Sublimation Transfer Printing Technology: Material and Process Requirements

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① Sublimation Transfer Paper: Ideal sublimation transfer paper should be dust-free, free of burrs, dimensionally stable, and possess controlled permeability to meet printing demands. It must allow easy release of dyes, exhibit high thermal resistance, and have low dye gas permeability to ensure efficient transfer. The preferred basis weight ranges from 50 to 70 g/m². Natural polymer binders such as starch, gum arabic, and sodium alginate are commonly used.

② Disperse Dyes: Suitable disperse dyes must demonstrate excellent sublimation transfer properties and permeability, achieving required fastness levels. They should exhibit good compatibility under operating conditions to fulfill tricolor color mixing requirements. Dyes with molecular weights between 230 and 380 and sublimation temperatures ranging from 180 to 240°C are typically selected. The coloring effect depends on dye type, molecular weight, sublimation behavior, and the structure of the target polymer. Strong interactions between dye vapor and fiber molecules enable deep diffusion. A sublimation temperature below 200°C is generally preferable.

③ Binder: Commonly used solid resins include low-viscosity ethyl cellulose and ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. Typical solvents include turpentine, terpineol, high-boiling alkanols, arylalkanes, and solubilizers. Additives may also be included. Key binder requirements include low affinity for dyes, ease of dye gas release, suitable printability, long-term stability, and adaptability to heat transfer conditions.

④ Ink Formulation: The formulation of screen-printed sublimation transfer inks is crucial. Dye content typically varies between 5% and 18%, depending on specific application needs.

Internationally, sublimation transfer printing has been widely adopted in industrial settings and continues to expand. In recent years, domestic production has also progressed across various regions in China. Currently, most printed papers are produced using offset or gravure printing machines, with only a small portion utilizing flatbed screen printers. Rotary screen printing for sublimation transfer remains under development. With continued advancements in screen printing technology, the use of water-based or emulsion inks in sublimation transfer printing is expected to grow significantly, offering substantial economic benefits to industries involved in printing, dyeing, coloring, and decorative applications.