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Current Category Updated September 2008 What is dye sublimation ? It's the process of transferring ink from one surface to another, using heat. It has been in use mainly for industrial textile printing, but with the introduction of portable heat presses, it is becoming a popular and affordable way to decorate clothing, other fabrics and just about any other material that can be coated with polymer primer (eg coffee mugs, plates, tiles). inkbank.com.au In dye sublimation, the image is printed onto plain or high resolution paper which is then heated and pressed against the t-shirt for few seconds. This causes some of the dye to vaporize, permeate the fabric and solidify into it's fibers. The "transfer" paper is then discarded. The finished product looks more professional, the print is permanent and the material (eg. t-shirt) can be washed repeatedly. Equipment required for dye sublimation. Printer: Must be Epson ! Any model will do, as long as there are refill friendly cartridges available for it. If you only need to sublimate few things every now and again, want to save few dollars and already have an Epson printer, there is no reason why you couldn't use it for regular printing as well as dye sublimation. All you need then is second set of refill friendly ink cartridges (& dye-sub inks). Heat press: What you want to sublimate will determine what type and size press you need. Basic models start from around $200 or you can spend as much as several thousand dollars on fully automatic high volume models. Multi function (3in1 and 5in1) units take up less space and cost less than buying individual units. Work out what you NEED ! We can supply heat presses at very competitive prices, but don't keep them in stock at all times. It takes 2 weeks to get one in. Contact us for the latest prices. Ink: Dye sublimation ink is unique and you can not use "normal" inkjet ink. It will not work. Other supplies: Once again this will depend on what you want to do. The range of products available for sublimating is huge these days and includes mugs, glasses, plates, key rings, aluminum board, puzzles, mouse pads, bedding, bags, baseball caps, towels, t-shirts, tiles and more. We don't stock these at the moment, but may in the future. You may also need some heat resistant tape for attaching the transfer to your product (masking tape works fine). Primer: Some of you may not realize that even dye sublimation ink will not stick to glass, ceramic, metal etc unless it is pre-coated with polymer (polyester primer). All "sublimation" products come pre-coated with it from the factory. You can't see it...it is clear. To sublimate onto other products and materials, you can buy the primer (available here) and spray or brush it on. If the polymer sticks and the material can take 200 degrees (C), it can usually be sublimated onto. Ink is sold in four convenient bottle sizes (50, 125, 250 & 500ml) at Inkbank and you can buy colours individually. All ink ships in unbreakable plastic bottles and 100% leak proof o-ring caps. 100% satisfaction guarantee applies to all Inkbank inks NEW LOW INK PRICES! SAME QUALITY AS ALWAYS, NOW CHEAPER.
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