DYE SUBLIMATION
The dye sublimation process is actually a versatile way of printing. It can be used on a wide variety of printing media, such as paper, fabrics, plastics and cardboard. This process of printing is known for yielding smooth, high quality and photographic printouts.
The Dye Sublimation Printing Process
The dye sublimation printing process works almost like the way thermal printing does. The dye ink used in this printing process is initially in a solid state, contained on a cellophane ribbon. Heat is an important component in this printing process; it is used to "melt" the dye off the ribbon.
Unlike in thermal printing, where the ink is actually melted to a liquid state before it is allowed to bind with the printing medium, the dye ink sublimates and completely bypasses the liquid state when heat generated by the thermal printer head is applied to it. From its solid state, it transforms to gas and disperses on the printing medium.
Printing using dye sublimation is done in layers of color. The primary colors cyan, magenta and yellow are spread upon the printing medium one layer after another. The gas inks then dry and solidify upon the medium.
Once these layers of color are put on the medium, a layer of laminate is coated upon the printout. What this layer of laminate does is to protect the integrity of the printout, as well as to shield it from discoloration caused by the air and by ultraviolet exposure.
Dye Sublimation as Compared with Inkjet Printing
The dye sublimation process holds certain advantages over inkjet printing, which is another common printing technology used with wide-format printers. Dye sublimation works great with photographic printing because it creates natural-looking images, which inkjet printing is sometimes unable to produce.
Dye sublimation is also a much cleaner printing process than inkjet printing. Because the dye does not enter the liquid state, there is less likelihood of the printer head getting clogged with dried printer ink.
On the other hand, inkjet printing can produce sharper and clearer images. Even with the protective coating, images created with sublimated dye can appear blurry compared to those made with inkjet printing. The gaseous state by which the dye needs to be in order to bind with the medium makes it difficult for dye sublimation to work with uncoated paper.
It is clear that dye sublimation printing with wide-format printers have their advantages and disadvantages. Whatever these are, this printing technology nonetheless provides a nice alternative in creating printouts.




© Copyright
Picture Perfect Products 2010
HOW TO CHOOSE A HEAT PRESS
Before we explain the methods and correct procedure in choosing a heat press, let me share this story with you.
An enquiry email was received by a leading heat press supplier.
The email simply read, " Can you give me a price on your ### Heat Press ". The Heat Press in question was in fact one of the most expensive presses available and was aimed mostly for high production professionals. Rather than just give a price to the enquirer, as most companies do, a series of questions were asked by email, followed by a phone discussion with more detailed information exchanged. As a result the enquirer did indeed become a customer of the company. Not by spending in excess of $6000 on the Heat Press originally enquired about, but by way of just 5 sheets of heat transfer paper, to be used with her home iron. Cost to the customer was $16.95. A short time later after attending one of the companies workshops, seeing and using a Heat Press for the first time, the customer purchased an Intro SWINGMAN 12” Press for a few hundred dollars. This story is not unusual, as it happens regularly, but it does highlight something not said enough: "ask for a price and that’s all you will get…. "
Initially asking for advice and guidance will result in making more informed and cost effective decisions. In the end, ask yourself this: " What is price without knowledge? It is the cost of success or failure". To purchase wisely, you need more than price, you need information. Hopefully what we share here with you will create those two things……… Knowledge and Information
There are many things to consider when looking for a new or replacement heat press. Whether it be either a swing a way or clam style type or one of the specialty presses, such as a mug press, cap press or plate press. Before you make any decision, lets look at the methods you can use to find those presses.
* On the internet you will find many by doing a search for any general term. For instance, mug press, clamshell heat
press, swing away heat press, etc. are great search terms.
* Be sure you to check other countries web sites as well, like the USA, UK, Asia and Canada.
*Check your local paper, phone book and ask others you know in the business for referrals.
After a short time you should see a trend that will point to those most recognised as the quality machines such as HIX, George Knight, Phoenix and Perfecta. There will also be other machines that are in the lower price range and have a similar look and appearance. Research and gather information just as you would with any other product.
Next would be to think about your business potential. What type of heat press you purchase is important, however one aspect often overlooked during the purchase is the heat press supplier. Most heat press purchases are made after advice and knowledge given from the supplier. Seldom are heat presses simply taken off a shelf and sold without discussion. This one major factor surely highlights the importance of getting the correct information.
Print and keep a copy of this near and score each
company or supplier you contact.
Company _____________________________ Phone _____________________________ Contact person ___________________________
Any YES answer score ONE. Ask yourself these questions:
(1) If I buy a cheap budget press and it breaks right away and
I can't use it to make any products until I get the press
repaired, is that going to be a problem?
(2) Was it easy to contact the press supplier, did they reply
quickly to your enquiry, and were you satisfied with their
response?
(3) Did they explain their warranty policy on the electrical
components and heater block?
(4) Does the press supplier have a phone number and address,
should you need to locate them?
(5) Did the press supplier you talked to offer samples and
information of this product or other products that might be
helpful to your ongoing business?
(6) Does the press come with all the necessary essentials, like
a teflon sheet?
(7) Did you talk to the one of the owners or did you talk to a
sales person?
(8) Were you asked about your plans, what you were
attempting to create or was the conversation only about
prices and delivery.
(9) Does the company offer free individual or group training and
workshops. Focusing directly on the products you are
interested in.
(10) Was there any offer of comparable products and range
of prices of better quality machines.
(11) Is the product offered in stock and ready to ship.
(12) Is the shipping cost and GST included or additional.
(13) Is the company an Authorised Distributor of a major quality
heat presses.
(14) Also does the company have an onsite repair centre with
qualified technicians.
Under 7 points………….. High Risk,
8 – 10 points………Treat with caution
11 – 13 points ……… Fair to Good
14 out of 14……………. Excellent
Place the Order with extreme confidence.


