Selecting a Dye Sublimation Printer

Compared to traditional inkjet printers, which use a print head that essentially sweeps back and forth across the surface of each page to distribute color panels and ink drops, dye sublimation has fewer moving parts. As a result, the printers are less likely to break down and have an extremely long lifecycle. The process also uses very few chemicals, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, the prints are completely dry once they exit the printer, so there is no potential for smudging or staining.

Unlike other types of printing, where the inks dissolve in the fabric and can peel off, dye sublimation permanently dyes the substrate into the fibers. The ink is transferred from the transfer paper to the polyester product using high heat. Upon contact with heat, the solid ink goes from its liquid state to a gas state and then into the polyester product, turning the fabric into an actual piece of artwork. This technique is ideal for printing onto fabric, such as t-shirts or coffee mugs.

Dye sublimation is a unique type of printing that allows you to produce full-color, high-resolution graphics. The graphics are printed onto a special transfer sheet, which is then applied to your product using the heat press. The heat from the machine causes the ink to turn into a gas, which is then absorbed by the polymers in the fabric. Once the ink is fully infused into the fabric, it will not scratch or fade.

The first quality dye-sublimation Dye sublimation printer printers hit the market in the $500-$1,000 price range, bringing the technology to the masses. Since then, many manufacturers have released quality dye-sublimation printers that are able to print onto a variety of different media. Some of these printers are designed for occasional use, while others can handle impressive factory production.

When selecting a dye-sublimation printer, consider the size of your business and the number of products you will be creating. If you plan to create small, individual orders, consider a desktop model. These models will not only be more affordable, but they can accommodate up to a dozen transfers at one time. If you need to produce large volumes of shirts, consider an industrial-level printer, such as the Mimaki TS55-1800.

With its powerful RIP software and eight-channel print heads, the TS55-1800 can produce high-resolution graphics with smooth gradations, dense colors, and fine details. Designed to work with fabrics and polyester resin-coated surfaces, this printer offers many opportunities for soft signage, exhibits, apparel, and fabric printing.