3d Sublimation Printing Film - Size: 148x240mm - 50 Sheets

Product Overview: 3D Sublimation Printing Film

3D sublimation printing film is a key consumable used in the process of 3D sublimation, a heat transfer method that allows for the decoration of three-dimensional, curved, or irregularly shaped objects. Unlike traditional 2D sublimation, which uses a flat heat press and paper to transfer designs to flat surfaces, 3D sublimation leverages a vacuum heat press or sublimation oven to achieve a full-wrap, edge-to-edge print. The film itself is a specialized, heat-transfer medium that is printed with a mirrored design and then wrapped around the object to be decorated.

Key Features and Characteristics:

• Thermoelasticity: The film's most crucial feature is its ability to become soft and pliable when heated. This allows it to conform tightly around the contours of an object in a vacuum environment, ensuring the printed image is transferred without wrinkles, creases, or distortion, even on complex curves and corners.
• Ink Compatibility: The film is designed to work with sublimation inks, which are printed onto the film's rough, matte side. This surface is engineered to absorb and hold the dye-sublimation ink, enabling it to release the gaseous dye during the heat transfer process.
• Vibrant Color Reproduction: When used correctly, the film allows for the transfer of high-quality, vibrant, and sharp images. The designs become part of the object's surface, creating a permanent, durable, and fade-resistant finish.
• Translucent or Silver Finish: The film is typically translucent or has a silver finish. This allows the printed design to be visible on the film before the transfer, and the final color and quality of the print is determined by the sublimation process and the base material of the object.
• Ease of Use: The film can be easily cut to size with scissors or a cutting plotter. Once the design is printed, it is secured to the object using heat-resistant tape before being placed in the vacuum press or oven.

How It Works:

1. Print: A design is printed in reverse (mirror image) onto the matte side of the 3D sublimation film using a sublimation printer and sublimation ink.
2. Wrap: The printed film is carefully wrapped around the blank object, such as a phone case or mug, and secured in place.
3. Heat and Vacuum: The wrapped object is placed in a 3D sublimation vacuum press or a convection oven. The heat from the oven softens the film, while the vacuum pressure forces it to conform perfectly to the object's surface.
4. Sublimation: As the temperature rises, the solid sublimation ink on the film turns into a gas, which then permeates the polymer coating of the object.
5. Peel: After the sublimation process is complete and the object has cooled, the film is peeled away, revealing the permanent, full-wrap, high-quality design.

Common Applications:

3D sublimation printing film is a versatile tool for personalizing a wide range of products, including:

• Phone cases (full-wrap designs)
• Mugs and tumblers
• Plates and other ceramics
• Promotional items like keychains and pens
• Computer mouse and mousepads
• Other irregular or curved blanks with a suitable polymer coating

Benefits Over 2D Sublimation:

• All-Over Designs: Enables seamless, full-wrap designs that cover the entire surface of an object, including edges and corners.
• Fewer Failures: Reduces the risk of common issues like ghosting and incomplete transfers that can occur with traditional sublimation paper on curved surfaces.
• Increased Efficiency: For certain operations, using film with an oven system can be a more efficient process than the traditional paper and press method, especially for bulk production.