What Makes Sublimation Ink for Regular Printing Different from Standard Ink

Knowing the gaps between sublimation ink and normal ink matters a lot for anyone who prints stuff, either for fun or for work. These two kinds of ink work in totally different ways. And they fit separate jobs in the print world. Normal ink fits usual paper prints. Sublimation ink uses a special tech that lets heat move designs onto many kinds of items. This gap changes the tools you need. It also changes the look of the final item. Plus, it affects how long it lasts.

Composition and Chemical Properties

The main gaps between sublimation ink and normal ink start deep inside the mix. This affects how each one works when you print.

How Sublimation Ink Works at a Tiny Level

Sublimation ink holds special color bits that change phase in a cool way. These inks mix color bits in a liquid. And the bits turn straight from solid to gas when hot. They skip the liquid step. This is called sublimation. It lets the ink stick to polyester stuff at a tiny level. You need big heat and push to start it. Usually, you heat to around 400°F (200°C). And you set the right push on a heat transfer machine.

Traits of Normal Ink Mixes

Normal ink follows old-school print rules. These inks use pigment or dye bits in water or solvent. Unlike sublimation ink, normal inks stay on top of paper or other stuff. They stick by simple grip, not deep mix. The ink dries as it soaks in or dries up. It does not need heat to wake up. So, printing stays easy. And it fits usual office spots.

Printing Technology Compatibility

Picking sublimation ink or normal ink changes the gear you need to make it work right.

Printer Needs for Sublimation Inks

Sublimation printing asks for special gear built for these inks. You need sublimation printers with print heads that take heat. They handle the hot needs of sublimation. You cannot use usual home inkjet or laser printers. The mix of sublimation inks can hurt normal print heads and parts inside. Plus, you must pair it with sublimation paper to get good moves. This special paper lets go of the ink well when heat hits.

Use of Normal Ink in Common Printers

Normal ink gives more room with gear. It works in most home and office inkjet printers. This makes it easy for many people to use. Normal inks print great on usual paper like copy sheets, photo sheets, or thick card. They fit many print jobs. You do not need extra tools past the printer. This keeps costs low. And it stays simple for daily print tasks.

Application Methods and Substrate Suitability

The ways to put on sublimation ink and normal ink vary a bunch. This leads to different uses. And it brings different end looks.

Heat Move Process with Sublimation Ink

Sublimation ink needs many steps. First, print on special transfer paper. Then, move the design to polyester cloth or coated items with a heat transfer machine. Heat and push make the ink turn to gas. And it sinks in. This gives bright, lasting prints that fight fade and cracks. The way shines for cloth, cups, phone covers, and promo gifts. It works best on fake stuff like polyester that grabs the ink bits.

Direct Put-On of Normal Ink on Paper Items

Normal ink keeps it simple. It prints right on paper. No extra steps. You can use it right after printing. This easy way makes normal ink top for papers, tags, pics, and office print jobs. But, normal ink does not fit cloth or hard moves. It stays for paper stuff and things that soak it up.

Output Quality and Durability Comparison

How long prints last and how good they look show big gaps between sublimation ink and normal ink over time.

Lasting Power of Sublimated Prints on Cloth and Hard Items

Sublimated prints last super well because of their special stick way. They fight wash, sun, and rub. The ink turns part of the item, not just on top. Colors stay bright for long. The ink bonds inside the stuff. This makes sublimation perfect for sport clothes, outdoor signs, and promo things that get used a lot.

Durability Limits of Normal Ink Prints

Normal ink prints have built-in weak spots for lasting and fighting outside stuff. They can fade with light or wet, especially on usual paper. The top-layer ink can smear if not dry or covered. Different papers and covers can help them last more. But, they never beat the built-in strength of sublimated items.

Introducing Changfa Digital as a Trusted Supplier

For folks and companies who want good sublimation print fixes, picking the right seller matters for steady, top results.

Full Fixes for Heat Move Printing Needs

Changfa Digital makes sublimation paper and gives digital print help. It is the factory for sublimation papers. They start from base paper, add coating, cut, and send worldwide. Changfa Digital focuses on sublimation transfer paper. They offer from 40gsm to 100gsm. Changfa Digital has made sublimation paper and given print help for over 15 years. It is the factory for sublimation papers. They handle base paper to coating to cutting and ship to all the world.

They run 4 coating lines at Changfa Digital. They have 4 cutting shops. Ten cutting machines handle 2 and 3 core rolls. They brought in 1 top coating line for sublimation paper making each day from Germany. Total make is 3000 Tons each month. They send out 120 Containers to all the world each month. This big make power keeps steady supply and quality for big jobs and single makers who want trusty work.

Their items fit smooth, steady printing. Widths go from 61cm to 320cm. They promise trusty work for clear prints each time. The full product set includes special sublimation inks. These have big color range, bright colors. They boost black cover a lot with pro black sublimation ink after move. They also give great flow. 360dpi keeps printing 20 meters without stop or small holes.

Conclusion

Picking sublimation ink or normal ink fully rests on what you plan to do and what end traits you want. Normal ink stays the easy pick for daily paper prints. It gives simple steps, wide gear fit, and low cost for paper jobs. Sublimation ink needs special gear and steps. Yet, it brings top lasting power and many uses for heat moves on fake stuff and coated items. Knowing these key gaps helps smart picks for print tasks. You might make bright cloth designs that take many washes. Or, you might make top papers for work. The spend on right gear and stuff rests on the exact needs of each print job. It also rests on how long you want the end item to stay good.

FAQs

Q1: Can sublimation ink be used on cotton fabrics?

A: No, sublimation ink works best on polyester cloth or items with polyester cover. Cotton threads cannot grab sublimation ink bits well. This gives bad color move and weak wash hold. For cotton prints, try other ways like direct-to-cloth printing or heat move vinyl.

Q2: What temperature and time settings are recommended for sublimation printing?

A: Most sublimation jobs need heat from 380-400°F (193-204°C). Press for 45-60 seconds. This changes with item thickness and stuff. But, exact settings shift by sublimation paper, ink setup, and target item. So, test for best results.

Q3: How long do sublimation prints typically last compared to regular ink prints?

A: Sublimation prints keep bright for many years if done right on good items. They often take 50+ washes without big fade. Normal ink prints on paper can fade in months to years by outside hits. Photo prints last longer with keep-safe inks and papers.