Dye sublimation is a digital printing technology that uses heat transfer to apply an image to the intended substrate . ... Print graphics onto special transfer paper using sublimation printer and inks. Use a heat press to transfer the ink-on-paper to the substrate.
What is dye sublimation printing and how does it work?
Using a wide-format inkjet printer, dye-sub inks are printed on a special transfer paper. From there, the ink is heat transferred from the paper onto a fabric by using a heat press. The ink changes from a solid to a gas (hence the term “sublimation”) and enters the polyester fibers.
Is dye sublimation better than inkjet?
An inkjet printer uses only as much ink as needed to produce an image or a printed page; ink remaining from one print batch will be used on subsequent ones. The dye sublimation process is less efficient in terms of ink : the printer transfers only a portion of each of the ribbon’s three primary color panels to the page.
What is the difference between sublimation sublimation and dye?
Dye sublimation ink has greater print accuracy and performance and delivers stunning results. Sublimated products will not crack, peel off or wash off . Sublimation ink is used for textile printing or personalized or promotional items.
Why would you recommend a dye sublimation printer?
Dye sublimation printers produce images by heating a coloured dye, transferring the dye in gas form to paper where the dye cools and solidifies . This process is ideal for producing photographic quality images on a variety of media. ... Solid ink printers do not use any form of toner powder to produce their images.
What are the disadvantages of sublimation?
Sublimation items must have a white or light-coloured print area . Black or dark-coloured surfaces can’t be sublimated. The item may lose colour over the months due to the effect of UV rays if it’s permanently exposed to direct sunlight. Like all inkjet printers, the printheads may clog if they are not used frequently.
Is it worth getting a sublimation printer?
Sublimation printing is outstanding for fine lines and details , and arguably one of the best methods for all-over printing. With low set up costs, it is great for small runs, and the printing is so close to permanent it’s pretty much unbeatable.
How much does a dye sublimation printer cost?
While dye sublimation printers are made for household as well as professional use, they can cost around $300 for a small home one and can go up to $600 for a more high-end product. For larger printers for mass production, they can cost up to $10,000.
How long does sublimation ink last?
A printer’s sublimation inks have a shelf life. Leaving them in the printer too long will cause issues such as color shifting, head clogs and banding. Many people agree that you can print past the “use-by” date without any issues, but a good rule of thumb is to use the cartridges within six months of installing them.
What do you need to dye sublimation?
For sublimation to take place, you need heat and pressure . Successful dye-sublimation requires the following two-part process: Print graphics onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks. Use a heat press to transfer the ink-on-paper to the item you want to decorate.
Is sublimation cheaper than screen printing?
If you are making many T-shirts, screen printing is a more cost-effective approach. Dye sublimation is better for small projects of just one or two T-shirts. The reason for this is because dye sublimation is more expensive and time-consuming.
Can I use sublimation ink on regular paper?
Can I Use Sublimation Ink On Regular Paper? You can, but it won’t look too good . Because of the process that goes on during printing, the regular paper makes for a poor carrier of the ink.
Can I use a regular printer for sublimation?
Printers can be switched but not on an as needed basis. You must completely flush the system. Reason being the color and chemical make up of the inks are not the same. So if you use regular ink and then put in sublimation your prints will come out wrong and the ink obviously doesnt bond to the substrate... see more.
Which is better sublimation or heat transfer?
If your business focuses or mainly focuses in white and light-color polyester apparel, sublimation is a great option. Your prints will have the lightest hand and great durability and washability. However, if you want to print on any color or material type, heat transfer paper will be your best bet.
Does dye sublimation work on cotton?
With sublimation, you’re more limited in the types of fabrics you can decorate compared to heat transfer paper. First, sublimation only works with polyester fabrics. No 100% cotton ! ... On the other hand, with heat transfer paper, you can decorate on light and dark-colored cotton, polyester and cotton-poly blends.
