30
Aug
Sublimation is a process in which a solid substance directly transforms into a gas under heat and pressure, bypassing liquefaction. Using this technique in printing, the solid dye ink turns gaseous and gets completely immersed in the receiving substrate material. The 1970s saw the first significant commercial use of dye-sublimation printing. Later technological revolutions made it cheaper, more accessible, and more reliable.
The process starts with a sublimation printer that transfers ink onto a special sublimation paper, the paper is then placed onto a product and put under a heat press. The ink, in this process, chemically bonds with the substrate, producing vibrant, high-resolution, and long-lasting prints. Sublimation printing is widely utilized today for creating customized products ranging from textiles to home decor.
Sublimation printing is a fascinating yet complex process and the choice of substrate has a huge impact on how accurate and long-lasting the prints will be. To put it simply, not all fabrics are created equal. Each fabric has certain properties that affect ink absorption variably. We will discuss all the different types in this article one by one and make your next choice easy;
Organic fabrics like cotton, silk, and wool are the most commonly used fabrics worldwide as they offer comfort, style, and durability. Although these fabrics are not suitable for sublimation printing in their purest forms, there are techniques to overcome this issue:
Blending the natural fabrics with polyester allows the ink to adhere properly to the surface making sublimation easy.
Fabrics can be surface-coated with polyester to allow for proper ink transfer.
Sublimation fabric sheets can be used on natural fabrics to get the best of both worlds.
Polyester is the most commonly used fabric in sublimation printing because of its properties. It allows ink to permeate its surface permanently and the results come out sharper and crisp. Fabrics made with 100% polyester like Tactel, oxford, and crepe are all excellent choices.
Another popular choice is Polycotton, which is a mixture of polyester and cotton, which makes it ideal for clothing. The cotton provides softness and comfort while the polyester allows for complete ink transfer.
Polyviscose which is a mixture of polyester and viscose, is another versatile fabric used in making bags, towels, napkins, flags, and much more. It is known for its resistance, comfort, and shine.
For making products that need elasticity, a blend of polyester and lycra is used. Also known as elastane or spandex, it is widely used in sports and swimwear. It fits the body perfectly and adds to the aesthetics.
PET or polyethylene terephthalate, while commonly used for plastic products, is also a suitable choice as a fabric. PET fabric resists moisture and dries quickly, sustaining print quality for longer times. PET is made from recycled plastics, which makes it a responsible choice for our environment.
Several other synthetic fibers are also used in dye sublimation. Nylon, for example, can be sublimated in a short time in low temperatures. This saves energy as well as time. Nylon 6 and 7 are most commonly used as they facilitate color penetration and offer adaptability.
Rayon, mixed with polyester is also used for sublimation printing. However, there are a few preventive measures that must be taken because rayon has a low ignition point. Acrylic fiber is used for products that require translucence. The polymerization of acrylonitrile monomer obtains it and shows excellent results.
It's important to note that while synthetic fibers increase versatility, they compromise on comfort. So it's best to use them where wearability is not a concern.
Overall, the best fabric for sublimation dyeing is polyester. The polymers in the fabric open up when heated, allowing the gaseous ink to penetrate. Once the fabric cools down, the ink gets locked in and the print becomes durable. 100% polyester has wrinkle-resistant properties; it also doesn't shrink or fade easily, making it ideal for clothing.
Moreover, polyester is a light and breathable material, which makes it quite comfortable to wear. In sublimation printing, it undergoes molecular changes such that the ink becomes one with the fabric. This process maintains the print quality for a significantly long time. When using other fabrics, it is advisable to blend them with more than 70% polymer composition to achieve excellent sublimation prints.
Mastering dye-sublimation printing requires consistent learning and experimentation. A variety of fabric options must excite you instead of confusing you. While polymer and poly-blends are your no-brainer, go-to fabrics, you should always be on the lookout for your next unique find.
Don't restrict yourself to only what you read; use this information to update your holistic understanding of the process. One should approach sublimation printing just like an artist approaches a canvas. Mix, match, and experiment your way into becoming a print maestro.
And always remember, one only fails when one stops trying!
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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.
