Sublimation Printing: Why It’s Grown in Popularity

The fast-growing printing method known as Sublimation printing has become increasingly popular for manufacturing promotional products. First launched in the 1950’s, this revolutionary way of printing produces higher quality images in comparison to other printing systems such as the centuries old Silk Screen printing method. It involves using sensitive inks that merge with the structure of materials, such as plastic, card, paper, fabrics or textiles.

The Sublimation Printing Process

1. The digital image is printed onto transfer paper; it absorbs and dries the ink quickly.
2. The paper is cut according to the layout and is then applied onto the textile.
3. A specialised machine transfers the ink onto the textile using heat and pressure.

Note: It is advisable to use 100% polyester fabric as the textile.

Advantages of Sublimation Printing

• Straightforward and practical for small production runs – lower MOQ
• Cost efficient – generally lower costs than traditional printing
• Simplest method for customisable prints
• Multiple colour prints are easily attainable
• Achieve high quality photo-realistic or full-colour designs and images
• Print can cover the whole item, from one edge to the other
• Print is notably less likely to fade or get washed away – longer lasting designs that won’t crack indifferent to numerous wash cycles

Disadvantages of Sublimation Printing

• Mainly used for small production runs and not ideal for producing large quantities of items – slow printing process
• Not suitable for natural fibres like cotton and silk – 100% Polyester or Polyester blends are recommended
• Creases in the fabric, where the dye is unable to reach, will result in patches of undyed fabric

What type of products qualify for sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing is widely used on products such as towels, pillows and t-shirts but did you know that it is also compatible with mugs, bags, cups, umbrellas, phone cases, branded banners and more? The list goes on!

Discover other printing and promotional ideas:

Screen printing is another crowd’s favourite when it comes to branded merhandise. Ideal for mass productions, screen printing – otherwise known as serigraphy or silkscreen printing, manages to produce vibrant colours, even on darker mediums.

The best of both worlds! DTF printing integrates traditional printing methods with modern technology. It’s growing popularity can be attributed to its ability to produce high-resolution, full-colour prints on a wide range of surfaces, including fabrics, plastics, and even glass.

Have you ever wondered how printing is done on products that aren’t just a flat surface? Pad printing may be just the solution!

Have a thin metal that you want engraved but aren’t sure what technique would be suitable? Consider acid etching which can be used for thin metals that might otherwise break with alternative techniques.

Heat Press printing is yet another widely used technique for promotional products. Alongside cost effectiveness, it gives users high quality prints that are versatile and durable with vivid colours and fine detailing.

Overall,

sublimation printing brings about many notable benefits. It is not only a more cost efficient and economical method of printing in comparison to traditional printing methods, but it also allows higher quality, customisable prints to be attained. However, considering its limits in suitable textiles/materials, this aspect has to be carefully thought through. Nonetheless, the benefits certainly outweigh the drawbacks, especially for small order quantities.

At ODM we have significant experience in product design, sourcing and manufacturing. For more information on sublimation printing or any other promotional ideas, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. You can drop us an e-mail at [email protected].