Sublimation Printing: Process, Benefits, Impact

This article covers the topic of sublimation printers and printing, focusing on how we use this technology to produce amazing signs for businesses and the benefits they provide.

When it comes to sign printing, few technologies are as versatile and impressive as sublimation printers. Our sign experts at FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA, know this well, and use sublimation printers regularly to create amazing signs for businesses. If you are curious about what they are, how they work, and why they're so important in sign-making, keep reading – we cover all this and more.

What are Sublimation Printers?

Sublimation printers use a process of heating and cooling to transfer dye onto materials like plastics, metals, ceramic, and more. The printer does this by first printing an image onto a sheet of paper coated with a sublimation dye. Once the print is complete, the paper is placed on the substrate material such as plastic, metal, ceramic, etc. The entire assembly is then placed in a heat press where it is heated to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the substrate material is heated, the dye on the paper sublimates – meaning it turns from a solid directly into a gas. This gas then bonds with the substrate material, permanently embedding the image. Once the heating process is complete, the assembly is cooled, and the finished product is revealed!

This process might sound complicated, but with the right equipment it's simple and yields amazing results. Sublimation printing produces incredibly sharp and vibrant images with a level of detail which is impossible with other printing methods. Plus, because the image is bonded to the substrate material on a molecular level, it is durable and will not fade or peel over time.

What are the Benefits of Sublimation Printers?

Now that we know how sublimation printers work, let's talk about why they are such an important tool in sign making. As we mentioned before, the level of detail and vibrancy you achieve with sublimation printing is simply unmatched. But there are other benefits as well.

For one, because the image is bonded to the substrate material, you don't have to worry about it peeling even if it's exposed to direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, sublimation printing is a very versatile technology we use on various materials, including plastics, metals, ceramic, glass, and more. This versatility allows us to print amazing, high-quality graphics on these substrates.

Also, the process doesn't require special inks or toners, making it a very cost-effective choice.

At FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA, we use sublimation printers to make high-quality signs for businesses of all types. If you need a new sign for your business, give us a call or stop by our store at the corner of Arena Blvd and E. Commerce Way – we'll be happy to produce an amazing sign package for your business!