Sublimation Printer
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 15x15 Heat Press Epson Printer CISS Sublimation INK Transfer Paper Lot Stuffs  US $599.00
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Introduction To Sublimation Printing
Sublimation is the process of changing physical states from solid to a gas while bypassing the liquid phase. In sublimation printing, the sublimation inks are formulated to vaporize at certain high temperatures. This quick release of the sublimation inks is what allows the transfer of such fine detail and brilliant color.
Sublimation inks are designed to work with certain sublimation printers including the Roland Hi-Fi Express FP-740 and the Roland Hi-Fi Jet Pro II FJ-540. The design to be sublimated will be printed in mirror on special sublimation paper such as Beaver TexPrint XP sublimation paper and Beaver TexPrint Tacky sublimation paper. Once the transfer is printed to the sublimation paper the transfer is placed face down on the item being sublimated. A heat press like the Hotronix Auto Open Clam heat press or Geo Knight Maxi Press will be used to achieve the high temperatures needed as well as even firm pressure which will vaporize the sublimation ink, releasing it from the sublimation paper and dyeing the item. Once transferred and after the item cools it is complete and ready to be used. There is no special drying or coating required.
What items can I decorate using a sublimation printer with sublimation ink and sublimation paper?
There are literally hundreds of different items you can decorate. One of the main applications is to decorate fabric for apparel and soft signage. You can also decorate hundreds of polymer coated substrates including mugs, tiles, plaques, coasters, interior signage, etc. Unisub makes an entire catalog full of sublimation blanks. The majority of photo gifts you see offered in the market place are made with sublimation. Click here to see sublimation samples including sublimated apparel, flags and tiles.
Do I need to print the design on sublimation paper?
Sublimation paper is a critical element of creating quality sublimated items. Sublimation paper, like Beaver TexPrint XP sublimation paper, is coated so it will not absorb the sublimation inks and will release the sublimation inks from the sublimation paper easily with the use of a heat press. Additionally, tacky sublimation paper such as Beaver TexPrint Tacky sublimation paper is coated with a light tacky coating which keeps the sublimation paper in place during the heat transfer process.
Can I use an iron or do I have to buy a heat press to transfer sublimated prints?
You have to use a decent quality heat press. An iron can't reach 400 degrees and it won't be able to provide even and heavy pressure. A good heat press for sublimation is the George Knight DK20S heat press. It is a heavy duty heat press for a reasonable price that has the ability to press thicker blanks if you ever want to get into decorating plaques. Be aware that cheap heat presses from abroad don't provide even, accurate heat and most are likely to fall apart in the first year of use.
Do I need a bulk sublimation ink system with my sublimation printer?
Bulk sublimation ink systems are designed for individuals who are going to be printing with them at least every day. If you buy a bulk sublimation ink system and let it sit for weeks without use, you will have technical issues.
Will sublimated apparel or other sublimated items fade in the wash?
No, sublimation on proper substrates is permanent and will not fade. You can wash a shirt made with sublimation 50 times and it will still have great color. Sublimation also will not fade on hard polymer coated substrates. You can put mugs decorated with sublimation in the dishwasher without fear. The only thing that will make sublimation fade is direct sunlight over extended periods of time. There are some coatings you can apply to sublimation items after they are decorated to extend their UV life, however nothing will make it last forever.
What are the limitations to sublimation printing?
1. Sublimation cannot decorate black or dark 100% polyester fabric. There is no white sublimation ink so it will not show up on dark fabrics. Whatever you are transferring has to be darker than the polyester fabric for it to be visible.
2. Sublimation does not work on 100% cotton. For bright colors you must use 100% polyester apparel or for a vintage look you can use apparel made with a combination of polyester and cotton. Vapor Apparel makes a full line of sublimation ready clothing.
3. You can only decorate items with a bright white polymer coating. If you try to use sublimation on different plastics and other random items, it will not transfer and you will have a mess in the heat press! Make sure you are using blanks that have a polymer coating that will accept sublimation inks.
About the Author
Luke Deer is a certified Roland Technician who works for Advanced Color Solutions in Riverside, CA. Learn more about sublimation printers and sublimation paper.
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Evolis, Inc Evolis Badgy Dye Sublimation Card Printer BDG101FRU $977.94 Evolis, Inc Evolis Badgy Dye Sublimation Card Printer BDG101FRU |
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Sony UP-DR80 Dye Sublimation Printer $1215.99 12.48" 16.73" 25.35 lb 3.94" x 7.87" 4.72" x 7.87" 5.91" x 7.87" 65 Second 7.87" x 11.81" 7.87" x 9.84" 8.15" Sony is proud to introduce its new, award-winning 8-inch digital photo printer, the UP-DR80. It produces high-quality 20 x 25cm (8 x 10 inch) and 20 x 30cm (8 x 12 inch) prints. Compact and very light, the UP-DR80 produces lab quality prints in around 65 seconds and features Sony's patented ProMatte technology. Color Desktop Dye Sublimation Printer Glossy Paper Not Applicable PC Photo Paper Photo Print Plain Paper Sony Sony Corporation UP-DR80 UP-DR80 Dye Sublimation Printer Yes www.sony.com |
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SELPHY CP800 - printer - color - dye sublimation $98.99 Canon SELPHY CP800 - Printer - color - dye sublimation - 4 in x 6 in up to 0.8 min/page (color) - USB direct print USB with Canon InstantExchange |
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Canon SELPHY CP800 Dye Sublimation Printer $98.99 1 Year Limited 2 lb 2.13" x 3.39" 2.30" 2.5" 300 x 300 dpi 4.70" 4350B001 47 Second 6.70" SELPHY CP800 Dye Sublimation Photo Printer Paper Cassette (Postcard Size) Trial Standard Paper Pack (Postcard Size) Trial Ink Cassette (Postcard Size) Compact Power Adapter CP Printer Solution Disk AC Cable Support Center List User Registration Information Setup Software & User's Guide CD-ROM User Guide The SELPHY CP800 Compact Photo Printer brings photo lab quality to your memories as you can bring your printer from room-to-room with ease. Print beautiful, borderless photos in vibrant color or Black and White in Credit Card or Postcard size. These prints will be water-resistant and can last up to 100 years! You'll enjoy photo lab quality and have fun all at the same time. Preview your images on the 2.5" Tilt-up LCD and easily turn your favorite pictures into an art-inspired collage with the image Shuffle feature. Black Borderless Media CP CP-800 Canon Canon, Inc Color CompactFlash (CF) Desktop Dye Sublimation Printer Energy Star HC MMCplus LCD MMC MMCplus Mac Memory Stick Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick PRO Memory Stick PRO Duo Microdrive Not Applicable PC Photo Paper Photo Print Plain Paper Postcard Postcard - 3.94" x 5.83" SELPHY SELPHY CP SELPHY CP800 Dye Sublimation Photo Printer Secure Digital Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Yes www.usa.canon.com |
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Canon SELPHY CP790 Dye Sublimation Photo Printer $171.99 1 Year Limited 2.13" x 3.39" 3.20 lb 3.40" 300 x 300 dpi 3646B001 4" x 8" 47 Second 7" 9.70" SELPHY CP790 Dye Sublimation Photo Printer A/C Cable Basket Compact Power Adapter CP790 Printer Solution Disk v.19.0 User Guide Warranty Card Paper Cassette (Postcard Size) Paper Cassette (Card Size) Trial Ink Cassette (Postcard Size) Trial Standard Paper Pack (Postcard Size) Note : Adapter required for microSD Card, microSDHC Card, MMCmicro Card, xD-Picture Card and Memory Stick Micro The SELPHY CP790 Compact Photo Printer is a portable powerhouse like no other. Its unique Storage Basket conveniently holds the paper and ink cassettes, AC adapter and cable and battery pack. Plus, its special locking mechanism keeps everything together as you bring the printing party with you wherever you go. Borderless Media CP-790 Canon Canon, Inc Card Stock Color CompactFlash (CF) Dye Sublimation Printer HC MMCplus MMC MMCmobile MMCplus Mac Memory Stick Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick PRO Memory Stick PRO Duo Microdrive Mobile PC Photo Paper Photo Print Plain Paper Postcard Postcard - 4" x 6" RS-MMC SELPHY SELPHY CP790 Dye Sublimation Photo Printer Secure Digital Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Yes miniSD miniSD High Capacity (miniSDHC) www.usa.canon.com |
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P100i - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin $1143.99 Zebra P100i - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin - CR-80 Card (3.37 in x 2.13 in) - up to 600 cards/hour (mono) / up to 102 cards/hour (color) - capa |
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P430i - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin $3209.99 Zebra P430i - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin - CR-80 Card (3.37 in x 2.13 in) up to 130 cards/hour (color) - capacity: 100 cards - USB 10/100Bas |
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P120i - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin $1849.99 Zebra P120i - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin - 2.1 in x 3.4 in up to 120 cards/hour (color) - capacity: 100 cards - USB |
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P330i - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal transfer $2599.99 Zebra P330i - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal transfer - up to 15 ppm (mono) / up to 2.4 ppm (color) - capacity: 100 cards - USB |
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ZXP Series 3 - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation $2549.99 Zebra ZXP Series 3 - Plastic card printer - color - duplex - dye sublimation - CR-80 Card (3.37 in x 2.13 in) - 300 dpi - up to 750 cards/hour (mono) / up to 180 cards/hour (c |
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P430i - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal transfer $4349.99 Zebra P430i - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal transfer - CR-80 Card (3.37 in x 2.13 in) up to 130 cards/hour (color) - capacity: 100 cards - USB 10/100 |
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ZXP Series 3 - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation retransfer $1375 Zebra ZXP Series 3 - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation retransfer - CR-80 Card (3.37 in x 2.13 in) - up to 750 cards/hour (mono) / up to 180 cards/hour (color) - |
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ZXP Series 8 - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation retransfer $4169.99 Zebra ZXP Series 8 - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation retransfer - CR-80 Card (3.37 in x 2.13 in) up to 190 cards/hour (color) - capacity: 150 cards - USB 10/10 |
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P110i - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin $1329.99 Zebra P110i - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal resin - 2.1 in x 3.4 in up to 120 cards/hour (color) - capacity: 100 cards - USB |
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Evolis Badgy Dye Sublimation Card Printer $906.99 1 Year 1 x Feeder 100 Card 1 x Output Hopper 10 Card 10.66" 110 V AC 16 MB 220 V AC 30 mil 300 dpi 40 Second 5.30 lb 6.53" 7.63" BDG101FRU Badgy Card Printer OfficeCard Software and Driver on CD Quick setup sheet 1 x Consumable Kit Power Cable USB cable CE VCCI CCC FCC Class B Included with Badgy is a complete consumable kit (full ribbon, 100 blank cards, printer cleaner), Office Card software with over 100 free templates and a USB cable. The Badgy plastic card printer is designed for small and medium business owners with a low to moderate need to print plastic cards on demand. The Badgy printing solution distinguishes itself from other plastic card printers because the design, included features and ease of use are tailored for the retail customer. OfficeCard Software requires Excel 2003 or 2007 AC Supply BDG101FRU BDG101FRU Badgy Card Printer CR-80 Card Card Print Color Credit Card Credit Card - 3.38" x 2.12" Desktop Dye Sublimation/Thermal Transfer Printer Evolis Evolis, Inc Not Applicable PC PVC Card Yes www.evolis.com |
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Sony Snap Lab UPCR20L Dye Sublimation Printer $2112.99 10.4" 110 V AC 13.31" 14.5 Second 17.40" 17.87" 220 V AC 3.50" x 5" 4" x 6" 50.71 lb 6" x 8" 60" x 7" Sony's Digital Photofinishing Division is pleased to introduce the UPCR20L Snaplab Digital Photo Printer. This latest addition to the SnapLab family extends the offering of the all-in-one photofinishing solution. With the increasing demand for instant digital photo prints, the SnapLab UPCR20L printer offers small to medium retail environments a high-speed full-featured mini-kiosk solution. Retailers can capture a portion of this growing instant digital photo print market with low capital hardware investment. The wireless shoot-to-print capability saves time while increasing productivity and revenue! The UPCR20L produces gorgeous, rocket fast prints from 3x5" to 6x8" with software selectable Glossy or ProMatte finish. The Snaplab system is sure to make your customers smile and help your business grow! AC Supply Color CompactFlash (CF) Desktop Dye Sublimation Printer LCD Memory Stick Not Applicable Photo Paper Photo Print Secure Digital Snap Lab SnapLab SnapLab Digital Photo Printer Sony Sony Corporation UPCR20L Yes www.sony.com xD-Picture Card |
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Badgy Plastic Card Printer - plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal transfer $1016.99 Badgy Plastic Card Printer - Plastic card printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal transfer - CR-80 Card (3.37 in x 2.13 in) - up to 90 cards/hour - capacity: 100 cards - USB |
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Canon Selphy CP800 DYE Sublimation Color Photo Printer 300x300dpi USB Black 4350B001 $69.84 Canon Selphy CP800 DYE Sublimation Color Photo Printer 300x300dpi USB Black 4350B001 |
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Datacard SP25 Plus Color DYE Sublimation Thermal Plastic Card Resin Printer 300dpi USB 573608-001 $651.13 Datacard SP25 Plus Color DYE Sublimation Thermal Plastic Card Resin Printer 300dpi USB 573608-001 |
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Fargo DTC 1000 5125 Color DYE Sublimation Thermal Plastic Card Resin Printer 100 Cards USB 47003 $1265.95 Fargo DTC 1000 5125 Color DYE Sublimation Thermal Plastic Card Resin Printer 100 Cards USB 47003 |
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ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES P120I DUAL-SIDED CARD PRINTER - COLOR DYE SUBLIMATION / MONO THERMAL TRANSFER P120I0M10AID0 $2247.5 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES P120I DUAL-SIDED CARD PRINTER - COLOR DYE SUBLIMATION / MONO THERMAL TRANSFER P120I0M10AID0 |
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Zebra Zxp Series 3 DYE Sublimation/Thermal Transfer Color USB Card Printer Z3100000000US00 $933.95 Zebra Zxp Series 3 DYE Sublimation/Thermal Transfer Color USB Card Printer Z3100000000US00 |