finishing-and-treatment-manufacturing-processes > Sublimation Printing

Sublimation Printing uses a heat source to convert the ink from a solid straight to a gaseous state, which allows it to permeate the fibres of the substrate and embed itself as part of the material.

The major advantage of sublimation printing is its durability. Due to the ink ingraining itself within the fibres of the material, the colour of the print lasts as long as the material does. However, there are a few limitations of Sublimation Printing. The process can only be performed on polyester or polyester coated items and must be done on white or bright colours.

Sublimation Printing, also referred to as Dye Sublimation Printing, is best suited to lower quantity orders, as the simpler setup and process is cheaper than Screen Printing. However, at higher quantity requirements, Screen Printing becomes more cost effective.