What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a type of digital printing that uses heat to transfer dye onto a variety of materials, such as fabrics, ceramics, and metals. The process involves printing an image onto special transfer paper using sublimation ink, which is then placed on the material to be printed and heated using a press or heat press. The heat causes the ink to turn into a gas, which is then absorbed by the material, resulting in a vibrant and long-lasting image. Sublimation printing is often used for creating custom apparel, signs, and promotional products.

Sublimation printing works by using heat to transfer dye from a special type of ink called sublimation ink onto a variety of materials. The process begins by printing an image onto special transfer paper using a printer that uses sublimation ink. The transfer paper is then placed on the material to be printed, and the two are pressed together using a heat press.

The heat causes the ink to turn into a gas, which then permeates the pores of the material. As the gas cools, it solidifies, creating a vibrant and long-lasting image. The dye is actually embedded into the fibers of the material, so the image will not crack or fade over time.

The process works best with polyester and polymer-coated substrates, because these materials have a large enough molecular structure to accept the sublimation dyes. The ink is specially formulated to turn into a gas at a low temperature and high pressure.

It is also used in ceramics, metals, and certain types of plastic, like phone cases, mugs, and other items. The process can produce a high-quality image with vibrant colors, and it is often used for creating custom apparel, signs, and promotional products.