Sublimation Transfer Printing

How Sublimation Transfers Work:

1. Design Preparation:
   • The design or image is created using graphic design software and then printed onto special sublimation transfer paper using sublimation ink. This ink is composed of dyes that can turn into gas when heated.
2. Transfer Process:
   • The printed transfer paper is placed on the substrate, such as a polyester fabric or a specially coated item like a mug. The printed side of the paper faces the substrate.
3. Heat Press:
   • The substrate and the transfer paper are placed in a heat press. The press applies high temperature (usually between 350-400°F or 175-205°C) and pressure for a specific time (typically 30-60 seconds).
   • The heat causes the sublimation ink to turn into gas and bond with the polymer molecules in the substrate. This gas permeates the material and embeds the image into it.
4. Cooling and Finishing:
   • After the heat press process, the item is cooled, and the transfer paper is removed. The result is a vibrant, durable image that is part of the material itself, rather than sitting on top of it.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Vibrant and Durable Prints: The colours produced in sublimation are vivid and resistant to fading, cracking, or peeling, as the dye bonds at a molecular level.
• Wide Application: While primarily used on polyester fabrics, sublimation can also be applied to various hard surfaces coated with a polymer layer.
• Design Flexibility: Allows for full-color, detailed images and is ideal for producing intricate designs.

Sublimation is commonly used in producing custom apparel, promotional products, sportswear, and personalized gifts due to its ability to produce high-quality, long-lasting images.