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Sublimation 'colour prints' onto metal, fabric, and other materials that can't go through a normal printer. It is the process of a solid turning into a gas, without changing its state to liquid. This can be used to infuse a polyester coated surface with ink. We use sublimation for name badges, mugs, and tiles.
Sublimation Process
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The Epson 4450 inkjet printer has continuous ink supply via separate bags of ink and quick connection system. We print, using sublimation inks, a reverse image onto paper. |
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Then we tape the paper to polyester coated aluminium, and put these in a heat press. This is where the ink is heated until it turns into gas and is absorbed into the polyester coating.
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We mix up an epoxy resin and apply it to the namebadges or medal centres. This clear coating helps to protect the sublimated surface from damage. |
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Air bubbles form in the resin, as it is poured. By flaming the resin the air bubbles burst, leaving behind a clear, glossy surface. |
