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Dye
Sublimation Process |
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Dye
Sublimation is a process used to dye fabrics, developed in
the carpet industry, whereby a solid ink, at 375 to 400 degrees,
turns into a gas without becoming a liquid. Most sublimators
print the image digitally (CMYK) on a special heat resistant
transfer paper first and then take that paper to a heat press
to ultimately transfer the image onto the fabric. Because
the fabric is heated to 400 degrees, polyester based fabrics
are the best choice for sublimating. Natural textiles are
generally not an option due to their inability to withstand
high temperatures. |
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There
are two key advantages to the dye sublimation process. Since
the polyester fibers open up at high temperatures allowing
the gas (formerly the ink) to sublimate into them, the fibers
actually become the color. Consequently the image can be
washed or ironed. Secondly, running the inks through a heat
press makes the colors "POP".
Some of our competitors use direct-to-surface printing which
has been unable to deliver the same results. Anyone comparing
fabric printed on the two processes will always pick the "dye
sublimated" image. |
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It
can be amazing how different the colors look on the transfer
prior to pressing compared to the fabric after having been
through the heat press. The other day we printed a table
skirt that was supposed to come out a "navy" blue. The transfer
looked purple. After it went through the heat press and was
transferred to the fabric, it was in fact "navy" blue. It is a weird science!! |
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View
the process |
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Sublimate the Transfer onto
Fabric at press |
Cut fabric using hot
knife |
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Sewing Operation |
Table Skirt being
sewn |
19
Buffum Road