Sublimation Printing & Transfer for Personalized Products

How does sublimation printing work?

There are several processes for sublimation printing, with thermal transfer being the most widely used. It is essential to use sublimation inks specifically developed for this purpose.

What can be produced with sublimation printing?

There are various products that accept sublimation printing, often with a specific coating for better print adhesion. The textile industry widely uses sublimation, but here we’re talking about sublimation printing for gifts and personalized products.

It’s essential to differentiate: sublimation printing work is not only about printing promotional items but also creating high-value keepsakes. In this case, production is typically done on a small scale and customized to make it a special gift.

How much does it cost to start in sublimation printing for personalized products?

The sublimation printing sector can be very profitable and does not require a large initial investment. You’ll need a printer for sublimation paper, the product (mug, water bottle, etc.), and a heat press for the sublimation process.

However, knowledge and study make a significant difference in delivering quality personalized products and attracting more demanding clients. After all, much of this work involves preserving special memories on objects like mugs, flip-flops, T-shirts, phone cases, and more.

ExpoPrint Latin America is the sublimation trade fair, featuring conferences and talks on personalized production. Visitors can meet the best suppliers of equipment and supplies for sublimation printing, as well as learn from experts who have in-depth knowledge of sublimation techniques for personalized gifts.

Sublimation Companies: Meet at the fair the manufacturers of heat and sublimation presses, sublimation printers, supplies of various types, colors, and shapes, inks, sublimation papers for all your needs, and much more.

Laser Engraving

With the trend of personalized cups, laser engraving has gained popularity for directly engraving names and special designs on cups, mugs, water bottles, glasses, and other items. Depending on the product, it is possible to create high-value personalized gifts, widely used in the corporate market for special occasions.

What is the difference between sublimation and transfer?

Sublimation and transfer are two commonly used processes in the gifts market, but they have important differences:

Sublimation:

• Sublimation is a process that causes the ink to evaporate and penetrate the product via sublimation paper.
• You need an inkjet printer, sublimation ink, and sublimation paper.
• The product must be coated, like a porcelain mug—typically, the product is factory-coated. For fabrics, it should be 100% polyester.

Transfer:

• Laser transfer uses powder ink, a laser printer, and a special resin-coated paper.
• In this case, the transfer paper applies the entire design, releasing a film that stays on the substrate, like a sticker.
• Products do not require special treatment.
• Commonly used on acrylics, such as water bottles and tall glasses, as well as flexible materials.