Sublimation ink is a type of ink used in special printers to transfer images onto synthetic or coated materials, such as fabrics, mugs, mouse pads, and other products. The transfer is done through a sublimation process, where the ink is heated and vaporized, penetrating the surface of the material and becoming an integral part of it.
Composed of dyes that, when heated, turn into gas and penetrate the fabric fibers or surface coating, its composition allows for permanent, fade-resistant printing.
In other words, technically, sublimation ink consists of pigments dispersed in solution that have the property of transforming from a solid to a gaseous state when exposed to high temperatures during the process.
But, as in any industry, not all inks are created equal, and quality makes all the difference in the final result. Therefore, it is essential to understand what characteristics define a high-quality sublimation ink and how to choose the best option for your business.
In this article, you will learn how the sublimation printing process occurs; some of the difficulties that a business owner may face in this process; what inks need to present to ensure productivity and efficiency in the production line, among other differentials.
Sublimation process in printing
The sublimation printing process is carried out using a heat press, which applies heat and pressure to the paper, causing the sublimation ink to change from a solid state directly to a gaseous state, penetrating the fabric fibers and solidifying again.
Taking fabric as an example, this process involves a few steps:
- Printing: the image is printed on special paper using an inkjet printer. The image must be mirrored before printing, as it will be transferred in reverse to the substrate.
- Transfer: The printed image is placed face down on the fabric. The paper is secured to the fabric with heat tape to prevent it from moving during the transfer process.
- Heating: the fabric and paper are pressed in the heat press at a temperature between 180°C and 200°C, depending on the type of fabric and ink used. The pressure and heating time may also vary depending on each material.
- Sublimation: During heating, the sublimation ink changes from a solid to a gaseous state and is absorbed by the fibers of the polyester fabric. When the temperature is reduced, the ink solidifies again, creating a long-lasting, fade-resistant image.
The end result is a vibrant, long-lasting image that won’t fade or peel because the sublimation ink is absorbed directly into the fabric fibers, rather than sitting on the surface like other inks. This process is commonly used to print T-shirts, sportswear, flags, towels, and other polyester fabric items.
Difficulties with the sublimation process
Some of the difficulties for those starting out in the sublimation printing business include:
- Inadequate choice of low quality sublimation inks ;
- Lack of knowledge about the type of material to be sublimated;
- Incompatibility problems between sublimation ink and the printer;
- Lack of experience in printer calibration;
- Lack of adequate control of temperature and pressing time;
- And problems with the quality of the resulting image.
Additionally, there may also be issues with proper printer maintenance and proper storage of supplies such as sublimation inks and papers. It is important for entrepreneurs who have already started or want to invest in this area to be aware of these difficulties and work to overcome them in order to ensure print quality and customer satisfaction.
Read also: 4 Most Common Problems in Industrial Printing and How to Avoid Them
Marabu sublimation ink differences
Choosing the right sublimation ink is essential to ensure print quality and customer satisfaction. This is because, in addition to offering vibrant colors and good fluidity, it ensures adhesion to the material used in the transfer, preventing the image from fading or peeling over time.
Above all, the ink must be compatible with the printer and the material used for transfer to ensure that the sublimation process is efficient. Therefore, the characteristics that define a high-quality sublimation ink include:
- Vibrant color : It is essential that the ink has bright and vibrant colors so that the printed image has quality and sharpness.
- Good fluidity : it must have good fluidity so that it is easy to work with and does not cause obstructions or blockages in the printer.
- Quick drying : Must dry quickly to avoid smudging and ensure image quality.
- Good adhesion : must adhere perfectly to the material, ensuring that the image does not fade or peel.
- Durability : essential to ensure that the image remains sharp and vibrant for a long time.
- Compatibility : the ink must be compatible with the printer and the material used in the transfer, so that the sublimation process is efficient and problem-free.
At Marabu , you will find high-quality sublimation inks , with cutting-edge technology, formulated with special pigments that guarantee vibrant and long-lasting colors, as well as good fluidity for a trouble-free printing process.
Additionally, our inks are rigorously tested and certified to ensure compatibility with the major brands of printers and transfer papers available on the market.
Read also: Top 8 Marabu Brasil inks for screen printing and pad printing and their applications
Conclusion
Based on the differences mentioned above, do your current inputs fit this standard?
If you are not satisfied with the quality of your prints or are looking to improve the efficiency of your sublimation process, check out the Marabu website to learn about our work, read other articles and leave your questions in the comments.
With a wide variety of high-quality sublimation inks, Marabu offers products that stand out for their excellent fluidity, vibrant colors and exceptional durability. Contact Marabu and count on our team of experts , in addition to Voyant's Artificial Intelligence to answer all your questions about the process.
We are ready to help you achieve the success you deserve!