gas from solid. When the material and the ink are changed into gases, they start to transfer to the fabric material.

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At the point when the warmth is expelled from the exchange paper and substrate, the ink that has pervaded the filaments hardens and is bolted for all time into the spot by the exchange material. Not exclusively does the warmth discharge the gas from the sublimation ink, yet it opens the pores of the material you are moving the picture to. When the weight and warmth are discharged, the sublimation ink comes back to its steady state, and the texture pores close, catching the ink inside.

Sublimation printing fabrics

The sublimation printing method is not best for all kinds of fabrics. It is recommended to sue the sublimation printing on 100% polyester materials and the products that do have a polymer coating on them. Using sublimation printing onto white or light shaded fabrics will surely give you the best printing results. To get the dark shaded fabric printed, it is recommended to use any other suitable printing methods as the sublimation method won’t give the desired results. Sublimation printing does have limited options, but if using it for polyester products or polyester coated products, it is one of the best printing methods adopted.

Sublimation printing cost

The sublimation printing procedure is quite costly, and when the cost of materials required is added it gets much pricey. As mentioned earlier the sublimation method requires sublimation transfer paper, special sublimation ink, and moreover, a heat press is required that is way too expensive. This printing method can go well with mini orders because this process is costly and it takes a bit of time to give the results as well.

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