Sublimaatiotulostus

Sublimaatiotulostus, or sublimation printing in English, is a digital printing technique that utilizes heat to transfer dye onto materials such as polyester fabric, plastic, or paper. The process begins with a sublimation printer that uses special sublimation inks. These inks are then printed onto a transfer paper. When the printed paper is placed on the material and subjected to heat and pressure, typically in a heat press, the sublimation inks turn into a gas. This gaseous ink then permeates the material's fibers or surface, becoming a permanent part of it as it cools.

Unlike traditional printing methods that sit on the surface of a material, sublimation ink bonds with the material at a molecular level. This results in a print that is incredibly durable, resistant to fading, and has a soft feel because there is no raised ink layer. The process is particularly well-suited for creating vibrant, full-color images with smooth gradients and fine details. Sublimation printing is widely used for custom apparel, promotional items like mugs and phone cases, banners, flags, and various other personalized products. It requires materials that are specifically designed to accept sublimation inks, with polyester content being a key factor for fabrics.