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Digital printing or sublimation: which is better?

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Digital printing or sublimation: which is better?

Digital printing and sublimation are the main methods currently used for textile printing. The technology allows images to be captured in all kinds of fabrics. But what are the pros and cons of each? Here's an overview of the difference between sublimation and digital printing:

 Digital printing or sublimation: which is better?

What is digital printing?
It is the use of large format printers with multiple fine nozzles that inject ink into pretreated garments and other textiles. This pre-treatment allows the ink to adhere completely to the fabric.

Digital printing uses a digital printer to digitize an image that is printed directly onto clothing and accessories that can be laid flat, such as t-shirts, shirts and even bags.

digital sublimation printing

Advantage
Fast and easy. Simply load the image into software, transfer it to the printer and then capture it on the garment.

It allows you to get multiple designs in the same order. Rush prints, reprints and oversized orders can be made.

Supports complex designs, full-color photos and works that use a lot of ink.
Read also: 4 Myths about Digital Printing

 

What is sublimation?
The process of using transfer paper to print on polyester or cotton using heat and pressure. A digital printer is used to make the transfer paper, then the ink is heated to boiling, changing from a solid to a gas to transfer the design to the fabric.

This technique is the most effective when it comes to polyester. It can be used on sheets, cups, bags, socks, ornaments, clothing, skateboards, and more.

digital sublimation printing

Advantage
It offers continuous tones because each ink dot can be a different color, resulting in high-resolution, high-fidelity images.

The ink dries almost instantly, allowing the garment to be worn immediately.

Because of the simplicity of sublimation machines, there are few breakdowns and they are relatively easy to maintain.
Because the ink seeps into the fabric and does not stay on the surface, the print stays on the garment longer and can be washed frequently.
It allows you to place small orders quickly, but also to capture very complex designs.

Digital printing and sublimation are very useful in their own right, as they offer various advantages when capturing images on different types of garments. With both, it is possible to get quality work, you just need to choose the appropriate method for each need.

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