Sublimated clothing is made using a specialized printing technique called sublimation printing. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how sublimated clothing is created:
- Design Creation: The process begins with the creation of a digital design using graphic design software. The design can include complex artwork, vibrant colors, and intricate details. It’s important to create the design in a high-resolution format to ensure the best print quality.
- Printing the Design: The design is printed onto a special sublimation paper using sublimation ink. Sublimation ink is formulated with dyes that can convert from a solid to a gas state without going through a liquid phase. This is a crucial characteristic of sublimation ink that allows the design to transfer onto the fabric effectively.
- Preparing the Fabric: The fabric used for sublimation clothing is typically polyester or a polyester blend. Polyester fibers have an affinity for the sublimation ink, ensuring proper adhesion and color saturation. The fabric is pre-treated with a special coating that helps to absorb the ink and improve color vibrancy.
- Transfer Process: The printed sublimation paper is placed face-down onto the fabric. The fabric and paper are then placed in a heat press machine, and pressure is applied. The heat press machine reaches a specific temperature (usually around 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) that causes the sublimation ink to convert into a gas.
- Ink Sublimation: As the heat is applied, the sublimation ink turns into a gas and penetrates the fabric fibers. The heat also opens up the pores of the fabric, allowing the gas to enter and bond with the polyester fibers. This bonding process creates a permanent and durable print that becomes part of the fabric itself.
- Cooling and Finishing: After a specific duration of time, the heat is turned off, and the fabric is allowed to cool down. This cooling period is essential for the ink to solidify and create a permanent print. Once cooled, the sublimated fabric is ready for further processing, such as cutting and sewing, to create the final garment.
- Quality Control and Inspection: The sublimated clothing goes through a quality control process to ensure that the print quality, colors, and design elements are accurate and meet the desired standards. Any inconsistencies or imperfections are identified and corrected during this stage.
- Finishing Touches: Once the sublimated fabric passes the quality control stage, it can be cut and sewn into the desired garment, such as t-shirts, jerseys, dresses, or any other clothing item. Additional finishing touches, such as adding labels or trims, are done to complete the garment.
In summary, sublimated clothing is made through a process involving designing the artwork, printing the design onto sublimation paper using special ink, transferring the ink to the fabric through heat and pressure, cooling the fabric to solidify the print, performing quality control checks, and then proceeding with the finishing and assembly of the garment. This process ensures vibrant and durable prints that become an integral part of the fabric, resulting in unique and eye-catching sublimated clothing.
