The Ultimate Guide To Understand Sublimation Printing Process
Sublimation printing is a method of transferring designs onto fabrics or materials. The name comes from the scientific term "Substance," which means transferring a solid item to a gas bypassing the liquid phase. Let's check out complete process.
Benefits Of Using Dye - Sub Printing Method
High-Quality result: It can produce brighter, high-resolution prints on substrates.
Durable prints: It offers durable, won't peel off material printing.
Unlimited colors: You can print designs with various colors quickly and easily.
Versatility: This printing can be done on multiple products, including mugs, plates, photo slates, wallets, flip-flops, decorative items and much more.
Fast and efficient: It offers easy and quick service.
Easy to use: It is the easiest method to transfer design onto material.
Can I Use Any Printer For Dye - Sub Printing?
It is best if you use a printer that is designed to sublimate various materials. However, inkjet printers can be converted into sublimation printers easily.
Printers that use tanks instead of traditional cartridges are the best for sublimation.
Remember, that thermal printers will not work with sublimation ink, but Piezo printers will do the job.
Therefore, when choosing a printer for sublimation, make sure it uses Piezo technology..
Understanding The Complete Sublimation Printing Process
Here is the step-by-step guide to understanding the sublimation printing process.
Step 1: Select a design
Use the best sublimation software to create stunning designs for sublimation.
Step 2: Printing the design
After selecting the design, the design needs to be printed onto a sublimation paper with the help of sublimation printer.
The time it takes to print a design onto a sublimation paper using a sublimation printer can vary from 30 to 60 seconds. Moreover, using a Cricut-cutting machine will ease the process as you can cut the printed designs from the sublimation paper.
Step 3: Preparing the substrate
The substrate needs to be prepared first for printing using a heat press machine. Firstly, preheat the heat press and use a lint roller to remove moisture from the material on which you are going to print your designs.
Secondly, use heat-resistant tape to secure the cutting design onto the material on a heat press machine.
Step 4: Heat Press
Now, the placed material and design are pressed using a heat press machine with the ideal temperature. The heat press machine applies heat and pressure onto the cutting design and the surface.
Step 5: Cooling
Eventually, the material is heated, and the design is printed on it. However, before using the printed material, let it cool down for 6 – 8 minutes. Use heat-resistant gloves to remove the printed material from the heat press.
Alternatives Of Sublimation Printing Method
Printing Method
Description
Benefits
Color Limitations
Durability
Heat Transfer
Prints a design onto sublimation paper and then uses a heat press to transfer that design onto the material.
With the help of this method, many items can be printed, including t-shirts, mugs, plates, tiles, mouse pads, ceramics, metals, glass, and even wood.
Depends on the heat transfer type. There are no boundaries other than dark colors.
Long durability
Direct To Garment (DTG) Printing
Prints a design directly onto the material of a garment.
Complex designs with many colors.
None.
Good, but it can fade over time.
Screen Printing
Creates a stencil for each color in the design and then uses that stencil to apply layers of ink to the printing surface.
Uses for large production, mainly for factory purposes.
The number of stencils limits it.
Very durable.
Vinyl Cutting
It uses a machine to cut out designs from colored vinyl. The cut vinyl is then heat-pressed onto the material.
Single-color designs and lettering.
It is limited to the color of the vinyl.
Very durable.
Inkjet Printing
Prints a design directly onto a material using an inkjet printer.
Uses for small-scale production, mainly for home printing.
Depends on the printer.
Varies based on the type of ink and material.
Hand and Spray Printing
Manually sprays ink onto a material through a stencil.
Unique, handmade items.
The number of stencils limits it.
Medium Durable
How Does Iron Affect Sublimation In Heat Transfer?
An iron for heat transfer is a regular printing procedure that is used to apply heat and pressure to transfer a design onto materials.
This process is often used with heat-transfer vinyl or iron-on vinyl. However, ensure the iron is clean. Dust, debris, fabric lint, or stubborn stains can affect the quality of the transfer.
Limitation Of Sublimation Printing
Material limitation: The fabric must be 100% polyester or made of at least 2/3 polyester. Other materials can also be used but with proper guidelines.
Color limitations: The sublimation surface must have a white or light-colored print area. Black or dark-colored surface sublimation printing should be done with proper guidelines.
UV sensitivity: The sublimated products may lose color over the months due to the effect of UV rays.
Printer maintenance: You should use the printer daily to prevent printer damage issues, moister and clogs.
Printing size limitations: The image's initial resolution and the press' bottom plate determine the printing's maximum size. So choose the printer according to your requirement.
Conclusion
Sublimation printing is a wonderful method of printing that offers high-quality, long lasting prints. Sublimation process may seem complex, but with some practice, it can be fun. Share your printing experience with us in comments.
FAQ
Which is the best sublimation printer for sublimation printing?
The best sublimation printer is the Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170) because often recommended by professionals for sublimation printing.
What can i sublimate using the sublimation printing method?
You can sublimate multiple items such as clothing, kitchen products, pet products, home decor items, and more.
What substrates can we print with sublimation?
Some of the most common substrates are Hard Poly Fiber Products (FRP), Coated Metal Products, Coated Wood Products, Coated Ceramic Products, Soft Poly Fiber Products, Poly-performance or polyester-based fabric, stone/slate products, glass and acrylic products.
Is sublimation printing easy or hard?
Sublimation printing is easy to learn and execute as compared to other printing methods. You need only some practice to master it.
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