Sublimation ink is also one of the important materials for digital printing. Today we will discuss some common questions about sublimation ink.
What is sublimation ink for sublimation paper transfer?
Sublimable ink refers to a material that has a colorant (eg, a sublimable dye) and a carrier. The carrier allows the sublimable dye to be applied or printed onto sublimation paper. Sublimable dyes are generally solid at room temperature. Because sublimable dyes are generally considered solid at room temperature, it is difficult to print solid, sublimable dyes onto substrates without the use of a carrier. Once the sublimable ink is printed on the sublimation transfer paper, it is desirable to separate the sublimable dye from the carrier to facilitate drying so that the sublimable dye is concentrated at or near the surface of the dye sublimation paper.
Typically, sublimation transfer paper can be configured to pull the carrier away from the sublimable dye, thereby leaving the sublimable dye at or near the surface of the paper and available for sublimation printing. If the carrier is moved into the paper too quickly, sufficient separation of the carrier from the sublimable dye may not occur. If the carrier does not enter the paper fast enough, the sublimable ink may have a tendency to smear or run. Thus, the choice of paper substrate and coating can aid in the ability of the sublimation transfer paper to handle the sublimable ink and provide the desired high fidelity image. In addition, the choice of paper substrate and coating can reduce the amount of sublimable ink required to provide the desired image compared to existing transfer papers.
The difference between sublimation ink and dye ink
Dye inks usually come in a variety of colors, which makes them suitable for decorative or artistic use. Ink sticks easily to textile fabrics, printing paper or any other suitable medium.
Due to their small molecular size (1.5-4 nanometers), dye inks can produce vivid colors. Another advantage of using dye ink is that it is more economical than other inks such as pigment inks.
On the other hand, the biggest disadvantage of dye inks is that water or overheating can destroy the quality of the print. When you print with dye inks, be very careful not to let the final product come into contact with water. A few drops of water can make the ink flow through the paper.
Sublimation inks are high quality waterproof inks. Ink will not smudge due to high temperature. Also, sublimation inks last longer than other inks.
Since the imprint is dye-based rather than ink-based, the dye becomes part of the product. Dye sublimation inks have higher printing accuracy and performance and deliver stunning results. Sublimation products will not crack, peel or wash off.
Sublimation inks are used for textile printing or personalization or promotional items. However, this ink can be used on certain materials such as polyester and polyester-coated substrates. Other materials, such as cotton, cannot withstand heat during the printing process.
Characteristics of sublimation inks
Exemplary sublimable dyes found in sublimable inks include, for example, azo dyes, nitro dyes, anthraquinone dyes, quinoline dyes, basic dyes such as triphenylmethane dyes and halothane dyes, oil soluble dyes, and various others type of dye. Sublimable dyes are available to make them transfer resistant at room temperature and under normal processing conditions. Once the transfer temperature is reached, the sublimable dye can be transferred to the sublimation printing substrate. The exact transfer mechanism is not necessarily clear. At least a portion of the sublimable dye is expected to vaporize and transfer as a gas. However, some sublimable dyes may liquefy and transfer as a liquid. In addition, temperature, pressure,
Availability and timing of sublimation printing will affect the degree of transfer. It is contemplated that the sublimation temperature within the sublimator may be at least about 60°C. Published reports identify a typical temperature range for sublimation printing from about 170°C to about 210°C.
Are you looking for sublimation inks?
As a leading sublimation paper manufacturer and DTF Film manufacturer in China, providing high quality sublimation paper, sublimation ink, DTF supplies and other products, if you are looking for suitable sublimation products or DTF products, you can contact us for more information .
