Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019 - 5

ublimation is an amazing technology
for the modern apparel
ICON LIST:
decorator. Has any technology enjoyed more diverse expansion or more market demand in the past decade? With the
right partnerships, suppliers and technical support, sublimation can change or become the basis of your business.
I have come across dozens of unique sublimation businesses that
Desktop
Printer
have identified a core niche market and
maximized
it to create multiple recurring revenue streams. They develop rich graphical resources
and build a complete product solution. Many of these sublimation
businesses have coupled their "decoration division" with other types
of inventory or services and relevant web and social media-based
content.
Format
Printerhobby or
They are experts in a lifestyle or Large
some type
of activity,
passion point. This underscores the fact that decorators should think
differently about how they build their revenue streams. Dare to be
different because sublimation will enable it.
Sublimation has become its own category in a manner that's
unmatched by other technologies. It represents different things to
Flat Bed Heat Press
different constituents. This occurs when a flexible technology has a
tremendous number of substrates at its disposal. The same also can be
said for apparel sublimation.
Interestingly, many decorators define sublimation based on the first
example they see. For example, if the first thing they see is an allover print (AOP), that's the primarySpot
application
they think of when
Hit Press
considering the process. They don't evaluate all the other available
avenues for revenue generation, such as non-apparel applications that
have led to a major influx of different hard substrates made of metal,
ceramic and other materials.
Let's take a look at the different ways people define sublimation
for apparel.
Roll-to-Roll Press
Allover Printing: AOP is a major application for different retail
markets, beachwear, full-coverage T-shirts, streetwear and more. The
process involves covering a premade garment nearly 100% with sublimation ink on the front and back. AOP can be identified by the random "creasing" that occurs when the premade garment folds in a way
that prevents the ink transfer from making
the fabric.
Laser contact
Cutter with
-or- all
Cutting
Table
Cut-and-Sew: This is the most capitally intensive version of sublimation. Many companies that engage in this form of sublimation
will outsource sewing so they initially can focus on the print-andtransfer process. It is ideal for the sports and corporate-uniform markets. Cut-and-sew requires a rotary heat press to scale volume.
All Over
Spot Hit: This is the easiest entry
point Print
into sublimation and,
frankly, the correct place to start for most organizations. It requires
a smaller investment but expansive substrate options. It is critical to
select the best equipment you can afford in this segment.
Do not settle for a lower-quality heat press. Spot hit involves taking a premade garment and "spot" printing the center chest, back or
sleeves. A spot hit can be an effectiveCut
way&toSew
deliver product diversity
to your customer base, especially if you identify colored apparel that
works within the sublimation color gamut and can handle heat pressing. It is ideal for outdoor and coastal markets where light-colored
garments are popular.

Spot Hit

Diﬀ

Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - Digital Decorator 2019