Dye sublimation is a digital printing process that employs heat transfer to transfer an image to the desired material or fabric. The procedure, also known as digital sublimation, is often used for decorating clothing, signage and banners, and other products with sublimation-friendly surfaces. Dye sublimation supplies are needed in order to complete the procedure, regardless of what item you are printing on.
How are dye sublimation products made?
Dye sublimation is a printing technique that produces images one line at a time by employing an electrically heated device. Dye sublimation printers use dye from a plastic film instead of spraying ink jets onto a sheet-like inkjet printer. This is usually in the form of a roll or a ribbon, similar to that used by thermal wax printers, with consecutive panels of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black dye. You can use dye sub blanks for any and all of your DIY needs, including sublimation mug printing and more.
How many sublimation printing products can be made with dye sublimation blanks wholesale?
A wide range of products including dye sublimation mugs and dye sublimation coasters can be made with these blanks. Sublimation blanks are available in a wide range of forms and sizes. A classic flat heat press may press blanks such as ornaments, key chains, mouse pads, and much more. Some thicker products, such as awards plaques, will benefit from a swing-away style heat press. Due to the particular shapes of certain blanks, such as pet bowls and hats/caps, specific heat-transferring processes will be necessary. Pet bowls are best sublimated using sublimation wraps and an oven, whereas caps require either a curved cap attachment or a particular heat press.
Is dye sublimation the same as heat transfer?
Yes, dye sublimation is a type of heat transfer! However, each decorative process makes use of a distinct type of film and equipment. Dye-sub designs are digitally generated and then heated to molecularly transfer the dye onto your material. Because the pattern is molecularly linked, it will never split or peel. Having the correct specialized equipment, such as a dye sublimation mug press allows you to offer a wide range of entirely personalized items to your clients, which adds enormous value to your business.