For those who are unfamiliar with dye sublimation, it is a versatile technology which uses ordinary Epson (or Ricoh) printers, loaded with a specialist dye sublimation ink.

This dye is printed onto paper and heat pressed onto a receptive item (ie: a polyester coated blank). Unlike other decorating systems where the image sits on the surface of the product, sublimation actually penetrates the surface of the item, resulting in a product with an exceptionally high level of quality and durability.

From humble beginnings, this process has gone from strength to strength and there is now a vast range of products available to decorate. Whether your aim is the gift, promotional, trophy or sign market, there is something for everyone, and sublimation is a great way to diversify and increase profits. Many of the personalised products prove immensely popular with shoppers during the run up to the holiday.

The current selection of imprintables span Unisub, metal items, glass, ceramics and much more. Mugs, mousemats, placemats and key rings are among the traditional best sellers, but items such as bags, teddy bears and ladies purses offer new and original methods of presenting your customer's memories.

The new wall mount photo panels also look to be a particular success in the photo-gifts market this year.

This modern spin on an old idea simplifies the process greatly - where traditional block mounts require many tedious steps, including printing, gluing and laminating, photo panels are a quick and easy "print and press" - the same simple process as virtually all dye sublimation printable products.

To maximise your success and enhance your profit potential, one of the key factors is choosing the right inks and equipment.

Nova Chrome recommends and supplies SubliJet IQ inks from Sawgrass. This signature ink has been proven to deliver consistent colour time after time, with results that are unavailable from other inks. Combining this premium grade ink with the professional level Epson Stylus 4880 puts the desktop user at a distinct advantage - eight inks, including cyan, light cyan, blue, magenta, light magenta, red, yellow and (most importantly) jet black deliver the ultimate in sublimation quality.

This mix of colour ensures the superior reproduction of photographic images and spot colours, with jet black adding extra pop and supplying the deepest, densest blacks ever seen from sublimation.

PowerDriver XG, Sawgrass's award-winning colour management software also comes as an integral part of the system and simplifies the business of producing quality transfers - making it easy to train additional staff and doing away with the inconvenience and complication of setting up ICC Colour Correction Profiles. This comprehensive solution integrates with most software and makes colour correction as simple as choosing the substrate of your choice from the PowerDriver's print menu.

The printer, being from Epson's Stylus Pro range, also offers maximum reliability. The bulk size cartridges make set up reassuringly simple and are available in 110ml (for a reduced start up cost) or 220ml (for greater economy) sizes. The 4880 also benefits from being able to print up to A2 in size, with the capability of printing roll feed media (currently available at a special price).

Nova Chrome also supply heat transfer machines, including their renowned mug press which offers full top-to-bottom imprinting in around 2.30 minutes.

A dual head version of this machine is also available, offering the capability to process two mugs in the same time and making it the ideal solution for a high production environment.

Also now available from Nova Chrome UK are Doming Kits. These inexpensive resin based systems add an extra protective layer to certain dye sub items (such as ID badges, trophy inserts and more), and regular labels and stickers. The resulting crystal clear dome also adds to the already attractive appearance of the product. These simple to use systems are now ready to order.

If you are looking for optimum quality, professional results and the confidence that comes from dealing with a long established and trusted name in sublimation, then look no further.

If you are new to sublimation, then we can discuss the range of printer and press options which may best suit your needs. If you currently have a system, then perhaps we can help you to improve on your existing set-up.

You can always be assured of helpful, friendly advice from our knowledgeable staff, whether you a have a technical query or simply need a price check.

For more information call 01407 840050 or visit www.novachrome.co.uk

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