The sublimation market has expanded rapidly over the past year, with a wider range of consumables becoming available throughout the promotional market.

The question that is often left on the lips of new decorators is 'what is sublimation?'

After all, sublimation printing it is a phrase that has become commonly used in the industry, yet the differences between basic heat transfer and sublimation systems may not be immediately obvious to the potential investor.

Xpres introduced sublimation to the European market 25 years ago with a system that incorporated a single colour process - essentially the capability to print one colour using the sublimation process.

Since that time, technology has improved dramatically and Xpres has continued to pioneer new developments within the sublimation field, incorporating more features at a consistently lower cost. Today, it is possible to produce fine detail, photo quality transfers in full colour.

So just what is sublimation and how does it work? Sublimation involves printing a heat transfer using sublimation ink cartridges (such as Xpres Subli-Print) each containing special inks that respond to heat and have susceptibility to items with polyester coated surfaces.

Once a transfer is printed onto sublimation paper, it can be applied to any number of promotional items or garments using a standard heat press. When sublimation inks are heated and reach a temperature of around 200°C they turn into a gaseous state and become more vibrant in colour.

These colours then penetrate the polymer content of the substrate and permanently dye the coated surface. The effect is rather like that of tattooing. The surface of the substrate is smooth and the transfer print cannot be felt (unlike with a screen print), instead becoming part of the surface.

This provides a totally durable result that will not fade or crack and will withstand washing and ironing at high temperatures.

The process is incredibly quick, efficient and adaptable. In addition to a low capital investment, there are no set-up costs and one-off transfers can be produced as cost effectively as a run of several hundred.

Using the Xpres sublimation system, a transfer suitable for application to a mug can be produced for around £0.08, whilst an A4 sized T-shirt transfer can cost as little as £0.30 to produce, giving superb profit potential.

A feeder system has recently been introduced for the printer. Utilising 150ml bottled ink, the feeder system is ideal for the volume user, providing an economical option to cartridge ink.

Xpres continues to add to their comprehensive range of promotional items for sublimation printing. Mugs, coasters, mouse mats, jigsaw puzzles, I.D. badges, clocks and luggage tags are just some of the many items included in the range for 2005.

The Subli-T range of clothing specifically designed for sublimation printing was also developed by Xpres. The garments feature a blend of polyester and cotton so that they are comfortable to wear whilst featuring a polyester surface to allow for high performance sublimation printing.

There are currently five styles available in the Subli-T range, including a T-shirt for men and kids, a women's Fit T and the newly revised Pique polo, again available in both men's and kids sizes. Subli-T garments are available from the nationwide distributors PenCarrie, Ralawise, Prestige Leisure and UK Leisurewear.

The world of sublimation and associated technologies is continually evolving and the future can only hold more exciting developments and creative possibilities for this profitable branch of decoration.

For further information contact Xpres on 01332 855085, fax 01332 855080. Visit the website at www.xpres.co.uk.

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