Dye Sublimation
Printing onto Polyester fabrics - Polyester T-Shirts - Aluminium Metal - Coasters - Art prints - Signage
Process
This is the technical bit! Sublimation printing is the application of inks onto a surface using a heat press to provide the required combination of heat, time and pressure. Full colour images, text and other graphics can be transferred onto a receptive item.
The process is distinctive in that it creates graphics by using inks – disperse dyes.
First, graphics are printed onto transfer paper. Using a heat press, the transfer paper is then placed on the item you’re decorating. The heat allows the dried inks on the transfer paper to turn from a solid form into gas and penetrate the polyester fabrics. When heated, the polymers in the polyester encourage the inks to bond, which creates permanent graphics that are fully embedded into the material.
The process is distinctive in that it creates graphics by using inks – disperse dyes.
First, graphics are printed onto transfer paper. Using a heat press, the transfer paper is then placed on the item you’re decorating. The heat allows the dried inks on the transfer paper to turn from a solid form into gas and penetrate the polyester fabrics. When heated, the polymers in the polyester encourage the inks to bond, which creates permanent graphics that are fully embedded into the material.
What can I Sublimate?
Anything polyester or with a polyester resin coating can be printed on with the dye sublimation process.
Dye sublimation printers don’t yet have the capability to print using white ink, so you’ll need to make sure you’re printing on white or light-colored items. Please check with staff first if you are unsure about the suitability of materials.
Types of things you can sublimate onto;
* Polyester fabrics or fabrics containing polyester such as Polycotton.
* Dye Sub Aluminium sheets, various colours.
* Polymer coated wood
* Perspex Acrylic sheets ISO 9001 (no deeper than 3mm), various colours.
* Other surfaces can be used but only after prior treatment with a polymer spray or liquid.
We cannot sublimate onto 3D objects (mugs etc.) our heat press is for flat surfaces and materials only.
No plastic as it melts! (Perspex or Acrylic is fine)
Dye sublimation printers don’t yet have the capability to print using white ink, so you’ll need to make sure you’re printing on white or light-colored items. Please check with staff first if you are unsure about the suitability of materials.
Types of things you can sublimate onto;
* Polyester fabrics or fabrics containing polyester such as Polycotton.
* Dye Sub Aluminium sheets, various colours.
* Polymer coated wood
* Perspex Acrylic sheets ISO 9001 (no deeper than 3mm), various colours.
* Other surfaces can be used but only after prior treatment with a polymer spray or liquid.
We cannot sublimate onto 3D objects (mugs etc.) our heat press is for flat surfaces and materials only.
No plastic as it melts! (Perspex or Acrylic is fine)
Sizes
How large can I print?
The printer transfer paper comes on a roll and is 108cm wide.
However our heat press is 78cm x 138cm so the size of any printing is restricted to these dimensions.
You can comfortably fit 2 x A2 size images across the width of the transfer paper.
The printer transfer paper comes on a roll and is 108cm wide.
However our heat press is 78cm x 138cm so the size of any printing is restricted to these dimensions.
You can comfortably fit 2 x A2 size images across the width of the transfer paper.
Prices
If you need help with file formatting, saving your files, scanning or resizing,
please contact the Digital Design Studios DDS.
DDS Virtual Support
[email protected]
please contact the Digital Design Studios DDS.
DDS Virtual Support
[email protected]
Useful Links
Dye Sublimation Aluminium Metal Sheets
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Perspex Acrylic