What is Sublimation?
Sublimation is defined as follows: To cause (a solid or gas) to change state without becoming liquid. For example, dry ice changes to gas without ever becoming liquid. The sublimation process imprints image into polyester, or polyester coated objects by applying dyes that turn from a solid to gas when heated. When the sublimation dye is placed next to polyester and heated at approximately 325 degrees, the polyester molecules open. The sublimation dye, which at this time is a gas, will then be able to penetrate the surface of the polyester. After the heat is removed, the polyester molecules will close permanently bonding the sublimation dyes, thus the image, in the polyester substrate.
Dye Sublimation Transfer is a process where you use an image that has been created digitally either by scanning a photograph or downloading a picture taken with your digital camera or an image created in a piece of imaging software like Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW and then printing this image with an Epson printer using special inks called sublimation inks onto paper.
Click here for printable PDF version Dye sublimation is defined as the process of solid dye particles changing into gas using heat and pressure, then bond with any polymers (Polyester) present, and change back into a solid. Using these inks and a special ink-jet paper, we are able to create sublimation transfers. With a heat press and the accurate time, temperature & pressure we can complete the process by applying the printed transfer on to one of a million blank products. When the heating cycle is completed, the image on the paper has been transferred to the item and has actually become a part of the surface. You can run your finger across the surface of sublimation and you will feel nothing. Sublimation also allows for bright colors and photograph quality images to be transferred to a variety type of light colored Imprintables. Another words, anything white or light in color with a 100% polyester or poly coated will accept a sublimation transfer. T-Shirts, Mouse Pads, Mugs, Ceramic
Sublimation is a heat release dye that is incorporated into various types of printing inks such as laser printer toners, or ink jet cartridges. When the dye on the transfer page is heated in a heat press set for 375 – 400 degrees (F), the dye becomes a gas and penetrates beneath the surface coating to the substrate of the item you are imprinting. This is what gives a sublimation imprint its uniquely deep and rich look. There is absolutely no feel to the print since the ink has penetrated beneath the surface. Sublimation Requirements: Since sublimation dyes below the surface of the product, it is important to use only products that are receptive to the sublimation dyes. Man made organic coatings, i.e, epoxy, lacquer, polyester, nylon usually sublimate well. Metal needs to be specially coated for sublimation. T-shirts need special consideration. First, since sublimation dyes beneath the surface, it will only darken an object. Consequently, you can not use sublimation to imprint dark fabr
Sublimation transfer is a process that uses an image that has been digitally created by scanning, downloading a picture taken with a digital camera, or created in a piece of graphic software like Photoshop or Corel. This image is then printed onto transfer paper with an Epson desktop printer using special inks called sublimation inks. Once the image is on the paper you place it under a heat transfer press on top of a substrate and heat the paper. When the sublimation dye is placed next to polyester and heated, at approximately 400 degrees the polyester molecules open. The sublimation dye, which at this time is a gas, will then be able to penetrate the surface of the polyester. After the heat is removed, the polyester molecules will close and permanently trap the sublimation dyes, and therefore the image, into the polyester substrate.
