Dye Sublimation

Sublimation Printing is the process of transferring photographs and full colour graphics onto items.  These can include anything from metal, glass, ceramics and unisub products. These types of products are pre-coated and therefore sublimation receptive. Other products that can be used for sublimation printing include certain synthetic fabrics, such as T-shirts, jigsaws puzzles and mouse mats and more.

 

The process of Dye Sublimation Printing from Nova Chrome starts with designing your own artwork on your PC. This can be using any kind of graphics software such as Photoshop. The printer is then loaded with sublimation ink, which is then printed onto Epson photo quality 720 dpi paper.  A heat press is then used to transfer the image onto the end product.

 

Using head and pressure the inks are then converted from solid to a gas and then penetrated into the surface of the item. Sublimation Printing gives a more durable finish compared to other transfer methods, where the image is only applied to the surface.

 

The process of this style of printing is quick and easy. The equipment used is very compact and requires minimal working space. You can print as few prints as you like. There is also room to print ‘one offs’, short runs or multiple to suit your individual requirements.

 

The end result of this type of printing is vibrant, realistic and durable.

 

Sublimation Blanks

The term sublimation refers to the process of switching from a solid to a gas without the need of passing through a transitional liquid phase. Sublimation Blanks are materials that work with a process called sublimation. A chemical reaction occurs between the ink and polyester surface to be infused onto the surface of products. Typically, these are great for T-shirts, mugs, bags and even clothing. The polyester coating allows for the sublimation process to transfer when in contact with heat. For this to work, a sublimation blank with poly-coating is required. 

 

Once the design has been chosen, specially designed inks are used through a sublimation printer onto sublimation paper. These inks aren’t your regular printer ink used at home. This ink is then dried and is ready to be transferred. Temperatures reaching up to 400 degrees are then compressed onto the product and permanently printed. 

 

Sublimation is known to last a long time, is scratch resistant and can even hold up well after washing. When you sublimate a product, it becomes one and so it is difficult to scratch or peel off. Sublimation is a great way of customising products and especially personalised gifts.