Sublimation printing is a digital technique that has taken over older methods. Particularly economical, it is also practical. This process offers great latitude and allows you to customize the different prints made. While benefiting from machine flexibility.
The textile, glass, porcelain, and other industries are no exception. Screen printing has recently given way to this digital solution, particularly in terms of product personalization. What are the new standards?
What is sublimation printing?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, let’s try to define what sublimation printing is. This is a special ink transfer printing. These inks are sensitive to heat and are transformed into gas under the effect of the latter. The ink is then combined with a polyester backing and becomes part of the target material. This allows the images thus print not to peel off, let alone crack over time.
The sublimation printing process:
First, the images are printed on heat-resistant transfer paper as an invert image of the final design. Once print, the images are heat transferred onto the final media. Indeed at high temperatures (between 180 and 210 °) and accompanied by high pressure, the pigments of sublimation inks are transforming into gas and permeate the support to solidify within the material.
Most printers have these machines dedicate to image transfer. It has even become almost essential for a printing house to have it available as demand is growing. It ranges from business communication to the personal needs of clients. Even in the context of the marketing of a new product.
Continuously upgrade standards
In the field of graphics, the goal constantly sought is a better rendering. Sublimation printing is no exception to this rule. And especially with regard to inks. This is the case with Sublisplash sublimation inks which offer innovations affecting the rendering of prints. On the menu of these improvements we note a better stability of the ink, a stronger intensity, but also a quality/price ratio revised upwards. The one that interests us here is the intensity of the colors, especially the black tint. Sublisplash ink provides high contrast which helps deliver a more dynamic image. This is made possible by a new, much deeper black shade. This intensity produces visual results impressive. A godsend for prints on textiles, mugs, or glass as part of corporate communication.
Personalize glass: a new application of sublimation printing
Speaking of printing on glass, it also benefits from new sublimation printing techniques. The customizable glass is booming and many companies have decided to jump on this niche. Both manufacturers have identified the issues.
The applications are numerous. It goes from the interior glass door to the shower wall. The Industrad Group offers impeccable print speed and quality for this. In addition to glass, the Impala offers a wide variety of media. It makes it possible to reproduce an image as well on an entrance door as on a kitchen splashback.
In conclusion
It is clear that successful printing will require a high-quality printer and dedicated inks. As the personalization of objects is increasingly popular, there is no doubt that sublimation printing will deliver new, ever more innovative standards.
