Sublimationgrade

Sublimationgrade refers to materials specifically manufactured or processed to be suitable for the sublimation printing process. Sublimation printing is a digital printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as plastic, card, paper, or textiles. The key characteristic of sublimationgrade materials is their ability to absorb and hold sublimation dyes effectively, resulting in vibrant, permanent, and high-resolution prints.

For sublimation printing to be successful, the substrate must be coated or made of a polymer that can react with the sublimation inks. When heated, the solid dye turns into a gas, bypassing the liquid phase, and then permeates into the substrate's polymer structure. Upon cooling, the gas returns to a solid state within the material, creating a durable and long-lasting image. Common sublimationgrade materials include polyester fabrics, specially coated ceramic mugs, metal sheets, and certain types of plastics. These materials are specifically chosen or treated to ensure that the sublimation dyes can bind to them permanently, preventing fading or washing out. Non-sublimationgrade materials, such as cotton or untreated surfaces, will not hold the dye effectively, resulting in dull or non-existent prints. Therefore, selecting the correct sublimationgrade material is crucial for achieving professional and high-quality results in sublimation printing applications.