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sublimation

What is sublimation?

Sublimation is a process in printing technology in which dyes change directly into a gaseous state without passing through the liquid state. This process makes it possible to permanently embed dyes into special materials, especially polyester fabrics or coated surfaces.

The sublimation process is widely used in the textile and promotional products industry to create colorful and long-lasting prints on various products such as t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads and other personalized items. Special sublimation inks are used, which transform into a gaseous state through heat and pressure and then permanently bond to the fibers of the material.

The advantages of sublimation lie in the brilliant color reproduction, the durability of the prints and the ability to create complex designs without loss of quality. However, it is important to note that sublimation only works on materials that have a special coating for this process.

What's the difference between

Infusible Ink and Sublimation?

Infusible ink and sublimation are two different techniques, but use similar principles to permanently embed dyes into materials. This is the main difference between Infusible Ink and Sublimation:

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  1. Infusible Ink: They are special inks that are printed on special Cricut transfer sheets and then applied to the material. The inks are incorporated into the material using heat and pressure.

  • ​Pro

    • It's super easy to use if you have a Cricut machine. The Infusible Ink is cut and then pressed on with high heat.​

    • Cost-effective compared to sublimation

  • Cons

    • Due to the specified colors, no photos or colorful images are possible

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  1. Sublimation: Sublimation involves printing dyes directly onto special sublimation paper using a sublimation printer and then converting them into the gaseous state using heat and pressure to bond with the material's fibers.

  • ​Pro

    • Designed - printed - pressed on, the process is extremely simple

    • Any image or photo imaginable can be printed

  • Cons

    • An additional printer of approx. €500 is required

    • More expensive by purchasing a sublimation printer. 

      • By the way, we advise against converted printers.​

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How do I know if my blank is sublimable?

To determine if a blank is sublimable, you can follow the following steps:

  1. Material testing:

    • Sublimation works best on materials with a special coating that aids the sublimation process.

    • Typical sublimable materials include polyester fabrics, ceramics, aluminum, and other coated surfaces.

    • Check the blank for signs of coating, which is often smooth and uniform.

  2. Manufacturer information:

    • Check the product information or the blank manufacturer's information.

    • Some products are specifically designed for sublimation and are labeled as "sublimation ready" or "sublimation coated".

  3. Sublimation test:

    • Perform a small sublimation test to check the suitability of the material before tackling larger projects.

    • Print a simple design on sublimation paper and try sublimating it onto the blank.

  4. Heat resistance:

    • Sublimation requires high temperatures. Make sure the material is heat-resistant and the sublimated dyes can achieve the desired results.

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If you are unsure whether a particular blank is suitable for sublimation, it is always advisable to contact the manufacturer, ask us or carry out small tests to avoid potential problems.

Vorlagen für unsere Sublimationsrohlingen

Um das Designen zu erleichtern, kannst du hier unsere Vorlagen mit den Konturen der Rohlinge herunterladen.

...folgt zeitnah. :)

Presszeiten für Sublimationsrohlinge

Hier ist eine PDF-Datei für Deine Unterlagen. Du kannst die Presszeiten jederzeit nachlesen und eigene hinzufügen.

You will soon find out more about sublimation here.

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