Researchers have found that certain ink compounds vapourise at 200°C. Polyester molecules also react at 200°C. At this temperature the molecules of the polyester substrate open and become permeable. Thus when the specialized inks and the polyesters are heated together simultaneously, the polyesters bind permanently with the inks, altering their molecular structure.
With the use of the right inks and substrates the results can be spectacular and digital photographic quality images can be printed onto many previously “unthought-of” materials.
In addition dyesublimation technology is far less time consuming and labour intensive than traditional screen printing. A sample print or colour proof can be printed for a client in mere minutes by a single operator. The cost per print also remains constant because of the digital nature of the printing process which means that it is significantly cheaper than silk screening over a short customized run and the print quality is of course superior beyond comparison to that which can be achieved by more traditional methods.
A feature of the dyesublimation process is that, unlike other digital printing methods such as solvent printing, no dots are discernable - because the ink is vapourised in the heating part of the process, colours flow together creating a fluid, perfect colour gradient.
With the availability of polyester sprays, the spectrum of substrates that can now be printed onto is virtually limitless. When considering applications for the technology, the imagination is the only limiting factor.
