Industry Analysis of Sublimation Offset Ink
Introduction
Sublimation offset ink is an ink specially used for sublimation printing technology. It is increasingly used in a variety of materials such as textiles, ceramics, and metals. This article will explore the characteristics, application fields, technical advantages, and future development trends of sublimation offset ink from a professional technical perspective.
Basic Principle of Sublimation Offset Ink
Sublimation offset ink is mainly composed of sublimation dyes and carriers. Its working principle is to sublimate the dye in the ink from a solid state to a gaseous state directly through hot pressing and high temperature, and then penetrate into the surface of the substrate, and solidify after cooling to form a lasting pattern. This process includes the following key steps:
1. Ink transfer: Transfer the sublimation offset ink to the transfer paper through the printing equipment.
2. Sublimation: At high temperature (usually 180-230°C), the dye in the ink sublimates into a gaseous state.
3. Penetration and solidification: The gaseous dye penetrates into the surface of the substrate and solidifies after cooling to form a stable pattern.
Technical characteristics of sublimation offset printing ink
Bright colors: Sublimation dyes have high saturation and wide color gamut, which can achieve bright and realistic color effects.
High resolution: Sublimation offset printing inks can achieve high-resolution image printing with strong detail expression.
Strong durability: Sublimation patterns have good wear resistance, light resistance and water resistance, and are suitable for various environmental conditions.
Environmental protection: Sublimation inks are usually water-based formulas, do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are environmentally friendly.
Application areas
Textile printing: Sublimation offset printing inks are widely used in the printing of textiles such as clothing, home textiles, and sporting goods. Its patterns have high color fastness and can withstand multiple washings without fading.
Ceramic printing: Used for pattern printing of products such as ceramic cups and tiles, the patterns are bright and durable.
Metal printing: Suitable for pattern printing of products such as metal plates and metal signs, with good adhesion and durability.
Advertisement and logo: Used to make high-quality billboards, signboards, etc., with bright colors and clear patterns.
Technical advantages
Simple process: The thermal sublimation printing process is relatively simple, without complex pre-treatment and post-treatment, and has high production efficiency.
Low cost: The production and use costs of thermal sublimation offset printing inks are relatively low, suitable for mass production.
Environmental protection and safety: Water-based thermal sublimation inks are harmless to the environment and human body and meet environmental protection requirements.
Diversified applications: It can print high-quality patterns on a variety of materials and has a wide range of applications.
Future development trends
Technological innovation: With the advancement of science and technology, the technology of thermal sublimation offset printing inks will continue to innovate and improve its performance and application range. For example, develop inks with higher resolution and higher color fastness.
Environmental upgrade: In the future, environmentally friendly thermal sublimation inks will become the mainstream of the market, and companies will pay more attention to the environmental performance and safety of inks.
Personalized customization: With the increase in personalized consumer demand, thermal sublimation printing technology will play a greater role in the field of personalized customization to meet the diverse needs of consumers.
Intelligent production: Intelligent production equipment and processes will further improve the production efficiency and quality control level of thermal sublimation printing and achieve a more efficient production process.
Conclusion
Dye-sublimation offset inks have been widely used in many fields such as textiles, ceramics, metals, and advertising logos due to their bright colors, high resolution, strong durability, and environmental safety. With the continuous innovation of technology and changes in market demand, dye-sublimation offset inks will usher in a broader development prospect in the future. Enterprises should actively pay attention to industry trends, promote technological upgrades and environmental protection transformation to meet the market's needs.