The printers used for printing dye-sublimation inks are always of the Piezo-electric print-head type and in many cases are the exact same models as those are that used for printing vinyl signs and graphics with solvent inks. Now that we’ve got that covered, let me give some more detail on each of the items and their associated costs. Ghosting or Protection Paper (in the case where Rotary Calendar is used - Sometimes used with Flatbed too) Rotary Sublimation Calendar or Flatbed Heat Press

Software RIP (Raster Image Processor) for converting artwork files (Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw, etc) into the language of the printer Large Format Inkjet Printer capable of running dye-sublimation inks Combine this with sports teams love of bright colors and bold graphics and you'll understand why polyester and sublimation are the perfect marriage of technologies! Additionally cotton and nylon require special 'reactive' or 'acid' ink sets that require fabric that is specially coated and complicated steam post-processing to set the color after printing.īecause polyester and polyester-blend fabrics have excellent moisture-wicking and fast-dry properties they have been long been a popular choice for sweaty activities. 'Dye-Sublimation Transfer' is the process of printing a dye-based ink onto paper and then using heat and pressure to turn the dye molecules into a gas which bonds with fibers in the fabric. Because of it's unique molecular structure, polyester is the material that is most receptive to sublimated dyes. Prints sublimated to polyester fabric are characterized by their extremely saturated colors, high light-fastness and durability when washed repeatedly.Ĭertainly, cottons and nylons can be digitally printed also, but these require highly specialized printers that print direct to the fabric, whereas dye-sublimation uses a cheap transfer paper in a fairly conventional printer. Looking to get started in the business of producing printed sports apparel and team-wear but not sure how to get started? Already selling printed sports apparel but becoming frustrated by the long lead-times and lack of control when dealing with off-shore suppliers? This post is the first of a series dedicated to demystifying the equipment, supplies and processes needed to successfully set up your own, on-shore, in-house dye-sublimated apparel production!

Free rip software mimaki