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Dye sublimation continues to grow in popularity as a digital fabric printing technology. Critical to the quality of the print are the inks and transfer papers. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan reviews both. Sticker Rolls
(Read Part 1 of Debbie McKeegan’s dye-sublimation review here and her report on direct-to-film here.)
Specialist inks and transfer papers form the backbone of the dye-sublimation workflow, enabling consistent print performance at speed while delivering brilliant colors at super-high fastnesses with strong surface durability. Sublimation inks and transfer papers form a substantial global market in their own right.
With a combined market potential total of the two approaching US$3 billion by 2030, unsurprisingly, production of these two valuable consumables, inks and paper, has attracted substantial commercial interest in the manufacturing community with the start of 2023 witnessing widespread and comprehensive offers from the most reputable manufacturers.
Whilst many machinery manufacturers, such as Mimaki, Epson, and HP, offer their own inks, there is also considerable choice for the user outside these OEM sources. These suppliers include:
Taken as a whole, whether it is inks or transfer paper, the dye sublimation textile sector has a broad base of supply, well capable of servicing the growth that is expected over the next 10 years.
Research and developments continue, generating ever-faster machines, more vibrant colors and ever lower paper weights, all in the search of improved productivity, new product lines and even better economic performance.
As the market continues to grow, we look forward to many more innovations and performance updates.
Collaboration is key, as the industry works together with its stakeholders across the supply chain to deliver efficient, production in an expanding marketplace.
Debbie McKeegan is the CEO of TexIntel. As a multi-disciplinary creative and renowned digital print pioneer, she holds over 25 years’ experience within the Textile manufacturing industry. An award winning Textile designer, and lifetime manufacturer of printed products for Fashion and Interiors, she has a unique insight that combines creativity with a deep knowledge of traditional manufacturing process and the essential application of disruptive digital technologies.
TexIntel is an Expert Resource that provides independent, authoritative, realtime advice to some of the most innovative creatives and emerging companies in the Home Decor, Fashion, Manufacturing, Digital Print, and Textile Technology Industries. https://www.texintel.com
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