Mutoh’s DrafStation RJ-900X-U1 printer can be used for digital dye sublimation applications.
Next to the RJ-900X-U1, you require sublimation transfer paper, a polyester (coated) substrate and a heat press or calendar.
This technique offers a relatively low setup cost, the advantages of digital design as well as its detail and good quality.
Transfer is possible onto all kinds of polyester fabrics and polyester coated materials such as banners, flags, pennants, prototypes, sports goods, gadgets, apparel, personalised interior décor, polyester coated ceramics, aluminium and tile murals, tradeshow and exhibition graphics, etc…
The main benefits of the dye sublimation process are :
- Vibrant colors
- Superb scratch- and water resistance.
- Images that will not crack.
- More user-friendly than screen printing, which requires the use of solvents and dyes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. What is "Dye Sublimation"?
Digital dye sublimation is a physical process that uses heat to transfer the printed dye ink to a medium such as fabrics and clothing. The image on the paper is the mirror image of the final design. The image can be placed onto the fabric and heated, transferring the completed image onto the material via the dye-sublimation process.
RJ-900X-U1
Media
Transfer is possible onto all kinds of polyester fabrics or polyester-coated materials. The transfer paper to print on DrafStation RJ-900X-U1 should have a minimum weight of 95 g / m². Lighter paper is printable, but more sensitive to wrinkling.
Process
Dye sublimation occurs when a substance transforms between the solid and gas state without first turning the solid particles into a liquid stage.
The sublimation of an image happens when the heat in the press causes the dye particles of the images to sublimate. This temperature varies according to the specs of the material to sublimate on. Typical temperatures are between 180° and 220°C.
For optimum performance, it is best that all water is evaporated before starting the sublimation process
2. Target markets
| copy shops | short run customisation of soft signage on textile |
| gift shops | mugs, mouse pads, clocks, mobile covers |
| fashion | blouses, rain jackets, t-shirts, sportswear, shoe laces |
| graphic arts | greeting cards, posters |
| car decoration | prints on polyester-coated aluminium parts |
| home furnishing | fabrics, carpet tiles, cushions, etc… |
| wallpaper fabrics | personalized (art) wallpaper |
| promotional | t-shirts, flags, banners, booth decoration |
| engravers | images on polyester-coated materials such as metals, etc. |
| sports wear |
customized for soccer, basketball, cycle wear, hockey, uniforms, snowboards, helmets, etc… |
| interior decoration | sheets, polyester-coated ceramics and tile murals |
For every market, economical, cost-efficient “one-offs” are possible, without compromising on quality when compared to traditional processes.
3. Items available from Mutoh
3.1 Mutoh tools
List of all tools needed for this application.
DrafStation RJ-900X-U1 – Standard Configuration
|
|
 |
Media retaiuner set (RJ9-PH) |
Winder/Unwinder (Optional)
VJ1213-TUP20 Torque Winder for RJ-900X-U1
Open cassette for ink load & cleaning (Optional)
 |
KY-08701
4 pcs. Needed for a DrafStation RJ-900X-U1 |
3.2 Mutoh Sublimation Inks
Universal transfer & direct sublimation ink
| VJDS2-100-BK | 1 litre | black |
| VJDS2-100-CY | 1 litre | cyan |
| VJDS2-100-MG | 1 litre | magenta |
| VJDS2-100-YE | 1 litre | yellow |
Water-based disperse cleaning liquid
| MY-80844 | 0.5 L | Water-based textile cleaning liquid (*) |
| MY-80845 | 1 L | Water-based textile cleaning liquid (*) |
| MY-80846 | 2 L | Water-based textile cleaning liquid (*) |
| RJ80CR02-500 | 500 cc | CR02 liquid for pre-wash and long store |
| RJ80CR02-1000 | 1000 cc | CR02 liquid for pre-wash and long store |
(*) The water-based textile cleaning liquid is used for a thorough cleaning of the ink path for example to change to another ink. After using this cleaning liquid, always wash it away using demi-water or CR02. If water-based textile cleaning liquid is not washed away, it can cause permanent clogging.
4. Tools
4.1 Heat presses
Platen presses are used for transferring dye sublimation prints on individual objects such as cut apparel parts, T-shirts, sports apparel, bags, etc. Platen presses are also used to transfer onto rigid substrates such as wood, metals and ceramic tiles.
These presses are available in manual, pneumatic or electro-magnetic versions. Their size varies from “33 x 33 cm” to … over single format, double format to wide format presses.
4.2 Transfer paper
A transfer paper should be chosen in accordance with the application. Transfer onto fabrics can be done with any paper.
Reference brands:
| Neenah Coldenhove | https://www.coldenhove.com/products/jetcol/ |
| Sappi Digital | https://www.sappi.com/nl/dye-sublimation-papers |
| Beaver Paper Group | https://www.beaverpaper.com/texprint-grand-format/ |
| Kaspapir | http://www.kaspar-papir.com/papers.php# |
| Felix Schoeller Group | https://www.s-race.com/home |
4.3 Polyester fabrics
Hereby a short list of polyester fabrics manufacturers:
Article changes
06/05/2021 - Rev 3.0: Article created based on Rev 3 attachment
| Attachments (1) |