First of all, what is sublimation? Dye-sublimation is a popular textile printing method that can transfer images onto a variety of materials including fabrics, ceramics, metals and plastics. This process uses sublimation ink that changes from solid to gas when heated, bypassing the liquid state. The gas penetrates into the surface of the substrate and solidifies, forming a permanent, vivid image that is resistant to fading and cleaning.



Compared with dtf printing, which is also a good brother of dtf printing process, the advantages of sublimation printing are:
 
1. It will not change the texture of the clothes. Unlike heat transfer printing, it will have a gummy feel to the touch, like a layer of glue. The glue is on the surface of the garment, but the ink penetrates directly into the fabric.
2. Not easy to fade and has high color fastness. The disadvantage of sublimation is that it cannot be applied to pure cotton fabrics yet.

Applicable scope of sublimation printing:
 
Such as sublimation printing on all kinds of clothing (T-shirt heat transfer, women's dress sublimation processing, cycling jerseys, football uniforms, cultural shirt printing, children's clothing printing, headscarf printing, hat printing), daily necessities sublimation printing (glasses cloth printing , glasses bag heat transfer, non-woven eco-friendly bag heat transfer, mouse pad heat transfer, cup cover coaster heat transfer, toy heat transfer), home textile heat transfer (curtain heat transfer processing, carpet heat transfer Heat transfer, pillow heat transfer printing, cushion printing, tablecloth heat transfer, shower curtain heat transfer, sleeping bag heat transfer, bedding sublimation heat transfer), outdoor leisure products heat transfer (umbrella printing, luggage heat transfer, glove printing, sunshade Peng heat transfer, tent printing, flag heat transfer).

Features of sublimation transfer printing process:
 
Sublimation printing patterns are rich in layers, bright in color, ever-changing, small in color difference, good in reproducibility, lifelike, bright in color, soft to the touch, strong in three-dimensionality, accurate in coloring, rich in color expression, and strong in color fastness (level 4.5 or above after professional testing) It has the characteristics of never fading, no printing feel, etc. It can print photography and painting style patterns. It has the characteristics of anti-aging, high temperature resistance, water washing resistance, and can maintain its color for several years. Sever's sublimation printing uses environmentally friendly inks, and all technical indicators can pass the testing of national authoritative agencies and meet the European Union's export environmental standards.
 
Digital printing using sublimation transfer requires a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, sublimation  paper, and heat press transfer machine.

How to sublimation transfer printing, the process is divided into four steps:
 
Take sport shirts as an example:
 
Step 1. Create all patterns.
You'll need to design a pattern for every part of your activewear - front, back, arms and cuffs. Merge graphics into the main layout. Print paper according to master layout document.
 
Step 2. Print dye-sublimation ink on transfer paper.
Stamp sublimation ink onto a roll of transfer paper. The ink will solidify quickly.
 
Step 3. Use a roller for sublimation.
Orient the transfer paper toward the synthetic fabric. Align the two items with the sublimation roller
 
Extreme heat (350-420 °F) and pressure are used inside a roller to sublime the ink. The ink on the transfer paper heats up quickly, skipping the melting process and evaporating immediately. Water vapor can also penetrate deep into knitwear because the pores of textiles open up at high temperatures.
 
Once it's no longer exposed to heat, the sweatshirt's pores close, trapping the sublimation ink. Inside the sport shirt, the ink returns to its solid form. At this point, a permanent full-color image appears on the fabric.
 
Step 4. Sew the fabric pieces together.
At this point, you can throw away the transfer paper. You should now have a piece of cloth with all the parts in it, according to the parameters of the shape. Each piece of fabric is cut out and sewn together to create the finished sport shirt.

Types of Dye Sublimation Printers:

When it comes to purchasing a dye-sublimation printer, you have a variety of options to choose from. Here are some of the most powerful and versatile models, all with outstanding distinguishing features:
 
15 Heads & 1.9m FD51915E
 
Printhead: 15*Epson I3200-A1 Micropiezo Printhead
Printhead Resolution: 3200DPI
Printing Speed: 1PASS: 610㎡/h
Print Width:1900mm
Ink: Dye Sublimation Ink, Water-based Ink(Dye or Pigment)
Color: CMYK Compatible of 6 color printing
Media: Transfer Paper 
RIP Software: Maintop, Flexiprint, photoprint, ONYX, NeoStampa
 
15 Heads & 1.9 m FD61915E-A
 
Print Head: 15*EPSON I3200-A1 Printhead
Printhead Resolution:  3200DPI
Printing Speed:  610sqm/h
Print Width:  1900mm
Ink: Dye Sublimation Ink, Pigment Ink
Media: Transfer Paper, Poster Paper
RIP Software: Maintop, Photoprint, Neostampa, Onyx, etc.
 
8 Heads & 1.9m FD5198E-A
 
Printer Head:   8*EPSON I3200-A1
Printer Resolution:  3200DPI
Printer Speed:  370sqm/h
Printer Width:  1900mm
Printer Ink: Dye Sublimation Ink,Pigment Ink
Printer Media: Transfer Paper ,Poster Paper
RIP Software: Maintop, Photoprint,Neostampa,Onyx,etc.
 
8 Heads & 1.9m FD6198E
 
Printer Head:   8*EPSON I3200-A1
Printer Resolution:  3200DPI
Printer Speed:  320sqm/h
Printer Width:  1900mm
Printer Ink: Dye Sublimation Ink,Pigment Ink
Printer Media: Transfer Paper ,Poster Paper
RIP Software: Maintop, Photoprint,Neostampa,Onyx,etc.
 
If there's anything we can do to further showcase machines' features, please let us know.
Email: sale@fedar.net
Whatsapp: +86 15515715397
 
Our company has over 30 models of printers with independent intellectual property rights and patents. Marketed under the esteemed brands of Skycolor, Stormjet, and Fedar brands, these printers cover a wide range, including digital textile printers, UV printers, eco-solvent printers and more. Known for their exceptional quality and performance.