We use SubliJet, a patented sublimation ink transfer process that uses heat sensitive sublimation inks to permanently dye substrates with polymer coated surfaces.

These inks are specially formulated for photographic quality images that surpass high-end silk-screening and rival offset press results.  We can personalize graphic images for transfer on ceramic, metal, polyester fabric, Digital L’ink apparel, Mylar, glass, Unisub plastic and wood, among other things!

What are sublimation transfer inks?  Sublimation describes the process of a solid substance changing directly into a gas or vapor, without first passing through the intermediary liquid state.  An example of this process which most recognize is "dry ice."  The vapor you see coming off the ice is the frozen carbon dioxide "sublimating" directly from a solid state to a gaseous state.

In the printing world, the term sublimation is used to describe heat-activated inks that change into a gas when heated and have the ability to bond with polyester or acrylic surfaces.  Sublimated images are extremely washable, scratch resistant and dishwasher safe because the image is protected within the surface.

Printing with sublimation ink is not new; sublimation transfers have played an important role in the printing world for decades.  What is new to the printing world, is the ability to digitally print sublimation inks rather that screen-printing them.  The recent introduction of inkjet sublimation printing is a true revolution in digital transfer printing and is patented by The Sawgrass Company as SubliJet.

How it works...
A sublimation transfer, printed with an inkjet printer and SubliJet ink cartridges, is placed on a sublimation-ready product.  Using heat and pressure from a standard heat press, the inks are activated and begin to change into a gas.  At the same time, the molecular chain of the polymer surface expands and forms openings, which receive the individual dye molecules.  Pressure of approximately 40lbs. per sq. inch ensures that the vapor is forced inside the surface.  At the exact moment that the substrate is removed from heat the material cools and the polymer surface regains its original form.  Sublimation gases within the surface will revert back to a solid state and remain trapped within the surface of the product indefinitely.  Much like a tattoo, the image is below the surface, protected from the elements that could cause a decal to scratch, fade or peel.

How is SubliJet different than other transfer technologies?
Ink jet sublimation does not require the use of special transfer papers because the sublimation dyes bind directly to the fabric or the substrate.

Heat transfers created with color laser, ink jet, or wax thermal printers use a polymer coated transfer paper to fuse ordinary toner or ink particles onto the surface of a substrate.  The result is a "decal-like" transfer that can peel, crack, fade, and discolor over time.  SubliJet transfers instead rely on sublimation transfer inks to transfer its ink below the surface of a substrate.  The result is a "tattoo-like" transfer that will not peel, crack, or fade and lasts for many year.