What is sublimation?

[keithd]

I've heard this term used a lot, and even seen sublimation printers. But what exactly does it mean? What is an example of sublimation printing? And what is it most commonly used for in the sign making industry? In other words, what are its strengths versus screen or regular printing.

Thanks, and sorry for what i"m sure is a remedial question.

 

[James Burke]

False start...see next post.

 

[James Burke]

Scientifically, sublimation refers to the ability of a solid to convert directly into a gas without first becoming a liquid, such as dry ice transforming into CO2 gas.

In our case, ink is printed to a sheet of paper and placed against a substrate. Heat is applied, and the solids (color pigments) are transformed to a gas that penetrates the surface of the substrate. Metal, ceramic and other hard-surfaced items must be specially coated in order to be receptive to sublimation.


JB

 

[keithd]

Thank you for the info James. That helps a ton.

One follow up question: what is the advantage to sublimation printing over traditional printing? What are it's most common uses?

 

[James Burke]

Thank you for the info James. That helps a ton.

One follow up question: what is the advantage to sublimation printing over traditional printing? What are it's most common uses?

Typically, it's for anything that won't fit through a "normal" printer such as a mug, a hat, a quilt, a surf board, or a plaque and so on.

I'm not affiliated with these folks, but I've seen a lot of their ads in A&E (Awards & Engraving) magazine: http://www.sawgrassink.com/Home.aspx


JB

 

[bulldozer]

/\ what he said, and for fabrics it can take a washing better than traditional printing.