Part one:
Sublimation ink is dye-based or pigment-based, this question may be confusing when somebody is starting about this market. The answer is: Sublimation ink is dye-based ink. Why? Below is the explanation from SUPERINKS.
The whole name of Sublimation ink is Water-based dye sublimation ink. From Chemical components, Sublimation ink is dye-based, When heated to more than 130℃, it turns to a molecular level and can be completely soluble in water— Acting as a dye-based ink performance.
Part two:
But why does somebody say Sublimation ink is pigment-based?
There is a certain reason for this:
In Common:
The water-based dye sublimation ink, in normal temperatures (0-40℃), is granular in form, and slightly soluble in water. The normal pigment ink, in normal temperatures (0-40℃), is granular in form, and slightly soluble in water. So we will say that, sublimation ink and pigment ink with the same physical form at normal temperatures.
In difference:
Pigment ink particles are stones, When heated to 1000℃ or more, it will turn to ash. While sublimation ink, when it is heated to 130 ℃, it turns to a molecular level and can be completely soluble in water, just as dye-based ink.
Part three:
Sublimation ink works in a special function. When at normal temperature, it is granular. We print it on a transfer paper, then put the cloth and the paper printed with sublimation ink together, during the heat pressing process, sublimation ink will become molecular level and completely soluble in water.
In the meantime, the polyester’s components: chemical fiber will loosen, like opening the door, letting molecular-level sublimation go in. During the heat pressing process, sublimation ink molecular has changed, the color of the ink on the cloth becomes brighter when heated at high temperature, and the water will evaporate at the same time. When the temperature cools down, “close the door” again, and then the sublimation printed process is finished, in this way, sublimation ink-printed polyester cloth gets good color resistance on the wash. While the normal dye-based ink is soluble in water, no wash color resistance.
