3 Things You Should Know About Dye Sublimation Ink

Dye sublimation is a unique image application process that enables the printing of various types of graphics into different types of materials, ranging from coated ceramics to metals, and even polyester cloth and other types of fabrics. This printing method has three main components, namely, dye sublimation ink, pressure, and heat. Dye sublimation ink is different from other types of dyes and pigments because it is able to convert from a solid form to gas without passing through a liquid phase—much like dry ice. This solid to gas transformation is initiated by heat and then controlled with time and pressure. While dye sublimation printing is a simple and straightforward process, there are several things that you should know to fully understand its mechanisms:

• One of the first things you must understand about dye sublimation printing is that hard items like ceramic, metal, fiber board, and others require the application of a special coating in order to accept dye sublimation ink. Fortunately, it is possible to purchase metals, tiles, mugs, and similar products that are pre-coated to allow for sublimation printing. When ink is applied to a surface, dye sublimation causes it to penetrate the surface of the material being printed on. These materials contain polymers, which enable ink bonding when heated, resulting in permanent colors embedded deep into the substrate. This is why images on hard substrates don’t peel, chip, or scratch.

• There are many different types of materials that you can use for dye sublimation printing. These include rigid substrates and products, soft signs, fabrics, and apparel, among many others. Even ceramic tiles can be custom printed for decorative purposes. Any material that is polymer suitable for heat transfer can accept dye sublimation ink. In fact, many are available as product blanks, which can be used for immediate heat transfer.

• Different machines are used for various stages of dye sublimation printing. Successful dye sublimation is usually a two-part process that involves printing graphics onto a special kind of transfer paper. This transfer paper (which contains dye sublimation ink) is then heat pressed so that the ink can be transferred onto the item to be decorated or printed on.

From a dye sublimation printer to a high-quality heat press, you need the right tools to ensure quality end products along with high-quality sublimation inks that will ensure vibrant images on a wide range of materials and products.