Key Sublimation System Components for SubliJet IQ

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 to enhance and personalize those graphics. Sawgrass recommend either CorelDRAW® or Adobe® Creative Suite. Both suites provide you with the ability to import expansive color management tools and the ability to manipulate both vector and raster images.

Sublimation Transfer Paper

For the graphic or image to permanently dye the final product, specialty sublimation inks and matched paper are needed. Regular office or copy paper will not release the image properly. For best results, choose a high-quality paper that dries quickly without bleeding and is designed to allow the ink to release from the paper during the heat transfer process.

Heat Presses

The act of sublimation (solid ink dye particles vaporizing directly to gas without passing through liquid stage) occurs under the combined conditions of heat and pressure. 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,  just as with printers. 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. When purchasing a commercial quality heat press, shoot for the top third of the price range.

Substrates

The applications for sublimation printing are almost endless! From T-shirts to mugs to awards to mousepads, sublimation technology can decorate almost anything that is made from synthetic fabrics or coated with a special polymer coating.

Printers

Sawgrass offers desktop sublimation systems for Ricoh and Epson printers.  Each individual printer carries unique features that lend themselves for sublimation printing. 

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. Look at the benefits of each supported printer before purchasing and select the printer that best suits the requirements of your operation. Some specifications to consider include:

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.

Color Array -- If the ability to achieve precise color matching (as when reproducing logos) or photo-realistic skin tones are critical, the number of ink stations will also be an important driver in selecting the right printer for your business.