Normally, as matter is heated, it progresses through the stages of solid, liquid, then gas.
The process of sublimation involves taking matter directly from the solid state to the gaseous state, without becoming a liquid in the process.
With a dye sublimation printer, this process allows for ink to be dyed into fabric via heat, which makes the dye permanent and allows for photo-realistic images on fabrics.
Dye sublimation is done using a digital image, a dye sublimation printer, and dye.
The image is transferred to dye sublimation paper, and the ink is transferred to the fabric. The image retains the digital quality, and is permanently embedded into the fabric. The fabric can then be washed, dried, and worn over and over; and the image lasts as long as the fabric it's printed on.
Dye sublimation can be used to make a variety of patches for a diverse range of products. Since there is no extra cost associated with adding different colors, you don't have to choose a 1 or 2-color image to save money. It also isn't any more expensive to have full coverage color than spot color. This means you can have work shirts, club hats, and many other items that look great but don't cost more.
Dye sublimation is often done on patches because they can then be used on a multitude of products, including: • • • • • •
Work shirts and jackets Promotional items Merchandise for valued customers Event T-shirts and hats Uniforms for EMTs, police, firefighters, and municipalities Hats, shirts, and jackets for cycling groups, motorcycle clubs, sports teams, bands, scout troops, and many others
The process used for dye sublimation on patches is the same process used for a variety of other products. For example, many mouse pads and jigsaw puzzles use the process of dye sublimation.
The images look just as vibrant and detailed on fabric as on rubber mouse pads and cardboard puzzles.
Screen-printing and other processes for printing images on fabric usually wear off before too long. By using the dye sublimation process, you save money as well as the environment because the images last just as long as the Tshirts, hats, and other materials the images are printed on.
Other processes to transfer images to fabric include screen-printing, embroidery, dyes, washes, and appliquĂŠs. The problem with these processes is that the image doesn't last or the process is expensive, or both. Dye Sublimation allows you to get high quality at an affordable price.
Artex Group offers dye sublimated embroidered patches in nearly any shape or size. Artex Group can apply your patches to: • Shirts • Hats • Key rings • Lapel pins Or, you can order the patches on their own and have them attached to your own products, such as motorcycle jackets or uniforms.
Artex Group specializes in dye sublimation patches, which are photo realistic and retain their color for years to come. With the vibrant colors and digital detail, these images are far superior to those you can get with screen-printing. There is never any additional charge, whether your image contains a single color or the full spectrum of colors on a photograph.
Visit www.artexgroup.net to select your patch today!
Sources http://www.artexgroup.net/sublimated-embroidered-patch.php
Photo Attributions Slide 5 By: Alan Levine https://flic.kr/p/88GMDA Slide 6 By: John Loo https://flic.kr/p/7zH12V By: John Hirtz https://flic.kr/p/C9EbG