WHAT DOES SUBLIMATION PRINTING MEAN?
By the expression “sublimation printing” or “sublimation printing” we refer to the process by which inks attach to polyester fabric through a sublimation process.
This process, in the field of digital printing, concerns the transformation that inks undergo when, upon coming into contact with heat, they turn into gas (sublimate) and bond stably to the polyester surface.
SUBLIMATION PRINTING: WHAT IS NEEDED AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Sublimation printing is done by inkjet printers equipped with sublimation inks and using special sublimation paper.
Through the application of heat and pressure, they change from the solid to the gaseous state and then return to the solid state on the polyester fabric.
This particular process serves to keep the sublimation dye inside the fabric fiber, where it is fixed by heat and pressure.
Heat and pressure are applied by a calender or hot press (heat press).
WHAT IS SUBLIMATION PAPER?
The sublimation printing paper is the substrate on which the ink imprinted by the printer is placed, which will be transferred to the fabric to transmit the print.
Sublimation paper has two sides: one coatized, the other not.
The first side traps the ink and releases it in gaseous form as it is laminated to the fabric by the action of the calender or heat press.
Sublimation papers have several characteristics that relate to their grammage, the amount of coating, and whether they are adhesive or not.
The greater the weight of the transfer paper used, the better the quality of the finished product.
In fact, a paper with a lower grammage is likely to cause ripples when printing, while a higher grammage will allow significant ink coverings without problems when printing especially at high speeds.
ON WHAT CAN YOU SUBLIMATE?
Sublimation printing on fabric, cotton, and T-shirts is very popular. In fact, thermal sublimation printing is mainly used to customize polyester T-shirts, pretreated polyester-based fabrics, and nylon.
Polyester is a synthetic polymer fiber and can also be used mixed with other natural (cotton) or synthetic (nylon, polypropylene, Lycra) fibers.
For sublimation printers, it is critical to choose the best polyester or polyester-blend fabric, as printing speed and resolution are derived from this.
Sublimation does not stop with fabric and fashion, but also extends to customizing gifts, gadgets and sports equipment.
Check out all Transmatic sublimation printing products or contact us for more information!
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