Sublimation using Litho Presses



Sublimation using litho press has increased in popularity dramatically since the early 2000s.  The garment industry has exploded in growth in using sublimation.  

Sublimation using litho represents many challenges because of the TVI (or dot gain) is extremely high.  Up to to 800% in some areas of the tonal values.  Thus matching proofs (digital samples) is very challenging.  Also maintaining color is extremely critical as color variations are generally 4 times more critical as you can visually see differences with as little as .02 density variations.

We have set up 7 virgin (new to sublimation)  litho plants for sublimation with presses ranging from 14 x 20 thru 44 x 64.  Manufacturers: Mitsubishi, Komori, KBA, Planneta, Heidelberg and Akiyami.

We set up Litho color workflows that maximize press stability and repeatability as well as matching digital samples (proofs).

Sublimation Using Digital Printers.


Sublimation has been used in inkjet, electrostatic, laser printers and other technologies but inkjet is by far the most used digital technology so that's what we'll talk about.

Digital sublimation printing is the preferred printing technology for printing short run but generally it's more expensive than litho run until you get to around 300 to 800 range

Digital sub is used for a wide range of sublimation.  If a substrate is synthetic most likely it can be sublimated.  Won't go into all the uses but this market is exploding.

We have setup digital sublimation for many applications from desktops to 10' wide machines including direct to fabric machines, including the brands Mimaki, Mutoh, Epson and others.