Transferring Designs to Fabric: Using the Sublimation Printer + Heat Presses

Sublimation Process

Whole Garment Printing

Collection from Sublimation Printed Fabrics

SUBLIMATION PRINTING

Sublimation process is a method of printing that transfers a design into a material or fabric using ink and heat. First, a design is printed onto special paper. The inks that are used turn into gas when brought under heat, then combine with the fabric and permanently print onto the fabric. The effects are permanent, flexible and less prone to fading, as the ink is embedded in the fabric rather than a pigment applied as a layer only on  the surface (as in a screen print).

In the world of apparel, it's a game changer in that it allows for whole garment prints — designs that go seam-to-seam. Regular fabric patterns are created through rotary or flatbed screen printing that required individual screens for every color used and large yardage minimums. Sublimation printing uses 95% less water in the production process, 75% less energy and much less fabric goes to waste since you can print the exact number of meters you will need. Using recycled instead of virgin polyester materials is even more sustainable. 

DESIGN + FILE SETUP

05.a-Canvas-Overview_PC_Mac-dc-(1)-(3).pdf

HEAT TRANSFER VINYL 

For vinyl transfers using the Cricut Maker machine, prepare your design files using any graphic program, then convert the designs using the online Cricut Design Space program. Here is a PDF guide to the Cricut Design Space for your reference. 

Test Strip Template (PREP + PRINT THIS FIRST)

Print File Template (FINAL PRINT FILE)

FOR SUBMLIMATION PRINTING

For sublimation printing, prepare your design file using your preferred design software —Adobe Photoshop (TIFF, JPG, PNG, or PDF), Adobe Illustrator (PDF or TIFF) or Adobe Acrobat (PDF).


 



PRINTING

The printer outputs in linear feet at a maximum width of 44 inch paper sizes. Please utilize the paper space ( layout) as efficiently as possible. 

TEST STRIP TEMPLATE: WE RECOMMEND PRINTING A TEST STRIP BEFORE ANY LARGE FORMAT PRINT! Create a 6 inch  (L) x 44 inch (W) test strip prior to the final print file.  Use this to calibrate the heat settings for your material and test your file/color settings before going to print the full-size print.  

PRINT FILE TEMPLATE: Use the print file template to setup your final print artwork.  The MAX width is 44" and length is indefinite (depends on your artwork). You will be charged $0.50 per linear inch (length of the file) for printing your final print file, so make sure that you format your document correctly, double check it, and lay it out efficiently across the 44" allowable width. Pricing list can be found on the Services page

Use this link to download Digital Fabric Printer template files from Google Drive 


Note:

NOTES: 


TRANSFERRING YOUR DESIGN TO FABRIC

MATERIALS

Students must have completed training in order to use the heat press and heat calendar equipment.   Sublimation printing only becomes permanently set when using materials made from polyester fibers ONLY. 

SETTINGS


HEAT PRESS

The heat press should be set to 375 degrees for 1:30 as a standard for Sublimation Printing and for Heat Press Vinyl transfers. You may adjust time and temp as needed, but please return the press to these settings when you are finished.  

Heat Press’s temp and time can be adjusted according to manufacturer standards for vinyl transfers. CHECK THE MANUFACTURERS SETTINGS ON THE PRODUCT SAFETY DATA SHEET FIRST!!!!

DO NOT CHANGE THE PRESSURE SETTINGS USING THE BLACK CRANK ON THE BACK OF THE MACHINE- THIS SHOULD NEVER BE ADJUSTED. 


INDUSTRIAL HEAT CALENDAR

The Heat Calendar should be set to 400 degrees and a speed of 15 as a standard for sublimation printing.  You may adjust time and temp as needed, but please return the press to these settings when you are finished.  

Heat Calendar temp and time should be adjusted according to manufacturer standards for vinyl transfers.  

If you are the last to use the heat calendar, turn the heat dial off, but DO NOT TURN OFF THE CYLINDER ROTATION ON THE HEAT CALENDAR. LET IT CONTINUE TO TURN AT LOW SPEED UNTIL THE MACHINE COOLS DOWN COMPLETELY.

TIPS:

For best print results


Below you can find some standard heat and time settings for many of the Cricut brand materials that can be used. 

Cricut EasyPress Heat Settings.pdf