Application Note - DrafStation RJ-900X-U1 for Dye Sublimation

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"?
• 2. Target markets
• 3. Items available from Mutoh
  • 3.1 Mutoh tools
  • 3.2 Mutoh Sublimation Inks
• 4. Tools
  • 4.1 Heat presses
  • 4.2 Transfer paper
  • 4.3 Polyester fabrics

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

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

4-Colour printer Max. Media Width: 1080 mm (42.51”) Max. Print Width: 1074 mm (42.28”) High stand 2” media scroller Set of 2” à 3” conversion flanges	Set of media retainers to keep the media edges flat to the printing table, so that the moving print head cannot touch the media. They are used in case of using heavy ink loads or when using thin media. No software, no ink, no cleaning and no take-up system
	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 Open cassette + funnel for ink load & cleaning for Mutoh dye sublimation inks. 4 pcs. Needed for a DrafStation RJ-900X-U1

3.2 Mutoh Sublimation Inks

Universal transfer & direct sublimation ink

Water-based disperse cleaning liquid

(*) 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:

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