Direct from the Conde Site:
Why Sublimation?
With the Sublimation Transfer Process, you can print high quality digital images on virtually any type of item made of just about any type of material using a printer, special transfer inks and paper, and a heat press.
What is Sublimation (Dye Sublimation Transfer)?
Dye Sublimation Transfer is a process where you take an image - that has been created digitally (either by scanning or downloaded from a digital camera or created on your computer) and then print this image with a printer using special sublimation transfer inks onto transfer paper. Once the image is on the paper you place it under a heat press on top of your polyester or poly coated item (substrate) and heat until the inks turn to a gas and transfer the image onto the item.
What type of printer do I need?
Because of the type of ink that is used you are limited in the type of printer you can print with. Currently you can purchase sublimation inks for specific desktop printers by Ricoh® and Epson®. Condé also offers sublimation solutions for wide-format printers by Epson®, Roland® and Mutoh®.
What kind of inks do I need?
The ink used in the Sublimation Transfer process is a special mixture of water and heat reactive dyes. For professional results every time we recommend, sell, and support ArTainiumUV+™ and SubliJet™ Sublimation Inks.
What paper can I use?
For Sublimation there are different papers developed for different substrates. Mousepads, tote-bags, DyeTrans™ Apparel, Soft L' ink™ Wearables, metal, and fabrics are best transferred using our Jetcol 5000 Hi Release Paper. When transferring items such as ceramics, plastics, jewelry, and porcelain (but not glass), we recommend our DyeTrans™ Sublimation Paper. For glass cutting boards, clocks and coasters we recommend Beaver TexPrint XP™.
What type of Heat Transfer Press do I need?
A heat press is the machine that presses a transfer onto an imprintable substrate. Using high temperatures and heavy pressures for a certain amount of time, the transfer is permanently embedded into the product. Heat presses are available with various sized platens, with clamshell or swing away heating elements, and with manual or automatic release features. Some heat presses are created just for specific uses, like the cap or mug presses. The print size of your printer should match the platen size of your press.
Heat presses are recommended for professional and satisfying results simply because standard laminating devices and home hand irons can not get even near the temperatures required for a reliable transfer. Standard transfers require anywhere from 375° to 425° F and demand serious force in pressing often from 40-80 psi. These temperatures and pressures are not possible with other heated devices.
Condé recommends George Knight® Heat Presses because they are simply the best. George Knight® Heat Presses have been the backbone of literally thousands upon thousands of businesses over the past four decades, providing a reliable workhorse of a product that stands up to the demands of imprinting business, manufacturing and personal use.
What types of products can I make?
Simply browse the list of sublimatable products from the menu to your right to see all the exciting items you can produce with a DyeTrans™ Sublimation Transfer System. Remember, Condé is here to help you grow your business by providing premium products, systems, supplies, and support for everything we sell. We are your partner and we are devoted to helping you grow your custom personalized product business.
Great videos at the link below
http://www.dyetrans.com/new-videos.php
Contact Brad Morrison at conde for more information!
