Sublimation Printer

 tools

The dye sublimation printer works like any other inkjet printer, except it uses a “sublimation ink” and special paper. Sublimation inks evaporate when heated, so they can bond to white/light-colored polyester and poly-coated materials, called “sublimation blanks” or “substrates.” You can print logos, photographs, or text. If you can print it on a “normal” printer, then you can print it on a sublimation printer! Use the sublimation printer in conjunction with a heat press to make custom shirts, mugs, coasters, and more. 

What does the Makerplace provide? 

  • RICOH SG3110dn Sublimation Printer with SubliJet UHD ink 
  • Sublimation Paper    
  • Heat Presses — see specifics here 
  • Heat-Resistant Tape 
  • Butcher paper 
  • Teflon sheets 

See the Makerplace materials and price guide for paper sizes. 

What do I need? 

  1. A digital design file
    1. Image files (JPG, PNG, TIFF)  
    2. Document files (.doc, ppt, PDF) 
    3. Adobe CC files (.ai, .psd, PDF) 
    4. Prepare your design document to match the size of the paper being used (i.e. to print on 8.5″ x 11″ paper, adjust your document size to match 8.5″ x 11″). If the document size does not match the paper size, the design may be stretched, cut off, or pixelated. 
    5. Avoid white or light colors in your design. Since there is no white ink cartridge, parts of your design that are white will be the color of your sublimation blank. 
  2. Material to sublimate onto (i.e. a substrate or sublimation blank)

Always bring extra material. Most projects require testing and adjusting. Be ready to experiment.

Fabrics 

  • Polyester (white or light-colored) — Best for sublimation. Higher polyester content is best, recommended 75% minimum. 
  • Cotton — Not recommended. Cotton does not bond with sublimation ink.  
  • Avoid Rayon —  Rayon burns and will darken in the shape of the heat press. 

Other Materials 

  • Non-fabric items must be poly-coated and heat resistant. Look for items marked “sublimation blank.” 
  • Sublimation blanks often come with recommended heat settings and instructions. Keep the original packaging and bring it with you to the Makerplace.     
  • Items not designed for sublimation will not work. 

How do I use it? 

Makerplace staff will assist when using the sublimation printer to print the design. 

  1. Work with Makerplace staff to print design on sublimation paper using the RICOH SG3110dn Sublimation Printer.
  2. Tape print onto the sublimation blank using heat-resistant tape and cover with copy/butcher paper, also attached with heat-resistant tape.
  3. Set heat press to the required time and temperature. 
  4. Press sublimation blank and let cool before touching.

More Resources

Tips and tricks 

Check out the following resources when looking for items to sublimate: 

  • Amazon — Search “Sublimation Blanks” 
  • Cricut — Cricut Infusible 
  • JP Plus — check the “Documents” section on their product pages to find templates, heating instructions, more