THE INTRODUCE TO DYE-SUBLIMATION

INK

Sublimation printing, known as dye sublimation printing, is really a printing process for transferring photos onto a substrate (normally a cloth material like polyester). Sublimation refers to a process exactly where a substance moves from a strong to a gas state without ever being in a liquid state. Sublimation printing normally involves the use of a digital printer to produce mirrored images on paper that has been specially coated with a transfer material.Dye-sublimation ink,is unique in its ability to convert from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid form, while also water-based, is a much different type of ink than other typical printing solutions. Sublimation ink is printed on special sublimation paper (similar in look/feel to thicker copy paper) which releases the ink once it is heat activated in the press, turning it from solid to gas while by passing the liquid stage.

It is suitable for some large format printer like Epson and Mutoh printer, larger printing and high cost savings (lower cost for ink overall). There are so few models available because it is a special ink that also requires specific color correction software, and that is available for these select printer platforms for greatest performance consistency.

Older formulations of sublimation ink, such as those for Epson printers, have a higher water to dye ratio, which makes them more susceptible to drying up and clogging the nozzles if not used daily, but are the only small format inks that offer a bulk-system option for higher volume printing and lower cost. The newer sublimation inks for Ricoh and Virtuoso printers are reformulated into a gel-like substance, which uses less water, preventing clogs when printer is not being used daily, however only come in cartridges and are not available for a bulk system.

Sublimation ink dyes the garment/item on a molecular level rather than being transferred just on top, which results in a permanent solution under normal conditions. The process of sublimation transfer printing and pressing to a product is usually done at around 370-400F depending on the item and the process ends as soon as heat is no longer applied and item starts cooling down. Since the dye can be re-activated at really high heat at any point, it is important to transfer a full design from a single sheet of paper in a one-step process. The ink can be reactivated at temperatures as low as 340F, and sometimes even lower, and could stain equipment or already pressed items.

Thank you Company: Nanjing Fei Yue Paper Industrial Co.,LimitedAdd: Li Ao Building,No.323 Central Road,Nanjing,Jiangsu,ChinaTel: 86-25-85288894Fax: 86-25-85288894Website: www.feiyuepaper.com