Dye sublimation printing is a digital printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye onto a substrate, typically polyester fabrics or specially coated materials. Here's a closer look at the process: Printing: First, your design gets printed onto a special transfer paper using a sublimation printer and sublimation inks. These inks are different from regular inks as they're specially formulated to convert from solid to gas with heat. Heat Transfer: The printed transfer paper is then placed on the target object (like a t-shirt) and secured in a heat press. Heat and Pressure: The heat press applies high heat and pressure for a specific time. This causes the dye sub ink to transform into a gas (sublimation) and permeate the fibers of the polyester fabric or the coating on the substrate. Cooling and Bonding: Once the heat press is opened and the material cools, the dye transforms back into a solid state, essentially dyeing the fabric or material from within. This creates a permanent and vibrant image. Here are some key benefits of dye sublimation printing: Vibrant colors: The process produces rich, full-color images with a wide color gamut. Durability: The dye becomes part of the material, resulting in a wash-fast and fade-resistant print. Soft hand: Unlike some printing methods, the ink doesn't leave a thick layer on the material, keeping the fabric soft and breathable. Versatility: While commonly used for fabrics, dye sublimation can also be used for printing on mugs, phone cases, awards, and other items with a suitable polymer coating.