Ink Category
TrueHue Sublimation Inks
Sublimation inks are printed onto transfer paper first; under heat and pressure the dye moves into the polyester fibre structure. The method is used on fabrics with a high polyester content and in roll-to-roll production.
- Ink family
- TrueHue
- Category
- Sublimation
- Print medium
- Transfer paper
01 / About the Ink
What is sublimation ink
Sublimation ink is a disperse dye based ink class that turns into a gas under heat, skipping the liquid phase. The design is printed on transfer paper first and then transferred to the fabric with heat and pressure in a calender.
For the dye to be fixed inside the fibre, fabrics with a high polyester content are needed; the lower the polyester content, the more limited the result. In terms of fabric range, the method therefore differs from film-based systems such as DTF.
The ink is part of a line that works together with transfer paper, the printer and calender equipment. It is not selected on its own; it is assessed together with machine configuration, print head, paper and transfer conditions.
02 / Applications
Applications
- 01
Sportswear and team wear
Production of polyester jersey and activewear fabric.
- 02
Flags and soft signage
Polyester flag, pennant and textile signage fabric in rolls.
- 03
Home textiles
Prints on polyester curtain, cushion and decorative fabrics.
- 04
Roll fabric printing
Continuous pattern transfer onto polyester fabric rolls.
The fabric's polyester content and the desired colour appearance are verified with a test print in each application.
03 / Process
The ink's place in the process
- 01Paper Printing
Printing on paper
The design is printed onto transfer paper with sublimation ink.
- 02Drying
Drying
The printed paper is made dry and flat before transfer.
- 03Calender Transfer
Calender transfer
Paper and polyester fabric move together under heat and pressure; the dye passes into the fibre.
- 04Finishing
Finishing
The fabric is separated from the paper and prepared for the next production step.
Transfer temperature, time and pressure are determined by the fabric, the paper and the ink series.
04 / Related Equipment
Related Machines and Equipment
These pages show the machines and process equipment associated with this ink category. Compatibility is not determined by the ink alone; machine configuration, print head and process conditions are assessed together.
- 01View the equipment
Sublimation Textile Roll-to-Roll Printer
- 02View the equipment
Rotary Sublimation Heat Transfer Calender
05 / Knowledge Center
Ink Guide
- 01
Sublimation Ink: What It Is and How It Works
Sublimation ink is a dye-based ink system that turns directly from solid to gas under heat; the image printed on transfer paper is transferred into the fiber structure of polyester fabric with a calender press.
Read the guide - 02
What Is High-Penetration Sublimation?
High-penetration sublimation is a subclass of standard sublimation ink formulated to penetrate fabric fibers more deeply; it's used in textile work that calls for denser color saturation.
Read the guide