Product Knowledge
Sublimation printing is more suitable for polyester and cotton printed wheels fabric due to the specific chemical and physical properties of both the sublimation ink and the polyester fibers. Here are the key reasons why sublimation printing is primarily used on full polyester fabric:
Sublimation Ink Compatibility: Sublimation ink contains disperse dyes that have the unique property of sublimating from a solid to a gas when exposed to high heat. For this sublimation process to work effectively, the ink requires a specific temperature range to transform into a gas and bond with the fabric. Polyester has a low melting point, typically around 180 to 210 degrees Celsius (356 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit), which facilitates the sublimation process.
Gas-Phase Bonding: Sublimation ink bonds with the polyester fibers at the molecular level during the printing process. The ink changes into a gaseous state, allowing the dye molecules to penetrate and fuse with the polyester fibers directly. This results in a permanent, durable, and fade-resistant print, as the dye becomes an integral part of the fabric.
Absence of Chemical Reactions: Sublimation inks do not react with natural fibers like cotton or protein-based fibers like silk or wool. They require a polymer-based material like polyester to bond effectively. Attempting sublimation printing on non-polyester fabrics would not yield the same results and may result in poor color transfer and durability.
Color Vibrancy and Sharpness: Polyester fabric provides a smooth and consistent surface, ensuring that sublimation prints come out vibrant, sharp, and detailed. Sublimation printing allows for high-resolution and photorealistic prints, making it a popular choice for full-color designs and intricate patterns.
Retention of Breathability: Sublimation printing does not clog the fabric pores or add a thick layer of ink to the surface, which helps maintain the breathability and moisture-wicking properties of polyester fabric. This is crucial, especially for activewear and sportswear applications.
While sublimation printing is highly effective on full polyester fabric, it is not suitable for other types of fabrics that lack the necessary polymer composition. For natural fibers like cotton and bamboo, different printing techniques, such as reactive dyes or pigment inks, are more appropriate to achieve vibrant and long-lasting prints.
The properties of Polyester and cotton printed wheels fabrics can vary depending on the blend ratio of polyester and cotton. Here's a general overview of the properties at different polyester-cotton ratios:
High Polyester Content (e.g., 65% polyester, 35% cotton):
- Durability: Fabrics with higher polyester content tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- Wrinkle Resistance: Polyester's inherent wrinkle resistance makes the fabric less prone to creasing.
- Quick-Drying: Higher polyester content provides better moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties.
- Color Retention: Polyester has good color retention, leading to vibrant and long-lasting prints.
Balanced Blend (e.g., 50% polyester, 50% cotton):
- Comfort: Fabrics with a balanced blend offer a good combination of softness and comfort from cotton and durability from polyester.
- Breathability: The cotton content ensures better breathability, making the fabric suitable for various weather conditions.
- Moderate Wrinkle Resistance: The balanced blend retains some of the wrinkle resistance of polyester while offering a softer feel.
High Cotton Content (e.g., 35% polyester, 65% cotton):
- Softness: Fabrics with higher cotton content are softer and more comfortable against the skin.
- Breathability: High cotton content enhances breathability and makes the fabric suitable for warmer climates.
- Eco-Friendly: Higher cotton content contributes to a more eco-friendly fabric choice.
Custom Blends: Fabrics with custom polyester-cotton ratios can be tailored to specific requirements, combining the desired properties of both fibers.