Sublimation ink is a special inkjet printing ink used in the thermal transfer process, which is directly sublimated into a gaseous state after being heated, penetrates into the polyester fiber material, and is re-condensed and fixed after cooling. This makes it an excellent color performance with precise subtle tones and complex patterns, a wide color gamut and vivid colors. When transferring, the ink and the fabric fiber are combined at the molecular level, the adhesion is firm, and the printed pattern is washable, friction-resistant, and not easy to fade and deform. The operation is also very simple, printed on the transfer paper with an ordinary inkjet printer, and the transfer can be completed by the high temperature and high pressure treatment of the hot press. In addition, sublimation ink does not contain harmful substances and is green and environmentally friendly, so it is widely used in clothing printing and dyeing, flag making, personalized gift customization and other fields, giving products unique color and lasting quality.
1. The working principle
The work of sublimation ink is based on the principle of sublimation-condensation. Inks are composed of pigments, dispersants, solvents, and other components. It is solid at room temperature, and when it reaches a specific temperature (generally 180 - 220 °C) when heated, the ink is directly sublimated into gaseous small molecules without going through the liquid stage. These small molecules can quickly penetrate into porous materials such as polyester fibers. When the temperature is lowered, the gaseous ink re-condenses into a solid state, firmly adheres to the fiber molecules, and realizes the permanent transfer and fixation of the pattern. This combination at the molecular level is the key to sublimating inks for beautiful, long-lasting prints.
2. How to use
Print preparation
Choose the right inkjet printer and make sure it supports sublimation inks. Prepare high-quality transfer paper, and complete the pattern layout and editing on the computer according to the design requirements.
Ink Loading
Install the sublimation ink cartridge to the printer correctly, taking care to avoid ink splashing and colliding with the ink cartridge.
Print operation
In the printer driver, select the appropriate print settings, such as paper type set to transfer paper, adjust the resolution, color mode, and other parameters. Once you have confirmed that everything is correct, start printing the pattern onto transfer paper.
Thermal transfer process
Cover the transfer paper with the printed pattern on the items to be transferred (such as polyester fabrics, coated ceramics, etc.) and put them into the heat press. Set the temperature, pressure and time of the heat press (e.g. temperature 200°C, pressure 15 - 20kg/cm², time 15 - 60 seconds), start the heat press to complete the transfer.
3. Maintenance and repair
(1) Maintenance
Printer maintenance
Regularly clean the printer printhead with a clean ink cartridge to prevent the ink from drying out and clogging the printhead. Run the printer's automatic cleaning program at regular intervals to keep the ink path clear.
Ink storage
Store unused sublimation ink in a cool, dry, and dark environment to avoid high temperature and humidity to extend the shelf life of the ink.
Transfer equipment maintenance
Regularly check the heating element, pressure device and temperature control system of the heat press to ensure its normal operation. Clean the surface of the hot platen after each use to prevent residual ink or impurities from affecting the next transfer effect.
(2) Maintenance
Nozzle blockage
If the nozzle is slightly clogged, you can use a special nozzle cleaning solution for soaking cleaning. In case of severe blockage, the sprinkler head needs to be removed by a professional technician for deep cleaning or replacement.
Failure of the hot press
If the heat press has problems such as abnormal temperature and unstable pressure, it should be stopped immediately and the after-sales personnel of the manufacturer should be contacted to overhaul key components such as heating pipes and pressure sensors.
Printer ink circuit failure
When the ink circuit leaks or the ink supply is not smooth, check whether the ink tube and connector are loose or damaged, and replace the relevant parts in time.
4. Advantages
Brilliant color
It has a wide color gamut, which can present extremely vivid and vivid colors, with high color reproduction, and meet the demanding color requirements of design.
Strong durability
Tightly combined with material molecules, the printed pattern is washable, friction-resistant, photo-aging-resistant, and not easy to fade and deform after long-term use.
Environmental performance
It does not contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and is friendly to the environment and human health during production and use.
The process is simple
It only ordinary inkjet printers and hot presses are needed to complete the transfer printing, without complex equipment and processes.
5. The benefits of customer choice
Cost-effective
It has easy to operate, low equipment requirements, reduce the cost of production equipment investment. And good durability reduces the cost of after-sales maintenance of products.
Quality improvement
Excellent color performance and firmness, improve product quality, increase market competitiveness, and help brand image building.
Creative freedom
Support a variety of patterns and materials, customers can give full play to their creativity to meet personalized customization needs.、
6. Industry application
Clothing textile
It used for customizing cultural shirts, sportswear, fashion clothing, etc., to achieve personalized patterns and exquisite color printing and dyeing.
Advertising and promotion
It make banners, banners, posters and other promotional materials with eye-catching colors and durability.
Home décor
Print unique patterns on pillows, curtains, decorative paintings, and other items to add a sense of home beauty.
Gift customization
Print personalized patterns for gifts such as mugs, mouse pads, and mobile phone cases to increase commemorative value.
7. Future development prospects
With the growth of consumers' demand for personalized and high-quality products, the sublimation ink market has broad prospects. In the future, R&D will focus on further improving the performance of inks, such as improving the stability of inks, expanding the range of applicable materials, and reducing production costs. At the same time, in emerging fields such as personalized decoration of smart wearable devices, surface color of 3D printing products, etc., sublimation ink is expected to open up more applications, continue to promote the innovation and development of the thermal transfer industry, and bring more creativity and business opportunities to various industries.
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