The real question is: what is the difference between direct sublimation printing and direct disperse printing and how do I know which printing method best suits my application? Below, I explain each method in detail and describe the pros and cons of each printing method thoroughly.
In direct disperse printing you print the ink directly onto the fabric. Before printing, the fabric is pre-treated with chemicals to make sure the ink will be bound to the fabric during the steaming process. After the ink has been printed onto the fabric, the fabric goes through the dryer to make sure the water is taken out and the dye stays on the fabric.
However, this does not mean the ink already sticks to the fabric. To make sure that happens, the fabric is being steamed. This process will initiate a chemical reaction that results in the fabric absorbing the ink and locking the color inside the fibers.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Paper digital sublimation printing
The most common way to do sublimation printing is paper sublimation printing. You print the design on paper, place the paper onto the fabric and feed it through a calendar. In the calendar, the paper and the fabric are heated and pressed in between two large rolls. The high pressure and the temperature cause the ink to go instantly from solid state into gas (sublimate) which will be absorbed by the fabric. As soon as the fabric comes out of the machine, the gas coagulates into the fiber.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
In recent years, a new printing method evolved: direct sublimation printing. This printing method is a combination of sublimation and direct disperse printing. Direct sublimation printing means that you are printing the same low-energy sublimation inks (inks that sublimate very easily) directly onto the fabric — without using paper — and subsequently finish it in the calendar.
The advantage of this new printing method is that the ink can penetrate the fiber in a better way. Because of this, the fastnesses of the printed fabric improve significantly and the twisting of yarns is no problem anymore.
Although direct sublimation printing requires a more expensive printer and a thermoplastic belt system to hold the fabric, it also saves paper costs and you still do not need to steam and wash the fabric. Which helps to maximize the the sustainability argument: no paper, no steaming, no washing. It’s easy to calculate the break-even volume between investing in a printer with a fabric belt system versus buying a cheap printer and use paper for every meter that you print.
Do you feel that, after reading this blog, digital sublimation printing could be a good solution for your company? But are you doubting if digital textile printing is worth the investment? Watch our Webinar On-Demand about Sublimation Printing here, or request a personal sample to discover Sublimation Printing.
With a Personal Sample, you can use your own application or product to experience what Digital Sublimation Printing can do for you and how you manufacture your own product future-proof.