Key System Components for Hybrid Sublimation/Cotton Decorating

Computer and Other Imaging Peripherals

For the best results, Sawgrass recommends a current generation computer with a fast processor and plenty of memory (see recomended system specifications). 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. Sawgrass recommends 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.

Sublimation Transfer Paper and ChromaBlast Media

For the graphic or image to permanently dye the final product, SubliJet IQ®, ArTainium® and ChromaBlast™ need specific paper for each technology. Regular office or copy paper will not release the image properly. For best results using SubliJet and ArTainium, choose a high-quality transfer paper that dries quickly and is designed to allow the ink to release from the paper during the heat transfer process. The ChromaBlast system consists of a specialty coated ChromaBlast media that reacts with ChromaBlast ink on cotton fibers under heat and pressure.    

Heat Presses

ChromaBlast, ArTainium and SubliJet IQ require heat and pressure supplied by a heat press to adhere the image to the substrate with optimal image vibrancy and washability.  While there are a variety of heat presses on the market (overhead swing-away, clamshell, inline modular, etc.), 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.

Substrates

The applications for sublimation and cotton decorating are almost endless! From t-shirts to mugs to awards to mousepads, Sawgrass digital decoration technology can decorate almost anything made from cotton or other natural fibers, synthetic fabrics or hard substrates coated with a special polymer coating.

Printer Specifications

Because Epson and Ricoh printers feature a unique piezo print head technology (cold printing vs. thermal printing), Sawgrass has adopted the use of both of these brands of inkjet printers for their sublimation technologies. 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 is a determining factor in the number of products that can be produced, and print speed will affect volume. Look at the benefits of each supported printer before purchasing.