Sublimation printing is a modern printing procedure that uses heat to apply ink on a substrate. It's a permanent printing method, and it keeps the printed designs on the substrate. This high-tech printing method uses a sublimation machine to print especially on fabrics. So, what exactly is a sublimation machine?
A sublimation machine uses heat to evaporate the ink and has an inkjet process to spread the ink on a sublimation paper. The ink is then transferred to a polyester surface using pressurized heat. The heat and pressure ensure that the ink transfer is flawless and complete.
The difference between sublimation printing and surface printing is that surface printing melts the ink onto the fabric then allows it to cool and solidify. Sublimation printing heats up the pigment to a gas, which is then applied to the fabric and cools to a solid without melting — kind of like dry ice.
Sublimation printers only work for synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. The process results in permanent, detailed designs that neither fade nor crack. If you're looking for a sublimation machine, consider the following tips:
You need to have a price range when looking for a sublimation printer. This will help you narrow down your search and limit the devices in the market to your price range. A cheap sublimation printer that gets the job done well might be exactly what you need. There are tons of sublimation machines in the market today that vary in price and many other details. You need to find one that doesn't go way over your budget.
Look for a sublimation printer that is easy to use. You don't need to spend an inordinate amount of time learning how to use the printer before even starting your printing process. One way to know how easy the machine is to use is by going through previous buyers' reviews. These honest opinions will help you gauge the device's ease of use and know whether it's the right fit for you.
You can also check out the manufacturer's website and see how the sublimation printer works. You need to know this before you purchase the machine. It would be a huge inconvenience to know that the machine is difficult to use after you buy it.
A good sublimation printer should be reliable and ready to do the job whenever you need to work. You can gauge a machine's reliability by knowing its durability, how long it takes to turn it on, care and maintenance, and other such vital details. It is important for you to do your homework sufficiently so that you know exactly what you are going to buy before you buy it. Check out as many products as you can before buying to know the sublimation machine that will work best for you.
Every piece of machinery needs reliable customer support from the manufacturer. Some essential customer services include a valid warranty, a user manual, information on spare parts, and reliable service stations. You need to find out whether the sublimation machine you intend to buy has all the necessary auxiliary services. This will give you confidence when working with the sublimation printer, and you won't have to worry about what to do if something happens to your sublimation printing machine.
A good sublimation printer should be able to handle a wide variety of printing jobs because of its diverse features. These will allow you to take on as many printing projects as your machine can handle.
A sublimation printer is a must-have for any professional fabric printer. There are many sublimation machines out there, so you need to know what to look for before purchasing one. Essentially, consider your budget, reliability, and ease of use of the printer, to help you make the best choice.
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