Sublimation printer: what is it

A sublimation printer can become a replacement for some devices in the printing industry. The principle of operation of the device is different, and thanks to the equipment, the image becomes better.

What is a sublimation printer

A sublimation printer is a device that can print high quality images. To work with it, special inks are used, which can turn into gas. The print head contains the microscopic heaters needed to create gas.

A sublimation printer allows you to create new colors by mixing the following colors:

1. The black.
2. Blue.
3. Purple.
4. Yellow.

But in a standard color device, light points are shifted, resulting in poor image quality. In the laser printer, there is a problem when mixing the powder, and if you choose an inkjet, there is a risk that the ink will often dry out.

In a sublimated printer, these shortcomings are absent. For printing use special ribbons containing the following dyes:

1. Yellow.
2. Blue green.
3. Purple.

The sublimation apparatus consists of the following parts:

1. Microprocessor. Responsible for all major functions.
2. Printhead with heaters. Allows you to make gaseous ink and apply them to the surface.
3. Cartridge. This is where ink vacuums are kept.

Printer features

When heated (heating elements are contained inside the device), the solid paint becomes gaseous. But it does not turn into a liquid during heating.

This process is called sublimation, so the technique that works on this technology is called that.

The saturation of the pattern depends on the heating temperature. If it is high, this allows you to open the pores of the materials stronger, and the paint will penetrate deeper. If you want a muted or bright image, you can reduce the temperature.

A gas cloud consists of three different dyes. The latter are mixed in the required proportions. For this, a diaphragm is used - a filter that allows you to get rid of unnecessary fumes. And the desired shades are mixed and transferred to the material.

Reference! A sublimation printer allows you to print a picture with an extension of no more than 300 dpi. But since mixing occurs right inside the device (under temperature), and not on paper (as in standard devices), the image is very high quality.

The sublimation device has many advantages. Among them:

1. The image is durable. Ink penetrates deep into the material. And a protective layer appears on the picture, which seals the image, preventing it from erasing and fading.
2. When compared with all other types of printers, the sublimation device makes the image better. This was achieved by mixing colors inside the apparatus, and not during contact with the material.
3. Such devices are very easy to use. Most models have displays that show operational information.
4. It can work both with paper and with many other materials.

But sublimated printers have disadvantages:

1. The device is very expensive.
2. Consumables are also expensive.
3. Paint is severely damaged by ultraviolet radiation. It deteriorates when exposed to sunlight. But manufacturers create compounds that are able to protect the picture from the sun, while keeping it bright.

What is a dye sublimation printer for?

Sublimation printer is used in many industries. It will be a good solution for a print shop or photo studio. The device can be used to print:

1. Magazines.
2. Booklets with advertising.
3. Photos.
4. Plastic cards.
5. Souvenirs.
6. Posters.

The device is very versatile and is able to work with different materials. That is why it is used in many fields. And as the medium for printing the image, the following materials can be used:

1. Paper.
2. Plastic.
3. The cloth.
4. Glass.
5. Ceramics.
6. Metal.

But there are limitations. For example, sublimation paint is poorly preserved on natural fabric. At the same time, it is perfect for synthetics. And if you work with stone or glass, you have to process the surface using a special polymer.