Key Cotton Decorating System Components for ChromaBlast
Computer and Other Imaging Peripherals
For the best results, Sawgrass recommends a current generation computer with a fast processor and plenty of memory. For those working with digital photographs and customer-supplied artwork, you may wish to look into purchasing a scanner and a digital camera (the higher the mega-pixels, the better).
Professional Graphics & Imaging Software Suite
The quality of your end products is a direct result of obtaining good graphics and being proficient in a full graphics suite of software. We recommend either CorelDRAW or Adobe Creative Suite. Both suites allow the ability to import expansive color management tools and the ability to manipulate both vector and raster images.
Heat Press
Heat and pressure cause ChromaBlast inks and media to cross-link with cotton fibers and are both critical elements to the ChromaBlast system. While there are a variety of heat presses on the market (overhead swing-away, clamshell, inline modular, etc.), just as with printers, customers are advised to think in terms of the products they will offer and the volume they expect to produce before purchasing. Look for a commercial quality heat press with even temperature distribution, a fast recycle time, an accurate thermostat, and a platen designed to accommodate your products.
ChromaBlast Media
For the graphic or image to sufficiently dye the final product, Sawgrass has developed ChromaBlast media for optimal image output. For maximum color and washability, this specialty coated paper is needed for the ChromaBlast ink to react to the cotton when heated under pressure. Regular office or copy paper will not release the image properly.
Cotton Garments
From t-shirts to towels, baby bibs to sweatshirts, ChromaBlast has hundreds of applications for cotton garments. The only limitation is your imagination.
Epson and Ricoh Printer Platforms
Epson and Ricoh desktop printers are ideal for ChromaBlast users due to their unique print head technology (cold printing vs. thermal printing). Platforms are designated by maximum print width and number of colors of ink. When shopping for a printer, customers are urged to think in terms of the types of products they plan on producing and their anticipated volume. Print width can be a determining factor in the number of products that can be produced, and print speed can be an issue depending on volume. Look at the benefits of each supported printer before purchasing.
