This article presents the advantages of sublimation printing for textile manufacturers. If you are currently doing sublimation printing or considering doing it, this article is for you.
Sublimation printing continues to offer new business opportunities for both printer manufacturers and textile printing manufacturers. According to a market report by Smithers Pira, global testing, consulting and information services business, there is an increase in the use of sublimation printing in the garment, home textile, and advertisement segments. Robust growth is projected in the number of materials printed – 18.4 percent – over the next five years. The report forecasts that in 2021 nearly 900,000 sqm of textiles will be printed, creating a global market that is worth nearly €3 billion ($3.5 billion).
Given that the digital textile printing is expected to grow at a brisk pace, sublimation printing, a method for transferring an image onto a substrate using a heat process, offers many advantages for manufacturers. Considering other traditional printing techniques with limited printing skills and higher costs, sublimation printing brings many advantages to both small-scale textile enterprises and large-scale national and international retail companies.
New business opportunities and higher profitability, thanks to the opportunity of customization
Whichever the sector it is, demand is increasing for customized or one-off products. Sublimation printing is one of the best technologies ever meeting such needs. Thanks to low volume run and personalized printing opportunities that sublimation printing offers, you can easily manufacture low volume runs for sports teams, associations, and organizations, schools or small-scale enterprises. You can also create unique designs for many brands or individuals without any additional cost. Thanks to sublimation printing, you can activate your creative side and you can make a high-quality print on any substrate you wish. You can thus achieve versatility in your business providing wider application options to your customers and make a higher profit. Sublimation printing helps you expand into new and more profitable markets.
Extensive color option
Unlike traditional printing methods, sublimation printing offers unlimited use of color. You can easily generate thousands of colors to achieve high-quality prints onto designs on demand. No additional cost is required, when you add new colors for your design. Moreover, like other digital printing techniques, the ink will not remain on the substrate and penetrate the surface of the substrate and as a result, dye-sublimation delivers natural and photorealistic print quality and you can quickly respond to your customers’ demands.
Fast production opportunity
The most important advantages of sublimation printing are the ease of operation and fast production opportunity. You can respond to your orders in a shorter time when compared to traditional printing methods. No additional washing or drying is needed and you can use the paper shortly after the printing process. Besides, there is no need for a great deal of setup before the printing process. Furthermore, thanks to high-speed printers, you will ensure fast turn-around times for your high volume orders and small run personalized prints.
Durable prints
Due to the nature of sublimation printing, the dye is absorbed by the fabric and the ink does not adhere on the surface of the fabric; therefore sublimation allows the garment to continue to breathe without being harmful to the skin. Thus, it is ideal for garment industry or home textile products where print contact with skin. Additionally, sublimation printing technique eliminates any cracking, peeling or fading of images on fabric. Even after multiple washing, the dyed images will remain sharp. Unlike other printing solutions, you can get long-lasting results.
Minimum waste through an eco-friendly printing technique
Sublimation printing results in minimum waste without the necessity of washing. Because the process turns the solid directly to gas, there is absolutely no need for water in the drying process. It, therefore, reduces water consumption and offers cost-effective production. Moreover, because water-based dyes are used, it has no negative effects on human health and provides a safe working environment.
Technical Advantages
Sublimation printers feature a compact design as compared to many other traditional printers. This means high functionality and less maintenance time. You can thus continue your business without interruption. Besides, sublimation printers are quickly becoming one of the easiest to use, thanks to their automated systems of loading paper and ink, print head cleaning, feeding and color management/software, and therefore maximizing operation productivity.
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With the advancements in digital printing, customers nowadays demand personalized and fast production as well as fast deliveries. If as a textile manufacturer you want to invest in sublimation printing, keep in mind that sublimation printing technology not only provides technical advantages but also adds values to your business.