Sublimation Ink

Why Choose Us

Factory Strength

Advanced Molding Production Line

We have many the most advanced full-automatic barrel molding production lines, full automatic continuous filling lines, pulsating filling intelligent control system, realizes 24-hour automatic production, efficiently meets the needs of customized and personalized orders.

Our Certifications

The factory has certificated with ISO9001 and ISO14001 , also been granted the certificate of OHSAS18001 by the occupational health and safety bureau and other related certifications by national environmental authority.

After-sales Service

Deeply cultivate the chemical industry for 32 years, with a senior R & D team, a complete product after-sales service system to ensure product stability and to provide after-sales service protection for customers .

What is Sublimation Ink

Sublimation ink is a specialized ink formulated to sublimate. It is not the same ink you use in your typical office printer. There are two types: Aqueous sublimation ink dyes and solvent sublimation ink dyes. It is designed to directly change from a solid to a gaseous state when heated. The specialized ink is made from dye particles and is specially made for a sublimation printer. The dye particles are suspended in a liquid carrier without dissolving. The complete definition of sublimation inks is based on the sublimation printing process.

Benefits of Sublimation Ink

Detail on the High-Quality Images
Sublimation printers produce high-quality, sleek results. The sublimation ink reaches the printing material in gaseous form. It penetrates and firmly binds to the fabrics under controlled heat and pressure. The dye particles of the ink are embedded in the substrate and cannot fade off easily. The sublimation process gives more detailed prints and high-resolution printing results. Unlike screen printing, where smudging and smearing pose a risk to image quality, sublimation printing is not affected by such factors.

Durability and Longevity
Sublimation prints have proven to be durable. Heat presses under pressure on the prepared heat transfer paper ensure the sublimation ink forms a firm image on the printing surface, including rigid surfaces of items like mugs and plates. The vivid image does not peel or scratch off and is close to permanent on the printed material, which is not the case with DTG printing. For example, sublimation printing on garments can last longer without fading until the item is worn out. The sublimation inks are designed to be waterproof and resistant to UV, scratching, or abrasion over time.

Versatility in Material Application
One of the key advantages of sublimation printing is its flexibility with materials. The sublimation inks can print on a wide range of substrates, barring pure cotton or silk. You can use sublimation inks to print on polyester fabrics, wood, glass, cardboard, and metal surfaces. Even the cotton, if treated with a polyester layer, can be sublimated with specialized ink. Business owners take advantage of sublimation printing since it can print on a wide range of materials.

Ease of Customization
The level of customization in sublimation printing is higher compared to other printing methods. It allows people to create near-permanent images and other graphics rather than adding layers on top of their items. It is ideal for quick customization and printing of personalized, intricate designs on mugs, apparel, and other items. In today's fashion markets, it is difficult to find garments without graphic designs; people are looking for clothing with the right fabric while looking attractive with designs. Even plain t-shirts or other garments on the market are sold without preprinted designs to allow customers to apply their desired graphics. The intricate designs will not peel as long as the print is applied effectively to the surface.

Types of Sublimation Ink

Dye-Based Sublimation Ink

Dye-based sublimation ink is the most popular type of sublimation ink on the market. This ink is known for producing vibrant and bright colors that are ideal for printing on fabrics, ceramic, metal, and other surfaces.Dye-based sublimation ink is absorbed into the surface of the material during the sublimation process, resulting in a long-lasting, durable print that resists fading and peeling.

Pigment-Based Sublimation Ink

Pigment-based sublimation ink is less common than dye-based ink but is known for producing prints with high color density and sharpness. Pigment-based ink is ideal for printing on hard surfaces like ceramic and metal.Pigment-based sublimation ink creates a chemical bond with the surface of the material, resulting in a print that is more durable than dye-based ink. However, pigment-based ink tends to be more expensive and requires more heat and pressure to transfer.

Application of Sublimation Ink

Textile Industry
Think of the attractive image and other prints in full color on your t-shirt. Textiles, like polyester garments, and apparel, like t-shirts, jumpers, and socks, are effective with sublimation printing. All polyester fabrics are compatible with sublimation inks. Notably, the textiles and apparel printed through dye sublimation are washable and do not wear or wash off over time.

Hardware
The demand for custom prints on personal items is high. Dye sublimation printing allows the creation of desirable images and other prints on hardware items like ceramics, metals, and wood. Some people also want to create personalized images on the surface of items like mugs and plates. The sublimation printing method can produce vivid designs on hardware items that can maintain vibrant colors even after washing.

Sublimation Ink Components

The unique capabilities of sublimation ink are derived from its components. A typical sublimation ink is formulated using disperse dye nano dispersion, water, and glycols. The ink's dye particles, which make up 1-10% of the solution, possess a high melting point of 200 degrees Celsius or above, enabling them to undergo a phase change from solid to gas during the sublimation process. These inks not only produce beautiful prints but are also deemed safe for food once fully cured. However, keep in mind that the quality of inks can vary. Low-quality sublimation ink might contain harmful components, so it's essential to choose wisely.

How to Choose Sublimation Ink

Compatibility

Ensure that the sublimation ink you choose is compatible with your printer. Not all sublimation inks are compatible with all printer models.

Color Accuracy

If you're looking to produce prints with accurate and consistent colors, choose a sublimation ink that has excellent color accuracy.

Print Quality

The print quality of the sublimation ink is essential, and it should produce sharp and vibrant prints that are long-lasting.

Durability

Sublimation ink should be durable enough to withstand washing and resist fading, cracking, or peeling.

Price

The cost of sublimation ink can vary significantly, so choose an ink that fits your budget while still meeting your quality requirements.

How Do You Apply Sublimation Ink?

Step 1: Edit Your Design
Ensure your design has a high resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). Flip your design horizontally (a process known as mirroring) to ensure your graphics and text appear the right way after transfer.

Step 2: Print Your Design
Load your printer with sublimation ink and paper. Ensure the coated side of the paper is positioned upwards. Make the necessary sublimation settings on your printer and print your flipped design to the sublimation paper.

Step 3: Set Up Your Heat Press
Now, turn on your heat press and set it between 380°F and 400°F (193°C and 204°C). The time can vary based on your substrate and preferred heat press. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for best results. Clean your substrate before transferring your design.

Step 4: Align Design to Substrate
Align your printed design face-down carefully to the substrate and secure it with heat-resistant tape. Under the heat press, place both your substrate and the final design. Add a Teflon sheet between the substrate and heat press for protection.

How To Store Your Sublimation Ink Properly

1. Ink must be away from the fire and heat source to avoid the occurrence of accidents.

2. The storehouse is the best way to store sublimation transfer ink. Maintain a constant temperature.

3. In some cold areas, you must avoid storing the ink outdoors to prevent the ink at a low temperature.

4. Longtime storage will affect its use. Once it is opened, the ink must be used within a year.

5. The remaining ink must be sealed and store it in a dust free area.

Our factory

Our factory established in 1990, initially produced wall paint, and migrated to the era of digital inkjet printing in 2001 and started the R&D and production of digital inkjet printing ink. Coboink becomes one of China's leading providers of digital inkjet printing consumables, and printing solutions with an annual production capacity of over 10000 tons.The factory has certificated with ISO9001 and ISO14001 , also been granted the certificate of OHSAS18001 by the occupational health and safety bureau and other related certifications by national environmental authority. The factory has adopted an high standards disposal management system. All of ink ingredients are free of benzene, ketone and heavy metals. The production process is green and environment-friendly. The products meet the requirements of RoHS,REACH and other relevant international laws and regulations.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between normal ink and sublimation ink?

A: Normal ink variants dry on the surface of the substrate, whereas sublimation ink variants turn into a gaseous phase and create permanent bonds with the substrate of choice when subjected to heat and pressure.

Q: Can you use sublimation ink in any printer?

A: No, you can only use sublimation ink with sublimation printers. Doing it any other way can damage the printer or the paper sheets you plan on using.The definition of sublimation ink is based on the dye sublimation printing process, in which heat and pressure are used in a way that turns the ink directly into a gas without first liquefying it.

Q: What is the advantage of sublimation ink in printing?

A: When it comes to printing, sublimation ink helps you get fade-resistant, long-lasting designs. This approach helps you create customized DIY products. Inkjet printers that use a thermal printing head cannot be used for sublimation printing. As a result inkjet printers manufactured by Canon, Hewlett Packard (HP), Lexmark or Dell are not suitable. Printers that use a Micro Piezo printing head can be used for sublimation printing.

Q: Can you put sublimation ink in regular ink cartridges?

A: No, it isn't recommended to use sublimation ink with regular cartridges as that might damage the printer or can even result in subpar printing quality. Only dedicated sublimation cartridges should be used.

Q: What is the difference between sublimation ink and regular printer ink?

A: The dye-sublimation process transfers the dye into the substrate rather than depositing it on the surface, resulting in a more permanent image. In addition, because the dye-sublimation process uses heat to vaporise the ink, dye-sublimation ink can produce higher-resolution prints than inkjet.

Q: What happens if you don't use sublimation ink?

A: Reason being the color and chemical make up of the inks are not the same. So if you use regular ink and then put in sublimation your prints will come out wrong and the ink obviously doesnt bond to the substrate so you will make a mess.

Q: What happens if I print sublimation ink on regular paper?

A: Sublimation printing is a unique process where ink transitions from a solid to a gas state under heat, allowing it to bond with materials like fabric and coated surfaces. Regular paper lacks the necessary coating to absorb and hold the sublimation ink during this process, rendering it unsuitable.Since the chemical process is very specific for dye sublimation, you'll need to use a specific type of ink known as disperse dyes (commonly referred to as “dye-sub inks”). These dyes are able to go from a solid state to a gaseous state in high temperatures and will easily bond to polyester fabrics.

Q: What are the disadvantages of sublimation?

A: Cotton-based materials will absorb too much ink, and the results aren't good. Heat damages other fabrics, such as silk. Another disadvantage is that sublimation printing can't be used to produce textures, as sublimation is one layer fused into the product.

Q: What is the difference between normal ink and sublimation ink?

Q: Can I print sublimation ink on regular paper?

A: While it is technically possible to print on regular paper using sublimation ink as a one-time solution, the results will not be ideal. However, if you intend to regularly print with sublimation ink on standard paper, it is not recommended.

Q: How long does sublimation ink last?

A: Unopened sublimation ink cartridges typically have a shelf life of 12 to 24 months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and the storage conditions. When stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment, these cartridges can maintain their quality and performance for the full duration of their shelf life.

Q: Is sublimation ink cheaper?

A: Sublimation can be more cost-effective for larger orders, while DTG is usually preferred for smaller quantities. In general, sublimation requires a lower upfront investment as it uses an inkjet printer, transfer paper, a heat press, and specific sublimation inks.

Q: What is better inkjet or sublimation?

A: Sublimation printing is generally more efficient than inkjet printing as it tends to use less ink and produce fewer issues during printing. Dye sublimation printers are known for a moderate to fast printing speed and a quick printing process, especially suited for small to medium-sized jobs.

Q: Do you need a special printer for sublimation ink?

A: Sublimation printing requires a dye sublimation printer. If you can successfully convert your regular printer to a sublimation printer, you will be able to print with sublimation. It's worth noting that some regular printers (usually Epson inkjet printers) can be successfully converted to sublimation printing.

Q: Why do you need sublimation ink?

A: You can use sublimation inks to print on polyester fabrics, wood, glass, cardboard, and metal surfaces. Even the cotton, if treated with a polyester layer, can be sublimated with specialized ink. Business owners take advantage of sublimation printing since it can print on a wide range of materials.

Q: What is better than sublimation?

A: The Pros. High-quality prints: One of the main advantages of DTG printing vs sublimation is its ability to produce high-quality prints with intricate details and vibrant colors. This makes it ideal for designs that require a high level of detail and color accuracy.

Q: What Cannot be sublimated?

A: Are you a sublimation hobbyist and wondering what cannot be sublimated? The simple answer is that certain materials like 100% cotton fabrics, non-poly-coated ceramics, and dark substrates resist the sublimation process.

Q: What happens if you mix sublimation ink with regular ink?

A: If you had regular ink in then put sublimation ink in with out cleaning the tank will it mess up the sublimation ink. It would contaminate the ink causing it to streak and smear and not dry correctly, so a thorough flush is important.In terms of startup costs, Cricut is a less expensive option upfront, but you will be limited to what color Infusible Inks Sheets, vinyl, and paper you can purchase in-store. Sublimation has a higher initial start-up cost but offers much more freedom in terms of designs.

Q: Do I need a heat press for sublimation?

A: Some people use a standard home iron for heat transfer. However, a home iron is cumbersome to use, and you need a heat press for professional sublimation printing. A heat press is hot enough to deliver consistent and high-quality prints. Additionally, a heat press has a surface large enough to handle large papers.

Q: What is the point of sublimation ink?

A: What is sublimation ink? Sublimation ink is a specialized ink used in digital printing to create high-resolution designs by transitioning from a solid to a gas state, bypassing the liquid phase. It's commonly used for printing on various materials.Remember, unopened sublimation inks can last up to 24-36 months, but once installed in printers, it is advised to use the ink within 6 months. This highlights the importance of proper storage conditions in preserving the lifespan of sublimation ink.

As one of the most professional sublimation ink manufacturers and suppliers in China, we're featured by quality products and good service. Please rest assured to buy sublimation ink made in China here from our factory.

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