3D rendering of a typical sublimation profile

Probably the most important aspect of any sublimation operation is that of controlling the process from beginning to end to come out with the desired result. 

Due to the nature of the extreme TVI (Tone Value Increase or from the old litho days we called it dot gain) color management becomes vitally important as color management and color workflow are the only way to get the best color possible on the final product.

We at SCM take a very comprehensive approach.  When dealing with a customer (whether the end user or a dealer / manufacturer)  we start the end desired result and build a color workflow to get to that end.  We don't just look at profiling specific machines but look at the whole color workflow as that's the only way to get to the desired result.   Some things we look at for color workflow.

• Based on the end results what color workspace will we (or the customer)  be creating artwork in.
• How will employee monitors  represent that color workspace.
• In what enviornment will customers be viewing soft proofs
• What devices will produce the product.  Which profiles, rendering intents, max densities, black generation will be used.
• What lighting conditions will the end product be viewed under. (incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, natural light, LED, etc. and what color temperature.

Aside from the color workflow we will work with the clients in helping them understand the sublimation process and instruct them on how to control the variables that affect color.  Some points we cover.

• Color workflow
  
  
• Printing machine (inkjets)  color variables such as:
  1.  Print head color drift.
  2.  Damper color drift
  3.  Color drift from gravity fed ink systems
  4.  Color drift from different paper batches
  5.  Color drift from different ink batches
  6.  Color drift from environment changes (humidity, temperature, etc)
  7.  Color drift issues from poor dye particle ink suspension
  
  
• Transfer machine issues affecting color such as:
  1. Dwell time
  2. Temerature (andthe dyes actually transfer)
  3.  Temperature Thermocouple (or Thermistor) calibration.
  4.  Pressure in how it relates to color
  5.  Post transfer issues (ghosting, fading, etc.)