FAQ

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation - as related to chemistry, is defined as "To cause (a solid or gas) to change state without becoming liquid". For example, dry ice changes to gas without ever becoming liquid. The sublimation process imprints images into polyester, or polyester coated objects by applying dyes that turn from a solid to gas when heated. When the sublimation dye is placed next to polyester and heated, at approximately 325 degrees the polyester molecules open. The sublimation dye, which at this time is a gas, will then be able to penetrate the surface of the polyester. After the heat is removed, the polyester molecules will close and permanently trap the sublimation dyes, thus the image, into the polyester  substrate.

What is SubliJet, and how does it work?

Although we all refer to SubliJet as Dye Sub, it actually isn't. Dye Sub images are created in thermal printers using varying degrees of heat to sublimate dyes from a paneled ribbon in the printer to a special carrier paper. The image can then re-sublimated onto the final substrate. This "second generation" transfer offers photo-realistic images, yet is limited to coated ceramics and treated cotton fabric. Examples of printers using this technology include Fargo's FotoFun, Sony and Hitachi video printers, and Seiko's Specialty ColorPoint thermal printer.

SubliJet is the culmination of a patented intellectual idea "THE SAWGRASS METHOD - HYBRID SUBLIMATION"  that uses digital printers for printing sublimation dyes. This Sawgrass technology is applicable to all major computer-driven printer formats including thermal, inkjet, and laser. SubliJet actually works by printing sublimation dyes, using supported Epson / Ricoh ink jet printers, in an inactivated or non-sublimated state onto standard paper . Using time, temperature, and pressure, the image is then transferred to the final substrate. This "first generation" transfer offers a more vibrant, near-photo-realistic image,  resolution of up to 2880 dpi. SubliJet transfers can be applied to coated ceramics, metals, glass, wood, plastic, melamine, Mylar, marble, polyester fabric, or any other polymer coated surface.

How do SubliJet inks compare with other digital imprinting technologies? - Laser or Ink Jet Transfer Papers:

Image transfers created with color laser copiers or ink jet printers utilize a polymer coated sheet to fuse toner or ink particles on the surface of a substrate. The result is a decal-like transfer that can peel, crack, or fade over time. SubliJet uses a chemical process called sublimation to transfer its ink below the surface of a substrate. This results in a tattoo-like transfer that will not peel, crack, or fade and lasts for many years.

How do SubliJet inks compare with other digital imprinting technologies? - Dye Diffusion Transfers (Dye Sublimation):

Dye diffusion transfers are created on a thermal printer using varying degrees of heat to sublimate dyes from a paneled ribbon in the printer to a special carrier paper. The image is then re-sublimated onto the final substrate. This "second generation" transfer offers photorealistic images, yet is limited to coated ceramics and treated cotton fabric. Examples of this technology include Fargo's FotoFun, Sony and Hitachi video printers, and Seiko's Specialty ColorPoint thermal printer.

Electrostatic sublimation transfers are created on an electrostatic printer using sublimation toners with electrical charges to a special carrier paper. The image is then sublimated onto the final substrate. This transfer method offers full color images, yet is limited by resolution, dot size, toner instability, and prohibitive cost of entry. Examples of this technology include RasterGraphics and Xerox e-stat platforms.

What currently available desktop printers are compatible with SubliJet Inks? - Ricoh Gelsprinter GX 7000

A new age for sublimation printing began November 2008. ACP Technologies released the SubliJet-R System made specifically for the Ricoh GX7000.  Touting faster printing speeds, energy efficiency, high-capacity and brilliant color output, the Ricoh GX7000 offered us a new and better choice for sublimation printing. The professional-grade system touts a large printing area of up to 11 x17”, that can be extended to 13x19" with the purchase of the optional paper feed tray. In speed, color, printability, the Ricoh Gelsprinter GX 7000 has been better than any of the Epson Desktop printers we have supported. Going forward, the Ricoh printers will be ACP's recommendation for desktop sublimation printing. The Ricoh 7000 is accompanied by PowerDriver-R, the Ricoh GX7000 system features easy color management and images with sharp details.

What currently available desktop printers are compatible with SubliJet Inks? - Ricoh Gelsprinter GX e3300N

Ricoh Gelsprinter e3300N is the letter / legal printer printer that ACP recommends for a company who is just starting into sublimation. It has the same advantages over Epson printers; better printability (ink flow, less clogged printheads), speed and color. Color management for the e3300N is provided with PowerDriver. The e3300N is newer than the GX 7000, and we actually like the images printed by the e3300N better than the GX7000. Assuming ink flow issues are the same as the 7000, the cost to print with the e3300N is 10% more.

What currently available desktop printers are compatible with SubliJet Inks? - Epson Desktop printers

Workforce 30 - It has the lowest start-up cost for an Epson printer.

Workforce 1100 - It uses CMYK SubliJet ink bags and prints on paper as large as 13"x19". If we had to recommend an Epson desktop printer, this would be the one.

Stylus Photo 1900 - It is a good printer. It does support Chromablast, and it uses some of the same ink bags as older printers. See Workforce 1100.

Stylus Pro 4880 - This printer has the ability to lower ink cost by using 220 ml ink cartridges. It has a paper width of 17 inches. It supports 17 x 22' paper, and can use roll paper.

What currently available Large Format Epson  printers are compatible with SubliJet Inks? - Stylus Pro 7880 / 9880:

Sublimation ink for large format inkjet printers, supporting Mimaki, Roland, and Epson printers, is designed for applications that require printable widths of 24" up to 74". Developed for the professional business user, these printers provide quick, cost effective, sublimation transfers for customized t-shirts, decorated apparel, promotional products, interior signage, POP design, carpet graphics, tile murals, tradeshow graphics, sporting goods, etc. Large format printers support either cartridges or a bulk feed ink system. Using a bulk feed system allows for inks to be purchased by the liter, which provides our lowest image cost. Large format printers will require the use of a software RIP for color management. ACP suggests and supports ColorPRO.

What are the minimum Computer \ Software requirements for printing sublimation transfers, and what problems could be caused by using an older system?

Effects of using a computer system that is below the minimum recommended system requirements:

1) Print speeds may be longer and therefore less economical to run.
2) Larger graphic files may not print properly or at all.
3) The computer may get 'hung up' or "time out' during the processing of the print command.
4) Graphic design programs may be much slower to use.
5) Print spooling may not work properly because of lack of computer or printer memory capacity.
6) Graphics may not print correctly. Images may be cut off.
7) Longer print times can lead to more room for error - i.e. nozzle drops or banding.

The bottom line is that the minimum and recommended system specifications for new printer platform/PowerDriver solutions have increased dramatically. The more applications that are open and running at one time on a computer will greatly affect the efficiency and ability to run/print from graphics programs. Printing performance is maximized by using the latest hardware and software systems available.

As for software, there was a major upgrade to the print engine in CorelDRAW X3. We have seen intermittent printer printing issues with users who are using a version of CorelDRAW that is older than X3.

My work is seasonal. Do I have a problem if I do not use my printer for six months?

Unfortunately, there is a problem allowing an inkjet printer to sit for extended periods of time without printing. The problem is inherent to inkjet printers in general, and not just an issue for SubliJet inks. The shelf life for SubliJet inks is six months in the printer, and two years on the shelf. Even with a two year shelf life, we feel that two years on the shelf is to long to store SubliJet ink. With that said, it is our hope that your market provides for consistent use of the inks, and that they are used within the six month period. If you do not use SubliJet inks regularly, there are procedures to decrease printability issues for your printer. SubliJet inks will not automatically fail to perform six months and a day after they have been installed in the printer. But, if you let them go longer than a year, you could possibly experience color management as well as printer issues.

Since my work is seasonal, and I only need to print transfers a couple of times a year, what should I do?

Fortunately, as long as you have a heat press, ACP can print your transfers for you. We do this because there are companies that do not print enough transfers to justify the cost of purchasing a printer. We hate to see someone purchase a printer and set of inks, then never use it. We would rather start you off by providing your transfers, then when business warrants a printer, you can  purchase the printer.

What are the limitations of SubliJet / ArTainium / Sublime inks??

SubliJet / Artainium / Sublime inks transfer well to light colored, synthetic surfaces such as polyester and acrylic coatings. They do not transfer to natural surfaces such as cotton, or dark colored surfaces. Over long periods of time sublimation inks have limited color-fastness when exposed to direct sunlight.

Does SubliJet work on 100% cotton T-shirts in addition to polyester T-shirts?

Sublimation inks do not have the ability to imprint cotton. If you must imprint cotton, then ChromaBlast is the technology of choice. We recommend Vapor Apparel T-shirts for decoration with SubliJet inks. These shirts can be digitally imprinted with full color, photo quality graphics that will be dyed into the fabric. The permanency and quality of the image is superior to that of traditional screen-printing or transfer papers. You will not be able to feel the image on the fabric and it will not crack, peel or fade. Because SubliJet uses sublimation dyes, fabric should be at least 65/35 polyester/cotton. We never recommend trying to sublimate 100% cotton fabrics as it is always best to use a polyester shirt with sublimation. If you must use a 50/50 shirt, then the ACP Support department has some tips and tricks to sublimate 50/50 fabric with an image that has approximately 75% of the vibrancy of a sublimated image on 100% polyester fabrics. A sublimated 50/50 t-shirt will never, repeat never, look as good as a 100% polyester t-shirt imaged with sublimation, but we have customers who successfully sell 50/50 sublimated t-shirts and their clients are happy.

Do I need special transfer paper?

SubliJet utilizes heat activated sublimation dyes, consequently no special transfer paper is required. Some people in our industry call the paper we use with SubliJet inks "Transfer Paper." It actually isn't, because the paper itself has no transfer qualities. To be more precise, the paper is a carrier. It needs to carry and release the appropriate amount of sublimation dye to produce the correct image with our color management software. Paper is extremely important to us, and all inkjet paper will not provide optimal transfer quality. ACP strongly recommends, and only supports, the use of paper recommended by Sawgrass

Can I use both OEM and SubliJet inks in my printer?

Please do not! If you need to remove your SubliJet inks for any reason, please contact us and talk to an ACP representative before you do. Once you install SubliJet inks into your printer, for all practical purposes, you dedicate it to printing SubliJet. If you decide to upgrade to a different printer, you can reinstall Epson inks. It is not advisable to switch back and forth between OEM and SubliJet inks on the same printer. If you need to print with OEM Inks, it is best to purchase a second printer.

What does it cost to print with SubliJet inks?

To operate your SubliJet system profitability, it is important to have a understanding of transfer cost for each print job. In determining true costs, consider the amount of ink used for a specific artwork design, the cost for paper plus your time. Using baseline costs of goods for each project allows you to maximize your profit. Also realize that the per print cost for an entry level printer will be higher than a production printer. One of the most important factors in determining which printer platform you invest in, is how much you will be printing.

What does it cost to print with SubliJetR cartridges in the Ricoh Gelsprinter GX7000?

Actual results will depend on specific artwork, firmware, RIP and color management settings. Numbers are approximate, and for comparison purposes only.

What does it cost to print with SubliJetR cartridges in the Ricoh Gelsprinter GX e3300N?

Actual results will depend on specific artwork, firmware, RIP and color management settings. Numbers are approximate, and for comparison purposes only.

What does it cost to print with Epson Workforce 30 SubliJet cartridges installed in an Epson WorkForce 30 printer?

Actual results will depend on specific artwork, firmware, RIP and color management settings. Numbers are approximate, and for comparison purposes only.

What does it cost to print with Epson Workforce 1100  SubliJet bulk ink bag system installed in an Epson WorkForce 1100 printer?

What does it cost to print with the Epson 4880 SubliJet 220 ml cartridges installed in an Epson Stylus Pro 4880 printer?

Actual results will depend on specific artwork, firmware, RIP and color management settings. Numbers are approximate, and for comparison purposes only.

What heat press should I purchase?

Actually, that is one of the more important decisions that must be made before you start imprinting sublimation transfers. Heat presses should last for a long time,. Once you make the decision, you will have to live with it. Make sure you purchase the correct size, features, etc. That is why we say, " make this decision carefully." 

What is the difference between a clam shell and a swing-a-way heat press?

What size heat press should I purchase?

Our standard recommendation is the 16" x 20" DK20S heat press. The size of this press is the main reason for the recommendation. For production oriented users, the iDek D2 Commercial, even though the press size is 14" x 17",  has some significant advantages.

Does ACP have different printing systems available for the SubliJet user?

Yes, ACP has trademarked the term Sublimation Solutions^® to refer to the different printing systems we offer. Each printing system has been designed for a specific type of sublimator.

The start up cost on ACP's  Sublimation Solutions^® Starter printing system is:

The start up cost on ACP's  Sublimation Solutions^® Basic printing system is:

The start up cost on ACP's  Sublimation Solutions^® Intermediate printing system is:

The start up cost on ACP's  Sublimation Solutions^® Professional printing system is:

The start up cost on ACP's  Sublimation Solutions^® Professional printing system is:

Can you give us a brief history of Sawgrass Technologies and "Hybrid" Sublimation?

Sawgrass Systems, the inventors of "Hybrid Sublimation" was founded in 1988. In 1990, using Seiko printers, their technology first supported thermal wax printing using a sublimation print ribbon to produce an image. The ribbon was usually about 500 feet long and made of a series of three panels; yellow, magenta and cyan. Sublimation dye was suspended in the wax on the ribbon. When the image was printed, a sheet of paper was fed into the printer where it was aligned with the yellow panel. The yellow panel and the paper were then passed beneath the thermal print head, which caused small dots of ink to be placed on the paper. The same thing happened with both the magenta and cyan panels. Mixing of the three colors produced a full color image ready to be sublimated. Sawgrass supported a second thermal wax printer with the release of the PowerPrint ribbon for the Fargo PrimeraPro printer in 1995. In October '96, Sawgrass released the SubliJet ink cartridges designed to work with the Epson Stylus Pro line of printers. These cartridges took the sublimation the process to its next level. Sawgrass also selected  ACP Technologies as one of its four original SubliJet distributors to help pioneer ink jet sublimation printing. The following is a timeline for supported printers and ink.

1) Real-time product support including: telephone/web/fax based technical and usage support.

2) Sophisticated color management software support and applications tips.

3) Full product warranty against any SubliJet ink /cartridge performance issues or defects.

4) Full support and service of Epson printers under warranty that are used with SubliJet transfer inks. As an Authorized Epson Service Center, Sawgrass is capable of ensuring success with SubliJet inks in supported Epson ink jet printers.

5) 100% satisfaction guarantee for all SubliJet users.

What is the difference between Artainium^® and SubliJet^® Inks?

Artainium UV+ sublimation inks have been granted a license by Sawgrass Technologies, holders of the patent that relates to the process of creating sublimation inks for use in a desktop inkjet printer. As one of the original Sawgrass SubliJet distributors, ACP has always stood behind the validity of the Sawgrass patents,  ACP Technologies will offer Artainium^® as a low cost alternative to SubliJet^®.

Why should I choose ACP Technologies as my sublimation partner?

ACP Technologies is a full line sublimation distributor. It is what we do, and not a sidelight. Our experience is second to none, but more importantly, our focus is on you, the SubliJet user. If we have to convince you to buy, we will not try. When SubliJet makes sense for you, ACP Technologies is here to support you.  We are a support oriented company dedicated to making our customer base successful using sublimation as a creative tool. When you purchase SubliJet inks from ACP, you become a member of the ACP Subli-Team. As a member of the ACP Subli-Team, any question you have about sublimation, whether its creating the graphic in CorelDRAW, understanding our color management software, using proper times and temperatures for specific substrates, etc., you have an 800 # that you can call to have the question answered correctly. ACP Technologies has become one of the country’s largest sublimation distributors by adhering to this philosophy. If our customers are successful, then we will be successful.be