What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is becoming more and more popular. It is a form of digital printing that uses a specialized paper. There are many pros and cons of sublimation printing, but overall it is clear to see why it’s gaining so much traction. So, what is sublimation printing?
The Sublimation Process
Sublimation is a chemical process. In simple(r) terms, it is where a solid turns into a gas, immediately, without passing through the liquid stage in between. When questioning what is sublimation printing, it helps to realize that it refers to the dye itself. We also call this dye-sublimation, as it is the dye that changes state.
So what is the opposite of sublimation? Well, it’s called deposition, although is sometimes known as desublimation. A deposition is when something transitions from gas to solid, not to be confused with condensation where it transitions to liquid form. The best example of deposition would be the formation of frost; air transitioning directly to a solid form and bypassing water. Another would be soot in chimneys.
What is Sublimation Printing Used For?
Okay, so we’re aware that there are a lot of questions that we have already answered; what is sublimation printing? How is it done? What does it mean? So far there have been very few downsides. There is, however, a catch. Sublimation on cotton just doesn’t particularly work. Or silk, or most natural fabrics. It’s ideal for t-shirts, great for hoodies, ideal for socks, providing they have a high polyester content.
As a result, if you’re a 100% natural cotton aficionado, then sublimation printing might not be for you. If you’re happy with a poly-blend material – we recommend around 85% poly – then this really is the future of fabric printing.
Another benefit of this type of printing is that you’re not limited to fabrics. Sublimation printing is great for hard media too: think mugs, pens, clocks, Christmas ornaments, tins, the list could go on.
Process
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Subllimation dyes are loaded in the printer. The colors are usually in the CMYK color space.
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Images are then printed onto the transfer paper. There are no limitations to colors and designs.
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Heat is applied to transfer the ink to the fabric to undergo the sublimation process.
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Ink is fused into the pores of the fabric and the garment panels are cut from the reels of the fabric.
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The panels are sewn and pieced together and turned into an amazing sublimated sportswear product.
SUBLIMATED SPORTS GEAR
CUSTOM DESIGN FOR ANY TEAM
Give Unikit the opportunity to design your Sports gear.
We can add names, logos of sponsors, numbers anything you want on your gear, any colour you want.
Contact us for all your questions regarding our custom Teamwear and sportswear. Your order is handled daily we will revert back within 48 business hours.
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