Key Sublimation System Components

Computer and Other Imaging Peripherals
For the best results, we recommend a current generation computer with a fast processor and plenty of memory. For those working with digital photographs and customer-supplied artwork, you may wish to look into purchasing a scanner and a digital camera (the higher the mega-pixels, the better).

Professional Graphics & Imaging Software Suite
The quality of your end products is a direct result of obtaining good graphics and being proficient in a full graphics suite of software. We recommend either CorelDRAW (current version is X3) or Adobe Creative Suite (current version is 3). Both suites allow the ability to import ICC Profiles, expansive color management tools, and the ability to manipulate both vector and raster images.

Epson Printers
Due to Epson's unique piezo print head technology (cold printing vs. thermal printing), the sublimation industry has adopted the use of Epson's inkjet printers. Platforms are designated by maximum print width and number of colors of ink. When shopping for a printer, customers are urged to think in terms of the types of products they plan on producing and their anticipated volume. Print width can be a determining factor in the number of products that can be produced, and print speed can be an issue depending on volume. Look at the benefits of each supported printer before purchasing.

Sublimation Transfer Paper
For the graphic or image to permanently dye the final product, specialty sublimation inks and matched paper are needed. Regular office or copy paper will not release the image properly. For best results, choose a high-quality paper that dries quickly and is designed to allow the ink to release from the paper during the heat transfer process.

Heat Presses
The act of sublimation (solid ink dye particles vaporizing directly to gas without passing through liquid stage) occurs under heat and pressure. While there are a variety of heat presses on the market (overhead swing-away, clamshell, inline modular, etc.), just as with printers, customers are advised to think in terms of the products they will offer and the volume they expect to produce before purchasing. Look for a commercial quality heat press with even temperature distribution, a fast recycle time, an accurate thermostat, and a platen designed to accommodate your products. When purchasing a commercial quality heat press, shoot for the top third of the price range.

Applications
The applications for sublimation printing are almost endless! From T-shirts to mugs to awards to mousepads, sublimation technology can decorate almost anything that made from synthetic fabrics or coated with a special polymer coating.