Sublimation printer: what is it?

A sublimation printer can become a replacement for some devices in the printing industry. The operating principle 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 ink is used, which can turn into gas. The print head contains microscopic heaters needed to create the gas.

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

1. Black.
2. Blue.
3. Purple.
4. Yellow.

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

The sublimated printer does not have these disadvantages. For printing, special ribbons containing the following dyes are used:

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

The sublimation machine consists of the following parts:

1. Microprocessor. Responsible for all basic functions.
2. Print head with heaters. Allows you to make gaseous ink and apply it to a surface.
3. Cartridge. This is where the ink vacuums are contained.

Printer Features

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

This process is called sublimation, which is why equipment using this technology is called that.

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

The 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 the mixing occurs directly 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. The ink penetrates deeply into the material. And a protective layer appears on the drawing, 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 the colors inside the device, and not when they hit the material.
3. These devices are very easy to use. Most models have displays that show operating information.
4. Can work with both paper and many other materials.

But sublimated printers also 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 can protect the picture from the sun, keeping it bright.

Why do you need a sublimation printer?

Sublimation printers are used in many industries. It will be a good solution for a printing house or photo studio. The device can be used to print:

1. Magazines.
2. Advertising booklets.
3. Photos.
4. Plastic cards.
5. Souvenirs
6. Posters.

The device is very versatile and can work with different materials. That is why it is used in many areas. And the following materials can be used as a medium for printing images:

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

But there are also limitations. For example, sublimation paint does not last well on natural fabric. At the same time, it is perfect for synthetics. And if you work with stone or glass, you will have to treat the surface with a special polymer.