Wide sublimation brings great advantages to decorative clothing stores
Since sublimation printing has become the mainstream process in the apparel decoration industry, there are many reasons to consider investing in wide-format sublimation printing machines.
With the continuous improvement of equipment, ink, paper and performance wear technology, the popularity of sublimation printing continues to increase.
This is a good solution, with short-term custom runs, realistic images, polyester-based fabrics and sublimation products that make sublimation the first choice for more and more applications.
With the increase in popularity, the decorative clothing industry is increasingly interested in wide-range sublimation machines. Usually defined as a unit with a width of 42 inches to 64 inches, 44 inches is almost the standard in our industry, and wide-band sublimation printers have traditionally seen the biggest use of signage and graphics companies.
But clothing decorators have found that the growing demand for comprehensive printing and production efficiency [the ability to combine more designs on a single piece of paper] is making wide-format sublimation a profitable investment. Of course, it also opened the door for T-shirt stores to expand into the signage and graphics markets.
Buyers like the feeling of sublimation, and with a wide format, you can print a roll of paper and apply it to a roll of fabric to be cut and sewn. Or it can be used for test printing before entering full production without cost.
The wide-band sublimation printer not only allows for larger images, but also prints smaller items and expanded substrate range more economically. In addition to blankets, beach towels and scarves, they can also print flags, fabrics or metal photo plates, signs and decorative pieces.
Wide-band sublimation can also be used to increase production speed and reduce costs through batch printing. Printing 100 phone cases with the same dwell time as printing time, you can print multiple cases at once, because you can print under hot pressure.
The transfer of the individual cuts is fixed to the box using thermal tape, or the entire sheet can be laid and the alignment and tape can be transferred for high throughput. RIP software performs automated combinations to use materials more efficiently and reduce waste.
In addition to supporting greater operation and faster production, wide-band sublimation printers also offer variable data capabilities to personalize products at the production level.
Although the use of wide-scale sublimation printers in the apparel industry is still concentrated on a significant amount of operations, more mid-sized stores are exploring and jumping. This is related to improvements in printhead technology, well-educated buyers and simple economics.
The marketing of desktop printers has promoted the sublimation of the field of clothing decoration. This is still the level at which most of the first use of textile printing machines introduced the process. When you compare the price of a desktop model [about $500] to a price of around $7,500, you can spend a lot of cells and it's easy to understand why the desktop looks more like a smarter way. Just beginning to sublimate.
But there are other considerations. Sublimation ink is the "magic" of the process and the most expensive cost. Cartridges for desktop printers are much more expensive than wide format printers. You can purchase ink for a wide range of sublimation printers for $115 per liter.
If you use the liter printable area and calculate the cost of the cartridges needed to print the same area on your desktop, you will find the same ink price of $15 to $2,000 per liter. If you're talking about big enough work, the cost of a desktop cartridge can actually pay for a wide-scale sublimation printer.
You must think ahead and weigh the initial capital investment, including equipment, materials, setup and training; operating costs; and production requirements that are contrary to the company's goals. Regarding the printer itself, you will need to spend about $7,500 in upfront costs.
You also need a wide-format hot press. The number of presses in the 16" x 20" and 44" width ranges is limited, but with the interest in wide format printing, it may grow at the same time. However, current wide-format hot presses are much more expensive than standard sizes and typically represent an investment of approximately $15,000.
If you plan to transfer items such as cups and phone cases, you must also purchase a separate cutter. A full-printer can print using a manual cutter for about $10,000. But you really should spend $15,000-2,000.
In addition, due to the size of the wide manual hot press, it is preferred to have an air operated hot press. If you decide to use a 64-inch printer, it will increase your production speed, you can still use a wide-format press and 44-inch paper; but you have to pay twice as much for the printer. In general, if you give yourself a $25,000 budget, you should stay in good shape and be able to recoup your investment quickly.
In terms of materials, three general categories of paper are used in wide sublimation printing. Adhesive paper is the most commonly used paper in the apparel field. Adhesive paper has a heat-activated viscosity that causes the garment to not produce ghosting when the printer is opened, as these sublimation inks remain active for a while while the ink and polyester cool and lock in the fabric.
There is also a universal paper for hard surfaces and thinner, lighter paper for high volume roll-to-roll printing on calendar or drum presses, such as those used for cutting and sewing operations.
In addition to cost and ROI, there are other factors that need to be considered for entry into the wide format. First, you need to look at the footprint of the device. These printers are quite compact, but they still require about 6 feet by 4 feet of space. And you must allow at least 10 square feet of area for the press.
Also, don't forget to consider the dimensions of the unit and the floor space relative to the door. It is also important to understand the electrical requirements of wide-format devices and the type of outlet you need.
Then there is the environmental factor. These are inkjet printers that work best and have the lowest maintenance requirements if they are in a controlled environment at optimal temperature [60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit] and humidity [40% to 60%]. When shopping, be sure to discuss such matters and device features with your dealer or manufacturer.
The wide format is not for everyone. But as their capabilities are better understood, decorators are increasingly aware of the potential value and rewards they offer, and it is becoming an easier and more viable option for the broader apparel decorating business.
Orignal From: Wide sublimation provides a huge advantage
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