Roland DG offers an overall solution for sublimation printing

You can turn to Roland DG and its partners for the complete sublimation package. We have the machines and inks, as well as the transfer paper and software in our range. Furthermore, we will gladly help you make the right choice, since sublimation printing is a matter of finding the right combination.

 

 

The process

Sublimation printing is a technique that uses heat sensitive inks. These inks turn into gas under the influence of heat and combine with a polyester medium. Since the ink becomes part of the structure of the material, sublimation inks are very washable.

The first step in the sublimation printing process is the printing of a design (mirror image) on transfer paper. Secondly, the transfer paper is pressed against a polyester medium by means of a calender or heat press. Finally, the gassy ink combines with the material.

 

The overall solution

1. The printers:

• FP-740: The Hi-Fi Express FP-740 sublimation printer (edition 2009) is based on Roland DG's renowned inkjet technology. The printer is as easy to operate and to maintain as other Roland machines. The FP-740 has a printing width of 186.9cm and features eight staggered print heads (CCMMYYKK). Thanks to this set-up, higher print speeds and productivity can be obtained. The rigid construction, the variety of configurations and the impressive maximal print speed of 50.91m²/h make the FP-740 the ideal machine for the production of large four colour prints used for e.g. sportswear. Thanks to the multitude of options, the printer can be optimized for the production of your specific application as well. Optional are two take-up systems, the possibility of direct printing (with the DTU-740) and several refillable ink systems (cartridges/bottles).
• XJ series: The XJ series is available in 64" and 74" models and features six colours (CMYKLcLm). The printers can be used for sublimation after installation of a refillable ink system. The large colour gamut makes the printer ideal for in-house decoration and other applications that require fine dot patterns and light colours.
• RS series: The VersaArt series of four colour (CMYK) large format printers is available in two models: the 64" RS-640 and the 54" RS-540. These machines can be used for sublimation after installation of a refillable ink system (bottles or ink cartridges). The VersaArt RS is the entry-level printer for sublimation and is ideal for e.g. sign shops that want to focus on soft signage.
• SJ-1045EX: The SolJet Pro II SJ-1045EX has a printing width of 260cm and prints in four (CMYK) or six (CMYKLcLm) colours. The printer can be used for sublimation after installation of a refillable ink system. Furthermore, the printer can be equipped with an alternative take-up system and an ink gutter for direct textile printing. The SJ-1045EX is suited for the production of high volume sublimation prints for decoration, industrial and soft signage applications.

Custommade:

All machines can be optimized to meet your needs e.g. the XJ-740/640 and the SJ-1045EX can be transformed to 12 colour machines. It's also possible to define your own ink set (4 to 12 colours) by using specific textile software.

2. The ink:

Roland water based sublimation ink (SBL2) is available in four colours (CMYK) and offers a colour gamut that is in tune with all your sublimation applications. The ink is delivered in one litre bottles.

3. The transfer paper:

Roland DG offers two types of sublimation paper. The standard sublimation paper is suited for use with a calendered press and the high-tack paper is used in combination with a flatbed press. High-tack paper can be used for e.g. sublimation on aluminium plates and coated wood. Applications of the standard paper are diverse. Sublimation on textile is just one example.

4. The software:

Roland's RIP software VersaWorks has standard settings that deliver an excellent result on different transfer papers. The settings guarantee minimal ink consumption and maximal ink transfer from the paper onto the material (minimal colour yield). Moreover, optimal settings can be created for specific applications. This way, Roland DG offers custom-made solutions in tune with your needs.

5. The knowledge:

When you start with sublimation, it is important to make the right choices. The machine, the ink, the transfer paper, the calender and the material influence the end-result. It comes down to finding the right combination for the application you want to produce. In order to help you with this choice, Roland DG investigated the factors that influence the results of the sublimation process. This study shows that parameters like speed and resolution - which are commonly stressed - have an influence, but that other factors like temperature, material and ink play an important role as well. If you wish to learn more about sublimation please contact Product Manager Jesper Jørgensen.  

 

Diverse applications

Applications of sublimation printing are diverse and are used in various markets. Examples of applications for the soft signage market are banners, flags and sportswear. Applications for the signage market are aluminium displays and traffic signs. In the interior market, sublimation is used for curtains, table-cloths and lamp shades. Other markets for sublimation prints are the clothing industry and photography.