Sublimation Transfer Printing
Sublimation transfer printing is a printing process that vaporizes disperse dyes with heat to bond them to polyester fibers, allowing multicolor designs, including photo-like images, to be reproduced.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Sublimation transfer printing is a processing method in which transfer paper with a printed pattern is laid over the fabric, and heat and pressure are applied to move the dye into the fibers. It is mainly used for polyester, and can apply all-over patterns to rolls or panel-shaped fabric before cutting.
“Transfer printing” is a broad term that also includes methods that bond a sheet or ink layer to the fabric surface. Sublimation transfer is a method of dyeing the fibers with dye, and differs from general transfer printing in that it is less likely to leave a thick printed layer on the surface.
Texture and Expression Characteristics
Because the dye is fixed into the polyester fibers, it is less likely to create a stiff film-like feel in the printed area, and can relatively preserve the fabric’s original stretch, breathability, and drape. It is also suitable for fabrics that make use of their structure, such as knit and mesh.
It is well suited to full-color gradients, fine lines, and photo-like patterns, and is also used for all-over printing on white fabric. On the other hand, since it does not whiten dark fabric, the color intensity and reproducibility of the pattern are affected by the fabric’s color, composition, and surface condition.
- The main target is polyester, or fabric containing a high proportion of polyester.
- For fabric whose main components are cotton, linen, rayon, or similar materials, sufficient dye fixation is generally difficult to achieve.
- For stretch fabric containing polyurethane, confirm any changes in physical properties caused by heat in advance.
Main Applications
Because it makes it easy to express multicolor patterns and team-specific designs, it is used for sportswear, uniforms, swimwear, event costumes, and similar items. It is often combined with lightweight, quick-drying polyester knits, and is also adopted for spring and summer items.
When deciding on applications, check not only the printing method but also the fabric thickness, stretch, sheerness, and durability. For example, even with the same sublimation transfer, mesh can make use of breathability, while circular interlock knitting can make use of a smooth appearance, so product characteristics change depending on the base fabric.
How to Choose and Handling Notes
When selecting fabric, check the polyester blend ratio, whiteness, structure, fabric weight, and dimensional change during heat treatment. Because some fabrics shrink or change width with heat, make a prototype under the same conditions as mass production, confirm the shrinkage rate and pattern dimensions, and then finalize the pattern and data.
For laundering, follow the product’s care label instructions, such as washing inside out and avoiding strong friction. Since color durability varies depending on the dye, color, processing conditions, and fabric, perform fastness tests appropriate to the intended use, such as washing, rubbing, and light resistance.
Before sewing, check the pattern direction, pattern matching at the left and right body panels and side seams, and the grain line at cutting. On stretch fabric, over-stretching at the seam may make the pattern look distorted, so adjust sewing conditions to the fabric and confirm the appearance and stretch through test sewing.
Differences from Similar Terms
Printing refers broadly to any process that adds a pattern to fabric. Sublimation transfer printing is one type, characterized by fixing disperse dye to polyester with heat. Pigment printing fixes pigment to the fabric surface with a binder, so the suitable materials and texture tendencies differ.
Inkjet printing refers to an output method that directly ejects ink from digital data. In sublimation transfer, there is also a step of inkjet output onto transfer paper, but the term includes the entire dyeing process up to the final heat-based transfer of the dye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sublimation transfer printing be used on cotton materials?
General sublimation transfer printing is a process for polyester, where disperse dye is easy to fix. With fabric whose main component is cotton, vivid color development and sufficient durability may be difficult to achieve. When printing on cotton, consider another process such as reactive dye or pigment.
Does fabric with sublimation transfer printing shrink when washed?
Dimensional change is influenced not only by the sublimation transfer itself, but also by the fabric structure, whether heat setting was applied, the blend ratio, and washing conditions. Since shrinkage and width change from heat processing and washing should be anticipated, it is important to make prototypes using the same fabric and same conditions before mass production, and perform washing tests and dimensional checks.
Is pattern matching necessary for sublimation transfer printing?
For stripes, borders, geometric patterns, continuous patterns, and similar designs, consider pattern matching at the center of the body, side seams, pocket positions, and sleeve attachment points. Share the repeat of the print data and the cutting positions in the specification sheet, and confirm the appearance through marking and sample cutting before sewing.
