Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1491555
5 2 G R A P H I C S P R O • A P R I L 2 0 2 3 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M S U B L I M A T I O N sublimate the fabric in one step, vs. print- ing and then sublimating on a stand-alone fixation unit. A challenge of direct printing (offline or inline) is that you need to characterize the printer for each fabric (separate ink limits, profiles, etc.) However, fabrics pre-treated for direct printing provide the best possi- ble output in terms of sharpness, rub-fast- ness, and vibrancy. is adds minimal cost and is usaully less than the cost of transfer paper. e best systems offer the ability to print via transfer paper as well as direct, inline or offline, giving the pro- vider the ability to produce graphics best suited for the intended application. What are the different dye-sublima- tion inks? Historically, there have been several variants of dye-sublimation ink for the large/grand-format print space. e indus- try started with an oil-based dye in the early 2000s and moved to solvent near the end of the decade. Today, water-based ink is the standard in this space. Water-based inks have become stan- dard due to current applications. The traditional textile industry often uses high-energy dispersed dyes. ese usu- ally require extensive post-processing once the printing process is complete. Within Print providers in the soft signage, trade show, retail, P.O.P., event, and entertainment industries are seeing the benefits of dye-sublimation printing, and a huge opportunity exists in these areas for small to large display graphics shops. the large/grand-format space, low-en- ergy dye-sublimation ink is formulated for dedicated transfer paper printing, or there are "hybrid" type inks that allows both transfer and direct-to-fabric printing. Who uses dye-sublimation and what are its applications? Print providers in the soft signage, trade show, retail, P.O.P., event, and entertain- ment industries are seeing the benefits of dye-sublimation printing, and a huge opportunity exists in these areas for small to large display graphics shops. Typical applications include banners, stretch graphics for exhibitions, traditional flags, feather flags, retail P.O.P displays, tents and even hot air balloons. Silicon Edge Graphics (SEG) are quickly becoming the norm in retail fabric displays due to their ease of installation, reduced ship- ping costs, and overall upscale look and feel. A lso, imprintable items such as coated ceramics, wood, and metals use this method, but it is important to note that dye-sub is designed only for polyes- ter-based materials. In the case of solid substrates, like a coffee mug, for example, the mug must have a polyester coating, usually a liquid that is baked on. If the substrate does not have a polyester coat- ing, then the process will not work. e rapidly growing Print-On-Demand industry has adopted dye-sublimation for many products due to its versatility and ease of use. Products such as personalized blankets, pillows, floor mats, mugs, wall art, face masks, and more have grown exponentially over the past five years. ere are many companies dedicated to this industry alone. Why use dye-sublimation as opposed to other printing methods? Overa ll, dye-sub 's adva ntage over UV-curable, latex, or solvent printing is leaves the fabric with the same feel, or Products such as personalized blankets, pillows, floor mats, mugs, wall art, face masks, and more have grown exponentially over the past five years.