Sublimation ink is unique in its ability to convert from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid form. (Just like dry ice.) The conversion is initiated by heat and controlled with pressure and time. Hard items (such as ceramic, fiber board, metals, etc.) require a special coating to accept the sublimation inks. (Above photo is of sublimated ceramic tiles). When applied to 100% polyester, a coating is not needed, the dye sub image is applied directly to the 100% polyester fabric.

The inks when transferred produce superb vibrant colors.

In the early days of sublimation, due to the slow speeds of ink jet printers, the process was only of use to provide strike-off's or one-off's. Now, with the massive increase in speed and print quality in the last 2 years, the process is a viable alternative for short to medium production runs, opening up new markets to companies that they never even dreamed possible. For instance we regularly work with companies to provide in-house print solutions, by testing their products to see if they are compatible with the process.

General Pros/Cons

Brilliant color reproduction on ceramics, and specially coated metals and plastics.

Fabrics must be polyester based - cannot use a standard 100% cotton t-shirt.

Best application for dye sub is mugs, coasters, mouse pads, luggage tags, name tags, license plates, and other products with a special sublimation coating.