Sublimation printing is one of the transmission technologies which are using physical phenomena. Special sublimation ink is applied to transfer paper and then at a temperature of 170-200 degrees Celsius and the high pressure the solid state changes to gaseous. In the second stage, when the sublimation layer is heated, the structure is released and the micro-pore. At a temperature of about 190 degrees Celsius the sublimation starts to occur and the fibers become dyed.
What fabrics can be used?
The most suitable material for applying this technology is 100% polyester, or a blend of cotton and polyester and its products. Polyester has ideal properties for sublimation. It is solid, mechanically and chemically resistant and can be used for production of different types of fabrics. Typical products of sublimation technology are sports jerseys.
Another category for sublimation printing is ceramics, glass, jigsaw puzzles, mouse mats, and various materials that contain a special sublimation layer. Typical products are various promotional items or gift items.
How do we print a special sublimation ink?
We use modern printing machines MIMAKI for large-format sublimation printing, on which we can also print fluo (shining) colors.
Advantages of sublimation printing:
- insensible to touch
- extreme resistance to rubbish and chemicals
- low weight and high strength
- products can be washed and chemically cleaned
Disadvantages of sublimation printing:
Sublimation does not guarantee 100% identical color from original print data. There is a slight difference in color compared to digital printing. For sublimation we can not use fabrics made of natural fibers (cotton, flax, etc.), becasue they do not have micro-pores that capture special sublimation ink.