Mar 03,2026
Defination of Sublimation Ink
Sublimation ink（sublimation ink）also known as disperse dye ink. The pattern is mirror-printed onto special heat transfer paper firstly. At this point, the color is relatively dark. Then, the pattern is transferred onto polyester fabric using a heat transfer machine. The ink changes from a solid state to a gaseous state at high temperatures and penetrates into the surface of the polyester fabric. Only after high-temperature transfer will the true color appear.
(1) Ink concentration. Ink concentration determines the color saturation and reproduction of the image after transfer.
(2) Ink fluidity. Ink flowability refers to the value of printing a certain length and area in one stroke. It determines the print quality and continuous length of the printing paper. Thus, good ink must guarantee purity and smoothness, which are also the most important indicators for distinguishing between good and bad ink. According to the production standards of inkjet printing ink, the particle size of ink dye should generally not be greater than 0.3 micrometers. If it is lower than this standard, printer head clogging will easily occur, and the ink quality will be greatly reduced.
(3) Ink stability. Sedimentation can severely affect the quality and stability of ink. If sedimentation occurs, the ink must be shaken well before use. The safety of the ink for the printhead and its non-corrosion properties are also important technical requirements.
| The Core Indicators for Quality Identification | |||
|
Number |
Indicators | Influence |
Technical Requirements |
| 1 | Ink concentration |
Determines the color saturation and fidelity of the image after transfer. |
High-purity dyes to ensure vibrant colors |
| 2 | Ink fluidity |
Determines print quality and continuous paper length. |
Dye particle size ≤0.3μm to prevent printhead clogging |
| 3 | Ink stability |
Sedimentation can severely affect the quality and stability of ink, while corrosiveness can pose safety risks to the printhead. |
No sedimentation or easy to mix and recover; non-corrosive to printheads. |
Common Sublimation Ink Quality Problems and Troubleshooting
|
Problem Phenomenon |
Problem Reasons |
Resolve Solutions |
|
The color is too light after tranfer |
Insufficient ink concentration or excessively low transfer temperature |
Increase the transfer temperature to 200-220°C; or replace with high-concentration ink. |
|
Printing broken lines, missing colors |
Ink sediment and clog printheads |
Clean the printhead, shake the ink thoroughly. |
|
Blurry transfer pattern |
Poor ink flow and excessively rapid absorption |
Replace with low-viscosity ink, adjust print resolution. |
|
Spray head corrosion damage |
Ink with abnormal pH or containing corrosive solvents |
Change qualified ink，confirm that the ink has passed printhead compatibility certification. |
|
The color fades after washing |
Insufficient dye purity or inadequate color fixation |
Extend the transfer time，use high-purity dye ink. |
How is the Quality of HONGSAM Sublimation Ink?
HONGSAM sublimation ink has won high recognition from customers since their launch, thanks to their high standards in product development, advanced ink preparation technology, standardized production process, 5S production management, and strict factory testing.
1. Qualification and Certification
1) HONGSAM is the patent holder of disperse ink in China with independent intellectual property right.
2) HONGSAM is the drafting unit of national industry standard for disperse ink.
3) In 2013, HOTME® disperse ink was selected as the “Recommended Catalogue of the 7th Batch of AdvancedTechnology for Energy Saving and Emission Reduction by China Dyeing and Printing Association”.
4) Environment-friendly, HOTME® disperse dye ink passed the ECO PASSPORTby OEKO-TEX®.
5) HOTME® disperse ink has passed various fastness tests conducted by the authoritative organization SGS.
2. Color Scheme
As a professional digital printing solution provider, HONGSAM pays close attention to market demands and deeply analyzes the color needs of different regions, customers, and consumer groups. It offers a variety of color configuration options (K, C, M, Y, LC, LM, LK, B, OR, V, FM, FY) for customers to choose from.
3. Suitable Printheads
4. Types of HONGSAM Sublimation Ink
| Ink Type | Characteristics | Application | Process |
| HONGSAM Ordinary Sublimation Ink |
High cost-effective, simple and smooth process, easy operation, low cost, excellent fluency, vivid color, meet the requirment of high speed paper printing.
|
Applicable to digital transfer printing on ordinary polyester fabrics and other coated materials (metal, glass, ceramic, etc.)
|
Print onto sublimation paper → heat transfer (190-210℃，35-45S) → Finished Products
|
| HONGSAM High Anti-migration Sublimation Ink |
Has much better resistance to migration than ordinary sublimation ink
|
Suitable for transfer digital printing on high-end apparel fabrics, and for apparel customers with specific requirements for colorfastness to migration.
|
Print onto sublimation paper → heat transfer (210-215℃，30-40S)→ Finished Products
|
| HONGSAM High Light Fastness Sublimation Ink |
It has high lightfastness, which can meet the market demand for lightfastness. |
Applicable to digital transfer printing on outdoor supplies (tent, cycling clothes, carpet) and household supplies (curtain, throw pillow) that have high requirement on sunlight fastness, and polyester fabric for high-end clothing.
|
Print onto sublimation paper → heat transfer (200-210℃，35-45S)→ Finished products
|
Comparison of migration fastness between ordinary heat transfer inks and high migration-resistant heat transfer inks: GB/T 6152-1997 - Staining on white cloth
|
Ink Type
|
Test Conditions
|
Interlining Type
|
K
|
C
|
M
|
Y
|
|
HONGSAM Oridinary Sublimation Ink
|
150℃
30 s
|
Cotton
|
3-4 | 4-5 |
3-4 |
4 |
|
Polyester
|
3 |
3-4 |
3 | 3 | ||
|
200℃
30 S
|
Cotton
|
2-3
|
3 |
2-3
|
3 | |
|
Polyester |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| HONGSAM High Anti-migration Sublimation Ink |
150℃
30 S
|
Cotton |
4-5
|
4-5 |
4-5 |
4-5 |
|
Polyester |
4-5 |
4-5 |
4 | 4 | ||
|
200℃
30 S
|
Cotton |
3 | 3 | 2-3 | 3 | |
|
Polyester |
2-3 |
2-3 |
2 |
2-3 |
||
|
Conclusion: High anti-migration ink improves staining resistance by up to 50% compared to ordinary ink at 200°C. |
||||||
|
Ink Type
|
K |
C | M | Y | B | TB |
|
HONGSAM Oridinary Sublimation Ink |
4-5 |
5 | 5-6 | 6-7 | - | - |
|
HONGSAM High Light Fastness Sublimation Ink |
6 |
6-7 |
6-7 |
8 | 6 | 7 |
For more information on heat transfer inks, please visit the official website of HONGSAM at www.ink4you.com (English website www.hongsam.cn), or contact customer service for further technical assistance.
Consult
+86 19036977269
+86 19036977269
