Heat sensitive inks printed on dye sublimation transfer paper turn into gas under the influence of heat. They are are then transferred on the fabric by a heat calender (oil heated). The inks are in this way fixed on the fibres 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 required 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, etc.)
– Soft signage (exhibition stands, shop decorations and flags).
Five reasons to choose a heat calender for dye-sublimation:
1. Brilliant and vivid colours all the time as the colour penetrates deep into the fibre with the heat of the calender.
2. High quality printing: the details are accurately reproduced, the sublimated fabric is durable over time, and 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. Environmentally-friendly: textile is preferred to traditional PVC based graphics, especially for soft signage applications, because it is reusable, and 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.
| LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR MIPS TECHNOLOGIES Tel: +27 11 451 8600 Email: josh@mipstech.co.za Website: http://www.mipstech.co.za  |
