Heat Transfer Printing Machine VS Sublimation

Thermal transfer and sublimation techniques have become very popular in recent years. But many people do not know how to choose when faced with these two processes. If you want to buy the right printer, you need to fully understand both technologies. Next, in this blog, I will compare the difference between the two.

What is the Heat Transfer Printing Machine

A heat transfer machine is one kind of special printing machine, which transfer the flower designs and patterns from thermal transfer paper to the surface of printed materials with the technology of heat transfer.

• Features:

The heat transfer printing machine has high production efficiency and can print a variety of complex colors at one time with bright colors. The product is durable and has good pattern adhesion.

• Application:

Heat transfer printing machine is widely used in high-grade toys, stationery, woodware, leather, high-grade cosmetics, and daily necessities to increase the added value of products.

What is the Sublimation Printing Machine?

A sublimation machine is a kind of printer, which take the principle of thermal sublimation and penetrate the designs and patterns from sublimation paper to the surface of printing materials.

• Features:

The pattern penetrates directly into the surface of the printed object. Heat transfer machine sublimation does not change the original texture of the surface of the printed object, and the color is bright.

• Application:

Heat transfer machine sublimation is used in clothing, handbags, webbing, luggage, cloth pads, packaging supplies, advertising posters, and other supplies.

The Difference Between Heat Transfer Machine and Sublimation

1️⃣ Stamping temperature and time are different

Generally speaking, the temperature of the heat transfer printing machine is between 130-150 degrees and the time is about 6-10 seconds, while the sublimation temperature is between 200-230 degrees and the time is about 15-20 seconds.

2️⃣ Different fabrics

The heat transfer printing machine can be applied to all kinds of fabrics such as knitting, textile, nylon, non-woven, oxford, and so on. And sublimation can only be used on light-colored or white polyester fabrics.

3️⃣ Different printing texture

The back of the heat transfer printing machine has hot melt adhesive, so the fabric after hot stamping is more textured. But sublimation is the penetration of ink into the fabric, so the processed fabric is softer.

4️⃣ Different colors

The heat transfer printing machine can achieve the photo effect. When doing a thermal transfer, as long as you provide clear original files), you can achieve the effect of photos when you make them. The effect of thermal sublimation is not as clear as heat transfer. The higher the polyester content of the sublimation paper, the brighter the color. Of course, it is also related to the temperature and time of hot stamping. The higher the temperature of hot stamping, the longer the time, and the brighter the color.

5️⃣ Different washing fastness

Generally speaking, the washing fastness of sublimation is better than that of a heat transfer printing machine. The quality is mainly based on elasticity and washing fastness. The sublimation A-grade products can reach 4-grade washing fastness, and B-grade products can reach 4-grade colorfastness.

At Last

In a word, these two products have their advantages and characteristics, you can choose according to your actual needs. As a professional heat transfer printing machine sublimation manufacturer in China, we can provide you with the best suggestions and products. Any interests, welcome to contact us.