3 Things You Should Know About Dye-Sublimation

Dye-sublimation has been available to the public for a while now, which is why most consumers assume they know everything they need to about the printing techniques.

But dye-sublimation isn’t just used to print cute messages on a customized mug. From producing cost-effective marketing material like banners to branding products, dye-sublimation has helped companies create high-quality goods.

Let’s take a look at a few things you should know about dye-sublimation:

1. There are Many Profitable Items You Can Sublimate

When we hear the phrase “dye-sublimation,” we think of graphic t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, etc.—but there’s so much more that we can use dye-sublimation for.

Thanks to the wide-format printers that are now available in the market, dye-sublimation can be used to print on all sorts of items including snowboards, floor mats, large outdoor banners and even ceramic tile coated with polymers.  

Unlike other types of printing techniques, dye-sublimation actually penetrates the fibers and particles of the surface you’re printing on. Polymers present on the surface bond with the ink after being exposed to heat.

In other printing methods, the dye sits on the surface of the item instead of bonding with its polymers; the print cracks after being washed and may begin to peel off.

2. Dye-Sublimation Requires Several Machines

Dye-sublimation is a two-step process that included printing graphics on sublimation transfer paper and then using it to transfer the ink onto the surface of the item using a heat press.

If you’re thinking of launching a dye-sublimation business that prints on all kinds of surfaces, you’ll need more to invest in software, hardware, and other devices.

• Computer and RIP Software

To design and edit the digital graphics for printing, you’ll need a functional computer and relevant software. Many sublimation printer manufacturers also supply software that was designed to work with the printer. If yours doesn’t come with software, you’ll need to search online and find software that is compatible with the printer you’ve purchased.

• Cutting Device

When working with hard surfaces and large items, you’ll have to invest in heavy-duty cutting devices like a table cutter or a digital flatbed cutter.

• Sewing Devices

Companies working with fabrics will need a sewing device that lets them create banner pole pockets, custom upholstery, apparel, and silicone edge sewing. Small sewing machines will need to be operated manually but large sewing machines can work on auto-command features.

3. You’ll Need a Heat Press

Heat presses come in several sizes and forms, but they all work the same way. Heat presses heat the ink on the transfer paper and the fibers on the substrate. The ink infuses with the fiber and produces a high-resolution, full-color image on the surface.

Heat presses also come in different forms, the type of heat press you choose will depend on the sort of surfaces you intend to print on.

Jind Group Limited is a premium, worldwide manufacturer and supplier of full sticky sublimation paper and eco-solvent transfer paper for sublimation printing purposes. Aside from selling transfer paper, the company also sells dye-sublimation ink and inkjet printers. For more information on their products, visit the company website today.