Digital Prints

Other Alternative Processes
This is only a quick overview of a few contemporary hybrids where digital printing is playing
a strong role.
Dye Sublimation Transfers
The transfer dye-sub process involves printing an image onto a medium and then transferring
that under heat and pressure to the final surface. Dye sub is a substitute for silk
screening, which usually requires higher quantities, and while there are plenty of businesses
that provide this service, I’ll focus on doing it myself.
The simplest way to produce dye-sub transfers is to buy special transfer paper and print
on it with an inkjet printer using dye-based inks. Then, all you need is a hot iron to transfer
the image. Epson even sells packages of Iron-On Transfer Paper in 8.5 x 11" sizes for
image-transferring to T-shirts, canvas tote bags, placemats, and other craft and decorative
fabric accessories.
For a more professional approach to self-printing dye-sub transfers, consider something
like the Sawgrass Systems’ Sublijet (for inkjet printers) or SubliMAX (for laser printers)
process. For inkjet, patented heat-sensitive sublimation inks are printed on any coated
inkjet paper. The inks come in carts for select Epson desktop printers and carts and bulk
bottles for wide-formats including Epson, Roland, Mimaki, Encad, and Mutoh. The
printed image can then be transferred to a variety of surfaces including wood, synthetic
fabric, glass, plastic, ceramics, and metal.
Tropical Graphics and TSS-Sublimation are two other companies that provide dye-sub
systems for inkjet printing. They sell their own sublimation inks plus special software and
printer drivers for various desktop and wide-format printers.
Chapter 11 ■ Special Printing Techniques 369
Figure 11.19 Epson 9500 printing
the image (left) and the special
lenticular lens.