Dye Sublimation

Dye sublimation is the method of applying an image to specially coated ceramics, metals and polyester fabric using 3 key components - sublimation ink, heat and pressure.
Sublimation ink is unique in its ability to convert from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid form. This conversion is initiated by heat and controlled using pressure and time. Rigid products (like ceramic and metals) require a special coating to receive the ink; you will need to purchase items with the coating already applied, as it’s not something you can do yourself.
 
This process allows you to digitally add custom graphics to a wide range of items (such as rigid substrates, rigid products, soft signage, fabrics and apparel, photo printing and more). For many signage and graphics businesses, this method is replacing traditional screen printing practices thanks to how quick and efficient it is.
 
Areas We Serve
Machines Plus supplies our range of dye sublimation printers, as well as related accessories and consumables, to businesses of all shapes and sizes Australia wide (including metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin plus all rural areas).

What do I need to setup a sublimation business?

To get your business off the ground, you need 3 key items:

01 Printer Setup

Your choice of printer, inks and paper is incredibly important, as all the components need to work together to ensure the best possible results. The idea is that you print the image onto the sublimation paper before using extreme heat to transfer it from the paper onto the final substrate.

02 Heat Press

As sublimation requires such high levels of temperature and pressure to work, you will need either a heat press or silicone wraps and an oven. Whilst a press is a great choice for conventional items, items with an unusual shape (such as bowls or drink bottles) will do better in a wrap/oven scenario.

03 Dye Sub Blanks

These are items that have been specifically coated to receive sublimation inks. It’s important to note that you cannot apply this coating yourself, so you can’t buy mugs from just any store and they will work. It is also possible to sublimate onto 100% white polyester fabric or fabric-topped items.
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"Our company, FREO T SHIRTS, recently discovered Machines Plus and I have to say the service from Paul and Gus is nothing short of outstanding. Shipments are sent out quickly and arrive when required. Great value for money and fantastic backup. If I could give ten stars I would.

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Epson SC-F160 dye sub printer
Epson SC-F560 dye sub printer
Epson SC-F6460 dye sub printer
Epson SC-F7200 Dye Sub printer
Epson SC-F9460 Dye Sub Printer
Freesub Heat Press
Siser Heat Press
Stahls Heat Press
Hix Heat Press
Purple rectangle with A3 in bold text and images of plates, chillies and basil in the A3
Epson dye sub ink pouches in cyan magenta yellow and key (black)

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.
  • Why should I choose sublimation over other printing methods, like screenprinting?

    In dye sublimation, the ink actually penetrates the surface of the substrate. Manmade materials (like nylon, certain plastics and polyester) contain polymers; when heated, these enable the ink to bond. Sublimation results in beautiful, permanent colours that are literally embedded in the substrate or fabric (rather than being laid on the surface, as with other printing methods) - images printed on fabric will not fade or crack, even after multiple washings, and images on hard substrates will not chip, peel or scratch.

  • Can I sublimate onto darker substrates or fabrics?

    Although the answer is technically yes, it’s important to keep in mind that the inks generally do not transfer well to darker type materials and will not transfer onto black materials at all. This is because they are slightly transparent, so your image will take on the shade of the shirt or substrate colour below it (which may lead to poor results). Sublimation inks are designed to permeate the surface; as such, they typically transfer better to lighter coloured materials. If you do plan to use a darker surface, darker colours need to be used in the image.

  • Will sublimation work on cotton fabrics?

    The inks are designed to bond to polymer coated material, which means they will not bond to cotton surfaces. It is possible to sublimate onto fabrics that are a blend of polyester and cotton, however, the higher the percentage of polyester in the fabric the better the results. At a minimum, we recommend a blend with at least 60% polyester. There are some polymer sprays and papers available that allegedly allow sublimation inks to work with cotton, but we personally have not tested or would recommend these.

  • What role does heat play in sublimation?

    Heat actually plays a vital role in dye sub, as it allows the ink to permeate the fabric or substrate correctly and will leave you with a smooth, even finish.. If the heating temperature fluctuates too much or if the correct pressure is not maintained, it can lead to low quality or inconsistent results. This could mean that colour may appear lighter in some areas and darker in others. To eliminate these sorts of problems, ensure that you have invested in a high quality heat press or silicone wraps and oven. 

  • How do I avoid moisture issues during sublimation?

    Moisture can have a negative effect on the sublimation process, leading to unwanted results (such as colour shifting, colours losing accuracy, the image bleeding, and the uneven transfer of solid filled areas of the design). To minimise the effects of moisture, it is important to keep the print room at a stable moisture level and ensure that your transfer paper is being stored in a dry place. It can also help to leave the paper near your heat press and to press garments prior to printing so that excess moisture evaporates.