If you're wondering, 'What is dye sublimation?' you're more than likely interested in creating unique promotional items, such as printing on mugs, t-shirts, metals and more. But you may be unaware that sublimation printers are used to produce textiles for clothing, furniture, and signage as well. Dye-sublimation printing allows for vivid, sharp, and vibrant imagery ' and stunning products.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Eastsign.
It's also quite affordable if you aren't planning on printing a large volume of products at a time. In fact, this form of printing is appreciated because it helps keep the budget low when producing a small number of items. Not to mention, dye sublimation creates considerably long-lasting prints, known for being extremely slow to fade.
This article goes beyond those quick answers to address what makes this form of printing special and how it expands what you can do. We comprehensively address this exciting technology via the following questions:
There are primarily two different techniques for digital dye sublimation printing. Photo Dye sublimation is a printing process using a specially designed ribbon that holds solid inks. The printer heats the ink ribbon, causing it to sublimate ' which means it skips the liquid form and transitions directly into a gaseous state embedding it into photographic paper. (Another example of the use of sublimation within the industry is freeze-drying). The three primary colors are applied to the photo paper and once the ink hits the media, it transitions from a gas back to solid, and a full-color image results. So that the ink does not smudge, the printer finishes by introducing a clear protective coating to the paper/substrate. While this technique has been around for decades, it is not as popular today and is almost exclusively used in high speed, on-site event photo printing (think wallet photos, 5x7s, 8x10s, etc).
The overwhelmingly more mainstream form of sublimation printing used today is generated using inkjet printers which 'jet' liquid ink (forming the photo or image) onto a transfer paper. The paper is then heated (primarily, though not exclusively with a separate heat press) and the ink (image) is transferred into the polyester coated substrate (textile, ceramic, clothing, aluminum, etc.) producing your final printed product. Some higher-end, more industrial sublimation printers incorporate the 'heat transferring' process/unit directly into the printing system, and 'fix' the ink directly on the substrate. This is exclusive to textile or fabric sublimation systems. Most of today's sublimation printers require that you purchase a separate heat press (platen) for individual piece transfers or a roll to roll calendar press for high volume textile production.
One way to understand a dye sublimation printer is to compare it to traditional inkjet printing. Here are three ways in which a dye sublimation machine differs from a standard inkjet printer's process and capabilities:
Dye sublimation ink is utilized, along with intense pressure and heat, to print onto novelty items such as coasters, t-shirts, plaques, and mugs. It is important to note that sublimation ink is very different from the traditional dyes & pigments used in regular inkjet printers and therefore cannot be used to print (a finished image) on regular paper. Here are some key points on dye sublimation ink:
These printers are not intended for typical workplace media such as printer paper, canvas, vinyl, labels, or envelopes. Rather, they are popular for printing onto coffee mugs, t-shirts, aluminum panels, textiles, and other novelty goods.
Substrates must be made of polyester or have a polyester coated surface. This technology does not function correctly with cotton or other natural fabrics. Rather than bonding with natural fibers as it does with synthetic ones, gaseous ink passes straight through natural textiles.
Mouse pads, floor mats, coasters, flip-flops, event wristbands, bathing suits, shower curtains, and athletic apparel are examples of media containing the necessary materials suited to dye sublimation printing. Beyond these broad promotional uses, the machines can be used to create photo prints or postcards via specially coated media, such as aluminum, tiles, wood, cards or paper.
Again, what is dye sublimation? While the above information allows a better understanding of the basics, let's get a bit deeper with the notion of transfer paper. Transfer paper is commonly used with these printers, although direct-to-fabric printing is also possible. If you use transfer printing, the process is a bit more complex.
When you use a dye-sublimation printer to create projects via transfer:
It again helps to contrast a standard inkjet printer to a dye-sublimation printer (see above section). In the former, liquid ink within cartridges becomes solid via heat and air as it dries on the paper's surface. The two-step dye sublimation printer process involves liquid ink being introduced to media, where it dries and becomes solid, followed by vaporization (sublimation, in this case) of the solid ink.
Sublimated dye is often used to print onto cycling jerseys and similar athletic clothing. (As indicated above, this printer only works with synthetic substrates ' so avoid cotton.)
What is dye sublimation printing for sportswear? Assuming you are using transfer printing, it is a four-step process:
You need to design graphics for each section of the jersey ' the front and back, as well as the arms and cuffs. Combine the graphics into a master layout. The paper is printed from the master layout file.
You print the sublimation ink to a ream of transfer paper. The ink will rapidly form a solid.
Are you interested in learning more about Dye Sublimation Consumables? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
The transfer paper is positioned facing a bolt of synthetic fabric. The two items are directed into a sublimation roller.
Extreme heat (350-420 °F) and pressure are utilized within the roller to sublimate the ink. The ink that is on the transfer paper grows hot so fast that it skips the melting process and immediately evaporates. The vapor can also get deeper into the jersey because of the pores of the textile open in response to the heat.
The jersey's pores shut once the heat is no longer present, capturing the sublimated ink. Within the jersey, the ink shifts back into a solid form. A permanent, full-color image has now been introduced to the fabric.
At this point, you can throw out the transfer paper. Based on the parameters of your graphics, you should now have a bolt of fabric that includes all the components. Cut out each piece from the bolt and construct your finished jersey by sewing them together.
You have options when it comes to purchasing a dye-sublimation printer. Some of the most robust and versatile models are the following, with highlighted notable characteristics:
Printers that use the dye sublimation process can produce any type of design in vivid detail. Most people are familiar with how an inkjet printer works, which is relatively simple. A dye sublimation printer differs in that it applies heat and pressure to vaporize ink and embed it into the printed material.
Mimaki's dye sublimation printers are suited for creating banners, signs, and other promotional materials, as well as decorating various types of products. The print is also extremely durable. It won't crack, peel, or fade and can even be washed repeatedly without degradation.
Sublimation is when a solid material is heated, but, instead of becoming a liquid, it goes directly to the gas phase. At first, it may not seem like this would apply to printing. That is until you understand how dye sublimation printers work.
Ink is stored in a sublimation printer as a liquid, and it becomes a solid once it is printed onto transfer paper and dries. To transfer a design, the paper is heated to a temperature between 350' and 450', at which point the ink turns into a gaseous state. During the transfer process, a special transfer paper with the solid ink is pressed against the medium, such as a fabric, ceramic, or polymer material.
High heat and pressure disperses the ink into the porous material. This differs from an inkjet printer in which liquid ink solidifies on top of the printed media. During the dye sublimation printing process, the design is printed onto the transfer paper first, and then delivered to the print medium. When the process is complete, the ink is solid and forms a permanent image.
Here's a closer look at the basic steps of the dye sublimation process:
When using dye sublimation, you can achieve high-quality prints on synthetic fabrics like polyester. It works on items like t-shirts and athletic apparel, trade show banners, floor mats, shower curtains, coffee mugs, mouse pads, cell cases, etc. Ink can also be sublimated onto tiles, glass, or polyester-coated aluminum.
Dye sublimation also excels in:
Mimaki's dye sublimation printers offer exceptional performance. Our specialized equipment includes the entry-level, yet professional-grade, TS100-. This affordable sublimation roll-based printer can produce realistic graphics and support any sized production run. Featuring blue, magenta, yellow, and black sublimation ink colors, it can print at speeds up to 753 square feet per hour at resolutions of 360, 600, 720, or 900 dpi.
Our high-end, high-volume dye-sublimation printer, the TS55-, can incorporate 4-, 6-, and 8-color ink configurations. Color options include yellow and fluorescent pink. The system is capable of unattended continuous printing at up to 1,453 square feet per hour. Its 10kg ink supply and extended heater options expand versatility, while safety and sustainability has earned its ink ECO PASSPORT by Okeo-Tex® certification.
Mimaki provides a range of other printers that employ the dye sublimation process. Depending on your needs, you can choose systems with high-speed printing, water-based sublimation, extra-wide formats, and coating, steaming, and washing capabilities.
Mimaki has been providing high-quality printing and workflow solutions since . Our dye sublimation printers incorporate some of our core technologies, such as Waveform Control, Variable Dot Technology, Mimaki Fine Diffusion, the Nozzle Recovery System, and Mimaki Advanced Pass System. These allow us to deliver industry-leading print solutions supporting a wide range of applications.
The company is the world’s best Fabric Laser Cutting Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.