SUBLIMATION PRINTER

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sublimation printer

Sublimation printers use a special kind of ink that allows for the print to be transferred onto another object. This allows you to apply custom artwork to a wide variety of items, from mugs to coasters to phone cases.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The dye sublimation printer works like any other inkjet printer, except it uses a “sublimation ink” and special paper. Sublimation inks evaporate when heated, so they can bond to white/light-colored polyester and poly-coated materials, called “sublimation blanks” or “substrates.” 

You can print logos, photographs, or text. If you can print it on a “normal” printer, then you can print it on a sublimation printer! Use the sublimation printer in conjunction with a heat press to make custom shirts, mugs, coasters, and more. 

RESOURCES

Sublimation Design Templates

Mug Template 8.5 x 11 Sheet Template

What does the Media Lab provide? 

  • Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer with SubliJet UHD ink 
  • Sublimation Paper    
  • Heat Presses — Cricket Mug Press, Cricket EasyPress 2
  • Heat-Resistant Tape 
  • Butcher paper 
  • Teflon sheets 

The materials below can be purchased at the library. 

White Ceramic Sublimation Mug (11oz)       

White Sublimation Tote Bag (Polyester) 

  $
   

What do I need?

  1. A digital design file
    1. Image files (JPG, PNG, TIFF)  
    2. Document files (.doc, ppt, PDF) 
    3. Adobe CC files (.ai, .psd, PDF) 
    4. Prepare your design document to match the size of the paper being used (i.e. to print on 8.5″ x 11″ paper, adjust your document size to match 8.5″ x 11″). If the document size does not match the paper size, the design may be stretched, cut off, or pixelated. 
    5. Avoid white or light colors in your design. Since there is no white ink cartridge, parts of your design that are white will be the color of your sublimation blank. 
  2. Material to sublimate onto (i.e. a substrate or sublimation blank)

Always bring extra material. Most projects require testing and adjusting. Be ready to experiment.

Fabrics 

  • Polyester (white or light-colored) — Required for sublimation. Higher polyester content is best, recommended 60% minimum.
  • Polyester (black or dark-colored) — May require Siser EasySubli HTV to provide a white background.
  • Cotton — Not recommended. Cotton does not bond with sublimation ink. Requires Siser EasySubli HTV to provide a sublimatable surface.
  • Rayon — AVOID RAYON. Rayon burns and will darken in the shape of the heat press.

Other Materials 

  • Non-fabric items must be poly-coated and heat resistant. Look for items marked “sublimation blank.” 
  • Sublimation blanks often come with recommended heat settings and instructions. Keep the original packaging and bring it with you to the Media Lab.
  • Items not designed for sublimation will not work. 

For questions about these materials or other materials you may want use with the Sawgrass SG500 contact a Media Lab specialist.

How do I use it? 

Media Lab staff will assist when using the sublimation printer to print the design. 

  1. Work with Media Lab staff to print design on sublimation paper using the Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer. Hardware and materials in the Media Lab are available by appointment. Book an appointment here.
  2. Tape print onto the sublimation blank using heat-resistant tape and cover with copy/butcher paper, also attached with heat-resistant tape.
  3. Set heat press to the required time and temperature. 
  4. Press sublimation blank and let cool before touching.