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:
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