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The following objectives will help give you an idea of what you will be learning. By the end of this course, you will be able to… Define sublimation in scientific terms and how it relates to the printing process Identify the required and optional equipment for sublimation Review the steps to sublimate a substrate Compare and contrast the pros and cons of sublimation

Ever wanted to get into sublimation, but don't know where to start? This course will provide an introduction to sublimation printing and equipment needed (with vendors), along with tips, tricks, pros, and cons. This course includes: - Self-paced lessons - Downloadable resources - Full lifetime access - Mobile-friendly - Digital badge - Group access

The following brands make printers specifically for sublimation: Epson SureColor F-Series - https://epson.com/dye-sub-and-heat-transfer-printers - Sawgrass - https://www.sawgrassink.com/printers There are some non-sublimation Epson desktop inkjet printers that can be converted to sublimation printers. This is a less expensive alternative, but you must use caution when doing this as this voids the warranty of your printer. Some tips to follow if converting an Epson inkjet printer: Determine a supplier for the sublimation ink FIRST. Not every Epson model can be converted! Use a brand new printer and do not install any inkjet cartridges. It is not advised to take a used inkjet printer and convert it to a sublimation printer. The original ink remains in the lines and mixing it with sublimation ink will ultimately affect what is printed and pressed. The ink lines have to be flushed completely and a number of printhead cleanings will have to be performed (which uses up a lot of ink for each cleaning). Printers can be converted in two ways: Continuous Ink Supply System (CIS System/CISS) - This is an aftermarket kit for Inkjet printers that feed ink to a special permanent cartridge in the printer via tubes connected to external ink supply tanks. The premise behind this setup is that the cartridge never runs dry or needs to be constantly replaced when the ink runs out. Instead, ink can simply be added to the ink supply tanks as they run low. The plastic external ink supply tanks that make part of the Continuous Ink Supply System sit alongside the printer. There may be four, five, six, seven (and sometimes even eight) ink supply tanks depending on the printer model. Each ink supply tank is filled with the correct color ink as to the specifications of the printer manufacturer. A specially designed tube runs from the ink supply tanks to the ink cartridges inside the printer which creates a continuous flow of ink from the tank to the cartridge, keeping it filled. These tubes are bound together into a "ribbon" type hose that fits carefully into the printer. Refillable ink cartridges - These cartridges are made to fit into certain Epson and Sawgrass printers and have chips that allow for the printers to recognize the cartridges. Syringes are used to fill the cartridges. When you are transferring your graphics from paper to fabric, the ink needs to convert from a solid to a gas. Since the chemical process is very specific for dye sublimation, you will need to use a specific type of ink known as disperse dyes (commonly referred to as “dye-sub inks”). These dyes are able to go from a solid to a gas in high temperatures and will easily bond to polyester fabrics. The color range of disperse dyes is incredibly vibrant. Since disperse dyes are permanently bonded to your finished products, the result is long-lasting graphics that are fully washable. If you’re looking for larger sublimation printers for commercial use, you can look into brands like Mutoh, Roland, and Mimaki.

The best way to see what you can do with sublimation is to see some examples. Check out a few of the Live from the Lab on our YouTube channel.

Sublimation transfer paper is a special paper that is used exclusively in sublimation printing. It is made using a paper substrate, which is broadly based on normal paper. A special coating added to the paper holds the dye sublimation inks. The coating includes around 35% silica and 5% binder, based on the weight of the paper when it is dry. Sublimation paper can be purchased in sheets and rolls. The size you need will depend on the maximum print size of your printer. In “emergency” situations, regular copy paper can be printed and used for sublimation. Depending on the substrate, the colors may not be as vibrant using this method.

No matter what you are pressing, you are going to need protective paper, such as butcher paper or parchment paper, to protect your heat press and future prints. When pressing, sometimes inks will seep through your sublimation paper and if there is not anything on top of your sublimation paper, it will be leaked onto your heat press and pressed onto the next item you press. Because of this, every time you press something, you will need clean sheets of protective paper.

Heat-resistant gloves are designed to protect hands from burns or other injuries that can result from coming into contact with extremely hot objects. Since temperatures of 350°F (177°C) and higher will be used for sublimation, it is advised to use heat gloves, especially when removing the sublimation paper from the substrate and removing the substrate from the heat press, 3D vacuum press, or convection oven. Materials that are commonly used to make heat-resistant work gloves include Kevlar®, terry knit, carbon fiber, or a combination of these fibers.

Because sublimation paper is not transparent, it is sometimes difficult to determine if your design is aligned correctly on a substrate. If your paper has been cut with either a paper cutter or by your sublimation printer that comes equipped with a cutter, it is easier to align your design with a clear ruler. This will allow you to see the edges of the paper (and hopefully the design) and get the desired placement.

Pressing Pillows Pressing pillows are made of Teflon and high-density foam. They can go inside apparel or under surfaces that you are sublimating using a standard heat press. They allow thick seams, zippers, buttons, pockets, collars, and other burdens to be absorbed into the pillow so that you can get even pressure when applying your transfer. It also helps with lessening the outlines from the transfer paper when the design is smaller than the substrate (the pillow must be smaller than your transfer paper). This allows for the pressure to be applied only to the design and not the entire transfer paper. Heat Conductive Rubber Pads Heat conductive rubber pads are used to provide even heat to surfaces that might not be perfectly flat. It can be used when pressing porcelain, stone, and glass tile, glass cutting boards, and ornaments. Heat Insulating Nomex Felt Pads Heat Insulating Nomex (also called meta-aramid) Felt Pads are soft and heat resistant. The most common use is in pressing ceramic tiles and items with irregular surfaces. When pressure is applied, the tile sinks into the transfer and the pad, allowing the image to coat beveled edges without wrinkling. It also helps to prevent the paper from sticking to the substrate and minimizes breakage.

Masking tape has started to become very useful as an alternative to shrinkwrap when sublimating full wrap designs on straight substrates such as skinny tumblers. Not all masking tapes are suitable as the adhesive may not withstand the high heat and sticks all over your substrate or it starts to curl up as it is heating, which causes the pressure to lessen on the design. I have personally had great success with the Contractor grade of masking tape.

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