What is sublimation or infusion?

Sublimation or infusion is a personalization technique that is mainly used for printing clothes, flags, wristbands and lanyards. With this technique the logo is pressed in the polyester fiber of the textile by a heat press. The print is in full color CMYK, which makes it perfect for colorful designs!

Compared to screen printing, sublimation is cheaper for small runs and for designs with many colors that cover a small(er) surface. Sublimation is also preferable to use on stretchable textiles, because a sublimated print does not tear or break when it is stretched. This is the case with screen printing based on standard screen printing inks, unless you opt for the new, more expensive silicone screen printing inks. Screen printing is recommended for designs that are quite large in surface with a design in maximum 2-3 colors or very large print runs. The colors of screen printing also last longer, exact PMS colors can be used, and the print is better visible from the backside.

Sublimation is only possible on white polyester textile items.

How does sublimation work?

When sublimating products, the logo is pressed in the polyester fiber of the product with a heat press. But how does this work exactly?

In sublimation heat-sensitive inks are used. These connect to a previously coated surface. When the inks are heated, they change from a solid to a gaseous state and can be pressed into the polyester fiber. The fiber closes when it is cooled, trapping the ink in the textile.

This way you no longer feel any difference between the printed and unprinted fabric, because the logo is now part of the textile.