Sublimation. What is it? Features and equipment

Recently, souvenirs with individually applied images have become popular. This process is called "sublimation". What is it? The answer is a technology that allows you to apply bright images to various objects that are resistant to wiping, fading.

There are a number of requirements for the fabric on which the image should be printed. First, the color of the product. It must be absolutely white. Secondly, more than 60% of synthetic fibers should be present in the fabric. All this is important in order that the material is resistant to high temperatures (more than two hundred degrees).

Let's take a closer look at such an innovation as sublimation. What is it? Modern technology. The essence of it is as follows: the picture is applied to the fabric in two stages. On the first, it is printed on paper, and then thermal transfer is carried out directly on the garment or fabric element. If we consider this process more deeply, it is based on the discovery of the polyester molecule, which occurs at a temperature of more than 160 ^° C.

Special inks put an image on transfer paper. Then the printed image is superimposed on the material and placed under the press. High pressure develops there, and the temperature reaches 200 degrees. The creation of such conditions leads to the fact that when the paper is heated, the ink adheres to the previously opened molecules. Due to this, the transfer of the picture takes only 30 seconds. When the product cools, the polyester molecule closes again, and the paint remains inside.

It is for this reason that sublimation is durable. What is it? Myth or the truth? It does not actually wash out at any temperature, does not fade. The product can be ironed. This process has one significant disadvantage - T-shirts for sublimation must be exceptionally white. If things are light shades, a good result can be guaranteed in case of printing only with black ink. The same principle is observed when drawing an image on a mug, logos or other souvenir products. The figure under the action of high pressure and temperature is baked to the product.

Printer for sublimation

This is the basic equipment necessary for the production of souvenirs in this way. If you can do without the press and paper, then without a printer - in any way. World manufacturers of computer equipment offer a wide selection of inkjet devices designed for technology such as sublimation. What is it and what brand to choose? Roland, Mimaki and many other brands have a high degree of print quality and reliability. Their significant disadvantage is the high level of prices, which makes it impossible to purchase a printer for an aspiring entrepreneur. In this case, you can search for cheaper options among home or office devices. The main criterion of choice is the presence of the piezoelectric method of printing. It is used in all Epson models. Such printheads do not affect the ink. The applied image must be bright, clear. This is provided by four cartridges. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the size of the drop, it should be minimal.