Sublimation is achieved by heat transferring a digitally printed full colour image from a paper transfer to the product. This process can reproduce stunning, vivid, full colour graphics but there is limited control over the colour outcomes which makes reproducing PMS colours very difficult and in some cases impossible. Only certain surfaces and materials can be branded with sublimation printing.
Advantages
Sublimation ink is actually a dye so there is no ink build-up on the finished print and it looks like part of the product.
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as spot colour branding.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
The branding can bleed off some products.
Limitations
Can only be used for suitable products with white surfaces.
Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
When printing large images some minor imperfections may appear in the print or around the edges of it. These are unavoidable.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.