Have you ever wondered how photos and designs get printed onto mugs, phone cases, fabrics and more? Well, you‘re in the right place! Get ready to become a sublimation printing expert as we dive into this technology‘s rich history, how it works, top printer options, getting started guides, and insider tips perfect for beginners.
A Brief History of Sublimation Printing
Before we get technical, let‘s quickly cover what sublimation printing actually is. In short, it‘s a specialized printing process that applies dye onto coatings like polymer or polyester. This lets you "print" onto everything from ceramics and metals to sporting equipment and apparel using special printers and inks.
But where did sublimation printing come from? Good question! Here‘s a quick history lesson:
-
1957 – A French chemist, Noël de Plasse, discovers the concept while working for a company called Sublistatic SA. He realizes ink colors can shift straight from solid to gas form when heated – also known as sublimation.
-
1960s/1970s – Mass production of sublimation transfer sheets accelerates using ribbon systems, enabling major customization of printed products.
-
Early 1970s – Engineers at NASA‘s Jet Propulsion Lab create some of the first computer-driven sublimation printers by controlling heat and print head movement with numeric control software.
-
1974 – JPL engineer Wes Hoekstra invents the first true computer graphics sublimation printer, paving the way for affordable desktop models.
-
Present day – Sublimation printing explodes in popularity thanks to easy-to-use printers, low costs, and limitless customization potential for both soft and hard goods!
Now let‘s move on to…
How Sublimation Printing Actually Works
The technology behind sublimation printing is pretty fascinating! Here‘s a high level overview:
Special sublimation ink gets printed onto treated transfer paper. This ink is made of dispersed dye that turns to gas when heat is applied.
The print is then firmly pressed against a polyester coated item using industrial heat printing equipment. This high temperature and pressure causes the dyes to solidify directly into the coating, without ever becoming liquid.
Once cooled, an extremely durable, high resolution print remains as the dye bonds at a molecular level with the substrate. And unlike other techniques, sublimation ink infuses fabric rather than sitting on top.
The result? Vibrant, permanent prints that won‘t fade or deteriorate over years of use and washing. It‘s ideal for making customized shirts, mugs, awards, signs, decor and much more!
Now let‘s dive deeper into early computer driven printers that made sublimation printing mainstream.
The Launch of Computer-Controlled Sublimation Printers
It may surprise you to learn that NASA helped spearhead the first computer driven dye-sublimation printers back in the early 1970s!
Engineers at their Jet Propulsion Lab used an integrated system of thermal print heads, automated heat presses and early CNC software programs. This revolutionary setup gave them unprecedented control over ink drying, image transfer and precise print alignment.
Many credit JPL engineer Wes Hoekstra with building the world‘s first true computer graphics sublimation printer in 1974. Hoekstra‘s design could produce photograph quality images by controlling printer heat and movements through computer software.
Just as importantly, his innovations increased output speed and efficiency. This was key to making sublimation a viable option for mass production across various goods.
These game changing developments made inexpensive, user-friendly desktop sublimation printers possible just years later. In short, Hoekstra‘s work is responsible for the versatile dye-sublimation techniques we know today!
Now let‘s cover how this cool printing method changed the industry forever…
How Sublimation Printing Upended Conventional Printing
For both businesses and consumers, the emergence of desktop sublimation printers made on-demand customization both practical and affordable. Traditional techniques like screen printing or lithography required expensive fixed plates or screens that took time to produce.
Sublimation introduced game changing advantages:
- Quick design changeovers – Easily create and print different images without resets
- Short runs – Cost effective printing of one-off prototypes or small batches
- Specialty goods – Print directly onto hard goods like mugs, metal plates, wood slates, etc.
- Vibrant dyes – Embedded prints don‘t chip, fade or peel with use + washing
- Photographic reproduction – Flawlessly print intricate photos, logos, graphics and more!
From smartphone cases to clothing prototypes and branded coffee mugs, sublimation empowers endless applications that weren‘t possible before.
Even better, per-unit cost stays ultra low regardless of order size – whether making one shirt or 500! Combined with reasonable printer prices, sublimation removes almost all barriers to designing completely custom goods.
It‘s no wonder this cool technology has exploded in popularity for businesses, creative entrepreneurs and hobbyists alike. Let‘s check out some leading sublimation printer models on the market now…
Top Sublimation Printer Contenders
| Printer Model | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | Compact, entry level dye-sublimation printer perfect for home crafters or boutique shop owners on a budget. Refillable ink tanks provide low operating costs. Integrated heat attachment ensure precise alignment for easy transfers | Beginners wanting affordable startup costs with minimal complexity |
| Epson SureColor F570 | Robust 24-inch printer handles large format banner, signage and graphic display needs. Included color software optimizes vivid image reproduction. High capacity rolls and integrated control panel supports reliable high volume printing | Print and signage shops in need of efficient dye-sub printing with vivid color matching capabilities |
| Mimaki TS100-1600 | Lightning fast 64-inch industrial textile printer handles 700+ sq ft/hr volumes across multiple fabric types. Features fine color gradations and innovations that minimize ink banding over continuous long runs | High capacity fabric printing operations like apparel and upholstery manufacturers capable of supporting industrial investments |
This chart above highlights three popular models fitting common needs and budgets. Let‘s dive deeper on the key differences and ideal usage cases:
Entry level models like Epson‘s SureColor F170 provide affordable at-home solutions for hobby sellers or microbusiness owners. Compact size, simplicity and low operating expenses make them perfect for beginners. Key features like refillable ink reservoirs and built-in heat presses simplify processes for small batch creation of custom phone cases, ceramics, keepsakes and more!
On the opposite end, heavy duty industrial systems like Mimaki‘s TS100 offer unmatched production capacities for full time clothing designers, upholstery workrooms and other soft goods manufacturing. Blazing fast print speeds, long durable runs, and expanded ink options support 24/7 processes across different fabric types. Of course these machines require major capital investments and space commitments best suited to large scale producers.
In the middle, advanced graphics-focused models like Epson‘s SureColor F570 cater to print, sign and display shops needing extended width rolls and vibrant color matching. This powerful yet affordable class of printer is ideal for producers of banners, murals, retail graphic displays in need of speed, precision and consistency.
As you can see, plenty of choices exist when selecting a sublimation printer tailored exactly for your needs!
Now let‘s finish up with some key tips for taking the plunge…
Getting Started with Sublimation Printing
Thanks to growing popularity, getting started with sublimation printing has never been easier or more affordable! Here are some pointers if you‘re itching give it a try:
👉 Start by purchasing a beginner-friendly sublimation printer package which includes compatible ink, transfer paper and heating devices – everything you need in one box!
👉 Always use specialized sublimation ink and paper to achieve optimal washing durability.
👉 Print your image in reverse/mirror image mode so it aligns properly during transfer.
👉 Use Polyester coated blanks items like mugs, bags, ceramic tiles, aluminum sheets etc. Polycoatings bond best with sublimation dyes.
👉 Apply via heat press or other heating systems at exact temps, pressures and duration needed for item. Varies per material so read guidance carefully!
As you master the basics, let your creativity run wild with personalized smartphone wallets, custom apparel, engraved skateboards, dinner plates featuring family photos and so much more!
Sublimation printing gives anyone, from crafters to corporations, the power to cost effectively produce short runs of completely customized, professional quality goods. With a little practice, you‘ll unlock a world of creative applications while building a thriving business!
I hope you‘ve discovered how transformative and empowering this cool printing technology can be. Now put your new sublimation knowledge to work creating awesome personalized projects!
