Sublimation printing is a method of transferring images to surfaces using heat. The term sublimation comes from the Latin subsalire, which means to go under.
Sublimation refers to the process of a substance changing from a solid or liquid state to a gaseous state without passing through the intermediate state of being a solid or liquid. This is an unusual property of some materials, and one that is studied in detail by chemistry.
In sublimation printing, a special paper is used that can withstand high temperatures. The printed image is first transferred onto this special paper using ink, then this paper is passed through a printer that has a heating element attached to it. A computer controls the heating element and adjusts the temperature needed to transfer the image onto the surface.
The surface being printed on must also be able to withstand high temperatures. This can be fabric such as t-shirts or bags, or other surfaces such as glass or metal.
How does sublimation work?
Sublimation printing works by heating a special paper to a temperature that is just below the burning point. This process requires a very sophisticated printer, which is why many businesses outsource this process.
The paper that sublimation printers use is called transfer paper or sublimation paper. This paper is thicker than normal printer paper and has a protective layer on top of the white side.
When the ink is dry, the printer passes over a device that heats up the ink. Because of the thickness of the sublimation paper, the heat transfers to the white side, leaving only the ink color visible. Then, when the printed piece cools down, it changes from ink to color!
Sublimation printing is not cheap, which is why it is not used for every type of print job.
Who uses sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is a special type of printing used to print business cards, invitations, shirts, and other materials. It is not widely known or used, which can make your business look more exclusive by using it.
Businesses that use sublimation printing include event marketing companies, clothing companies, and even some pizza places! Sublimation printing is not specific to any type of business, although it is most often used for businesses that do events or sell apparel.
Some companies may even have their products printed via sublimation due to its high quality. Since it is high-quality print, it lasts longer than other types of prints like ink or laser prints.
Sublimation printing is used by small businesses, startups, and freelancers due to its low cost. It also has long lasting prints so you do not have to reprint every few days.
What are the benefits of sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is a special process that uses heat to transfer ink onto a surface. It is not typical printing, as it does not use a cartridge or pad with ink on it.
Instead, sublimation printing uses special inks and paper that can handle high heat. The ink is thicker so that it can withstand the heat of the press.
The biggest advantage of sublimation printing is its versatility. Like mentioned above, it can be used to print on all kinds of surfaces, not just traditional paper. You can even print on fabrics, like t-shirts!
Because sublimation printing transfers the ink into the surface instead of just laying down on top of the material, it is more durable than other types of printing. This makes it very useful for things like business cards and brochures, as they will stay looking good for longer.
What is the down side to sublimation printing?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of sublimation printing, there are some downsides. The first is that you can only print on certain materials using this method.
Certain shirts and canvases can be bought where you already have the material to print on, but other materials like wood or leather require additional steps to prepare them for sublimation printing.
Another downside is that if any of the layers of ink peel off during washing or drying, then the rest of the print will fade away. This is because all of the layers of ink were not properly dried together, and each one has a specific drying time.
The last downside is that if the printer is not set up correctly for sublimation printing, then your prints can come out dull or with little color contrast.
What are the different types of sublimation printers?
In addition to classic sublimation printers, more sophisticated models have emerged in recent years. These include:
Wireless sublimation printers that connect to your device via bluetooth or airprint. This makes it easier for you to print from your mobile device without having to connect cables.
Printers with built-in scanners, which allow you to save documents in different file formats. This is very useful as you only need to make one scan and you can save the document in different formats depending on where you want to use it.
Printers with built-in ink cartridges that help save money in the long run. Traditional sublimation printers use solid ink beads that cost more than traditional ink cartridges. Built-in ink cartridges reduce the cost of printing over time because you only need to replace the empty cartridge instead of the whole printer.
What should I look for in a printer?
A good printer should have some basic features like Wi-Fi connectivity, the ability to print in several sizes and formats, and a toner save feature.
Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to use your printer anywhere in your home or office without having to connect via cable. This is very convenient, as you will not have to keep connecting and re-connecting the printer as you move around.
The ability to print in several sizes and formats is a must-have feature. Most printers can print letter size paper, some can do tabloid size, and some can even print envelopes. Having these options is very useful.
A toner save feature is something that not every printer has, but it is useful if your printer does. This feature keeps some of the toner inside the cartridge so that you do not have to buy a new one just because you ran out of ink.
How much does a printer cost?
Printer prices have fallen significantly in the last few years, making it a great time to buy. Most printers fall within a price range of $50 to $200, however.
Printers that are more sophisticated and feature advanced features like airprint, wireless connectivity, and sublimation printing tend to cost more. The more expensive printers also last longer due to better quality parts.
The lowest priced printers may lack quality ink retention which can lead to constant purchasing. More expensive printers typically have better ink reservoirs which reduce the need to constantly buy new ink.
What type of paper should I use?
Sublimation printers work with special paper, and you can only use certain types. Most sublimation printers come with a special type of white paper that has a thin, translucent layer.
This layer helps the ink penetrate the paper as it is dried. You can also use plain white printer paper, as long as it is heavy weight.
Some users even use card stock, although this is not recommended if you want your print to be transitional. Transitional print means the ink color changes to a different color of ink. For example, pink transitions to gray.
Most sublimation printers come with a roll of white thin-layer printed paper.
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