Is Infusible Ink sheets the same as sublimation?

Infusible Ink sheets and sublimation are similar processes in that they both involve transferring designs onto surfaces like fabrics or materials to create vibrant, long-lasting images. However, they differ in their application methods and the materials used.

Infusible Ink Sheets

Application Method: Infusible ink transfer sheets are applied using a heat transfer process. The design is printed onto the special ink-infused sheets using a compatible inkjet printer, then transferred onto the target material using heat and pressure.

Materials Used: Infusible Ink sheets are specifically designed to work with compatible base materials, such as polyester fabrics or specially coated blanks. During the heat transfer process, the ink in the sheets sublimates and bonds with the fibers or coating of the material, resulting in a permanent, vibrant design.

Limitations: Infusible Ink is limited to certain materials and surfaces that are compatible with the heat transfer process. Additionally, the colors and designs may appear differently on different base materials, and the final result is influenced by factors such as heat and pressure during the transfer.

Infusible Ink Sheets Materials Used

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Sublimation

Application Method: Sublimation involves printing designs onto special sublimation paper using sublimation inks. The printed design is then transferred onto the target material using a heat press, where the inks sublimate and bond with the surface of the material.

Materials Used: Sublimation can be applied to a wide range of materials, including polyester fabrics, ceramics, metals, and certain plastics. The key requirement is that the material must have a polyester coating or be made of polyester for the sublimation process to work effectively.

Sublimation Materials Used

Versatility: Sublimation offers versatility in terms of the materials that can be decorated, allowing for a wide range of products to be customized, including apparel, mugs, mousepads, and more.

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Differences between infusible ink sheets and sublimation

Compatibility: Infusible Ink is specifically designed for use with compatible materials and requires special ink-infused sheets, while sublimation can be applied to a broader range of materials using sublimation inks and paper.

Color Vibrancy: While both processes result in vibrant, long-lasting designs, the colors achieved through sublimation may be slightly different from those produced by Infusible Ink due to variations in ink formulations and application methods.

In summary, while both Infusible Ink sheets and sublimation involve the transfer of designs using heat, they differ in their application methods, materials used, and compatibility. Infusible Ink is a specialized heat transfer process designed for use with specific materials, while sublimation offers greater versatility in the types of materials that can be customized.