5 reasons to choose the heat calender for dye-sublimation

The dye-sublimation is a growing trend for the customization of print fabrics by digital technologies.

The heat sensitive inks printed on the dye sublimation transfer paper turn into gas under the influence of heat and are transferred on the fabric by a heat calander (oil heated). The inks are in this way fixed on the fibers of the fabric.

Most performance fabrics today are polyesters, and to maintain the fabric's integrity the dye-sublimation method is the best one. Performance fabrics have been developed to evaporate sweat to the surface and are extremely durable, yet stretchy, light and in an abundant range of finishes.

Thanks to the heat of the oil calender the pores of the polyester open up, This means that it is possible for the ink to be transferred to the polyester fabric and the colours in this way are very vivid and bright.

This is not possible for materials such as cotton, paper or wool which scorch and burn when exposed to temperatures require to activate dye sublimation inks (typically 180°-200°C / 356° - 392° F).

The textile applications made by dye-sublimation are many:

• Sports garments
• Bags and fashion
• Home textile (curtains, cushions..)
• Soft signage (exhibition stands, shop decorations, flags).

Here below you can read 5 reasons to choose the heat calender for dye-sublimation:

1. Brilliant and vivid colors all the times: the color penetrates deep into the fiber with the heat of the calender
2. High quality printing: the details are accurately reproduced, the sublimated fabric is durable over time, can be washed several times while maintaining its characteristics intact. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use
3. It does not have limits during production, it manages small to big volumes as well as single pieces (i.e fashion applications)
4. Environment-friendly: textile is preferred to traditional PVC based graphics, especially for soft signage applications, because it is reusable, it can be folded and transported with ease
5. A variety of textile choices: no need to dry nor treat after the dye-sublimation process.

Watch the video and see how our heat calender for dye-sublimation works:

Flexa heat calender for dye-sublimation can work roll to roll mode, from a fabric roll you create a dye-sublimated roll, or with a table for single pieces mode (i.e for T-shirts).

To learn more about our Flexa heat calender for dye-sublimation you can read the Sublimax page

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