The inkjet sublimation process uses a heat sensitive sublimation dye, dissolved in a liquid, to print graphics and text onto special inkjet paper. This is called a dye sub transfer. The dye sub transfer and a ribbon are then placed into a heat press.
At high temperatures, the solid dye in the print converts into a gas without ever becoming a liquid. The high temperature also opens the threads of the ribbon and allows the gas to enter. When the ribbon is removed from the heat press, the temperature drops, the threads close, and the gas reverts to a solid state. It has now become a part of the ribbon.
When the heating cycle is completed, the image on the paper has been transferred into the ribbon and the sublimation dye actually penetrates the fibers and becomes part of the fabric. |
