Why sublimation paper printing is More and More Popular in Business?
Dye Sublimation paper, as a process is really very simple. It is the method of applying an image to specially coated ceramics, metals and polyester cloth, using three main ingredients: sublimation ink, heat and pressure.Dye sublimation printing involves heating sublimation ink at a high temperature, usually around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, the ink from a liquid to a gas and is able to enter the pores of the item being printed on. Once the item is removed from the ink, the pores cool and then close, leaving the ink and image trapped on the item’s surface. This process creates a smooth and permanent application. The high heat the sublimation process uses can cause the plastic to melt or warp, effectively destroying the item. Sublimation ink is unique in its ability to convert from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid form. (Just like dry ice.) The conversion is initiated by heat and controlled with pressure and time. Hard items such as ceramic, fiber board, metals, etc. requires a special coating to accept the sublimation inks. You must purchase the mugs, tiles, metals, etc. with the coating already on them, it is not something you can coat yourself. We carry a full line of these sublimatable blanks. When you apply to 100% polyester (ie: our mouse pads and puzzles) you do not need any coating, it is applied directly to the 100% polyester fabric. We can buy dye sublimation inks with Epson & Ricoh (only) desk top ink jet printers to do sublimation printing. Printers are not sold directly from Epson or Ricoh with these sublimation inks. We do offer these printers. The sublimation inks are something you would need to buy from a company such as ours and the heat transfer paper that you would print these inks on we also supply. The heat transfer paperfor sublimation printing does not have a coating on them. This paper has a special finish on the surface so the inks do not soak into the paper. After you print the transfer paper it is then placed on the product to be applied with a heat press.
