Sublimation Ink More Info

What are sublimation transfer inks?
To understand SubliJet sublimation inks, let’s first discuss the meaning of sublimation. Sublimation describes the process of a solid substance changing directly into a gas or vapor, without first passing through the intermediary liquid state. An example of this process which most recognize is "dry ice."In the printing world, the term sublimation is used to describe heat-activated inks that change into a gas when heated and have the ability to bond with polyester or acrylic surfaces. Sublimated images are extremely washable, scratch resistant and dishwasher safe because the image is protected within the surface.Printing with sublimation ink is not new; sublimation transfers have played an important role in the printing world for decades. What is new to the printing world, is the ability to digitally print sublimation inks rather that screen-printing them. The recent introduction of inkjet sublimation printing is a true revolution in digital transfer printing and is patented by The Sawgrass Company as SubliJet.

How Sublimation works...
A sublimation transfer, printed with an inkjet printer and SubliJet ink cartridges, is placed on a sublimation-ready product. Using heat and pressure from a standard heat press, the inks are activated and begin to change into a gas. At the same time, the molecular chain of the polymer surface expands and forms openings, which receive the individual dye molecules. Pressure of approximately 40lbs. per sq. inch ensures that the vapor is forced inside the surface. At the exact moment that the substrate is removed from heat the material cools and the polymer surface regains its original form. Sublimation gases within the surface will revert back to a solid state and remain trapped within the surface of the product indefinitely. Much like a tattoo, the image is below the surface, protected from the elements that could cause a decal to scratch, fade or peel