Explore “Dye Sublimation” Digital Textile Inks with Impress Materials
In the digital textile printing world, “dye sublimation” is often considered synonymous with the process. However, sublimation is just one of several methods available for printing on textiles. Technically, any large format printer capable of printing on fabric can be termed a fabric printer. For this discussion, we’ll focus specifically on true digital textile printers designed to bond or infuse ink into the fabric, as opposed to technologies like latex or UV that simply lay ink on the surface.
Fabric Printed with Disperse Dye Sublimation Ink
DISPERSE INKS
The most recognized type of digital textile ink is disperse ink, used in the dye-sublimation process. These inks permeate and dye the fabric, becoming an integral part of the textile. Disperse inks are categorized into low-energy, medium-energy, and high-energy dispersion.
Our “dye sublimation inks” are primarily low-energy dispersions, commonly employed for transferring prints from paper to fabric. The sublimation process involves using a calender to apply heat and pressure. When heated to high temperatures (380-400°F), the carrier evaporates, and the dye turns into gas. The synthetic fibers then “open” to receive the gas. As they cool, the fibers close and encapsulate the colorant, which then solidifies, permanently dyeing the material.
REACTIVE INKS
Reactive inks create a chemical bond with the cellulose in pretreated fabrics. They perform best on materials like linen, rayon, nylon, and other cellulosic fabrics.
ACID INKS
Acid inks also require pretreated fabric for fixation. They are printed directly onto textiles and then steamed to set the ink. Acid inks form ionic or electrostatic bonds with textiles such as silk, wool, and nylon. Post-transfer washing is necessary to remove any residue, and a post-processing heating procedure is required to permanently set the dyes.
PIGMENT INKS
Pigment inks are finely ground powders suspended in liquid carriers with binders. Unlike sublimation, which embeds dye into a polymer, pigments are bonded to natural fabrics using binders and a heat calender process. With the rising demand for digitally printed natural fabrics, this area is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
Choosing the Right Ink for Your Fabric:
- Disperse and sublimation inks are used on polyester, acetate rayon, poly-Lycra®, and acrylics, and require post-treatment heat.
- Reactive dyes are suitable for cotton, linen, rayon, nylon, and other cellulosic materials, requiring both pre- and post-treatment.
- Acid dyes work best on wool, silk, polyamides, cashmere, angora, and nylon, with a post-treatment requirement.
- Pigment inks are used on cotton and natural fabrics and also require post-treatment heat.
