(Non) common technologies: Sublimation printing is one of the most modern printing technologies, which excels in high durability and allows full-width printing on materials made of artificial – polyester – fibres.

The motif is first printed by a large-format inkjet printer in the CMYK colour space with sublimation inks on transfer paper and then with a hydraulic press on polyester material. During the printing process, the polyester fibres are heated up and the high temperature causes them to open up and absorb the ink from the sublimation paper. During cooling, the fibres and the ink inside are sealed. As a result, the motif on the product is not washable even after repeated washing and is not noticeable to the touch.

Do you know that…
printing technology probably originated in Asia, but it didn’t reach Europe until the 10th century. The first Czech (manual) printing press was built in 1763 (in Sloup u Česke Lípy), in 1770 Scott Bell invented the first gravure printing machine.

The advantages of sublimation printing

The sublimation method can print small motifs and large images of photographic quality. The print is colourfast and retains all the original parameters of the printed material. The advantage of sublimation printing is its high resistance to abrasion and chemicals, and the products can be washed and dry-cleaned. Other advantages of sublimation printing are durability and the ability to colour through even the details of the motif colour transitions.

Material suitable for sublimation printing

The most suitable material for the application of this technology is 100% polyester, or a blend of cotton and polyester. Polyester is ideal for sublimation printing. It is strong, mechanically and chemically resistant and can be used for the production of various types of products. For example, you can have a Microtech towel, a Sublistep mat or an Image towel printed with this technology.

Extraordinary Technologies: Sublimation Printing is part of our series of articles focusing on explaining the principles of the branding technologies we use in our workshop. You can also read the article “(Un)Ordinary Technologies: Embroidery“.

Interested in more about sublimation branding? Do not hesitate to contact our sales representatives and see for yourself its quality.

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