Can 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper be used for printing on plastic?

Hey there! As a supplier of 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper, I often get asked a bunch of questions about its uses. One query that pops up quite frequently is, "Can 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper be used for printing on plastic?" Well, let's dig into this topic and find out.

First off, let's understand what 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper is all about. The "70gsm" refers to the grammage, which is basically the weight of the paper per square meter. A 70gsm paper is relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and work with. The "Fast Dry" part is super important. It means that the ink dries quickly on the paper, reducing the chances of smudging and allowing for faster printing processes. This type of sublimation paper is designed to transfer ink onto various materials through the sublimation process.

Now, let's talk about sublimation printing. Sublimation is a process where a solid (in this case, the ink) turns directly into a gas without going through the liquid state when heated. This gas then penetrates the surface of the material you're printing on and solidifies again, creating a permanent, high - quality print.

When it comes to printing on plastic, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Not all plastics are created equal. There are different types of plastics, each with its own properties, and these properties play a huge role in whether our 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper can be used effectively.

Types of Plastics and Sublimation Printing

Polyester - based Plastics

Polyester is a plastic that works really well with sublimation printing. It has a molecular structure that can easily absorb the sublimated ink. When you use 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper to print on polyester - based plastics, the ink can penetrate the plastic's surface and bond with it. This results in a vivid, long - lasting print. For example, polyester - coated plastics are commonly used in things like phone cases, keychains, and promotional items. You can print high - resolution images, logos, or text on these items using our FAST DRY SUBLIMATION PRINTER PAPER. The fast - drying feature of the paper ensures that the ink doesn't smear during the transfer process, and you get a clean, sharp print.

Other Plastics

However, not all plastics are as friendly to sublimation printing. Plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and polyethylene don't work well with sublimation. These plastics have a different molecular structure that doesn't allow the sublimated ink to penetrate effectively. When you try to print on them using 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper, the ink may not bond properly, resulting in a poor - quality print that can easily fade or peel off.

Factors to Consider When Printing on Plastic

Surface Preparation

Before you start printing on plastic, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. Even for polyester - based plastics, a clean surface will ensure better ink adhesion. You can use a mild detergent to clean the plastic and then dry it thoroughly. This removes any dirt, grease, or fingerprints that could interfere with the sublimation process.

Temperature and Pressure

The temperature and pressure during the sublimation process are also key factors. Different plastics require different temperature and pressure settings. For polyester - based plastics, a temperature range of around 380 - 400°F (193 - 204°C) and a pressure of about 40 - 60 psi (pounds per square inch) usually work well. You need to make sure that your heat press machine is calibrated correctly to achieve these settings. If the temperature is too low, the ink may not sublimate properly, and if it's too high, it could damage the plastic.

Advantages of Using 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper for Plastic Printing

High - Quality Prints

As mentioned earlier, when used on the right type of plastic (like polyester - based ones), our 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper can produce high - quality prints. The fast - drying feature ensures that the ink retains its sharpness and color vibrancy during the transfer process. You can get detailed images and smooth color gradients, which is great for creating professional - looking products.

Cost - Effective

Compared to some other printing methods, sublimation printing using our paper can be cost - effective, especially for small to medium - sized batches. You don't need to invest in expensive molds or plates, and the setup time is relatively short. This makes it a great option for businesses that want to create custom - printed plastic items without breaking the bank.

Durability

The prints created using sublimation printing on suitable plastics are quite durable. The ink becomes a part of the plastic's surface, so it's resistant to fading, scratching, and washing. This is ideal for products that will be used frequently or exposed to different environments.

Disadvantages and Challenges

Limited Plastic Compatibility

As we've discussed, the major drawback is the limited compatibility with different types of plastics. You can't just use our paper to print on any plastic you come across. This means that you need to carefully select the plastics you want to print on, which can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you're not familiar with the different types of plastics.

Equipment Requirements

Sublimation printing requires specialized equipment, such as a heat press machine. These machines can be expensive, and you need to have some technical knowledge to operate them properly. If you're new to sublimation printing, you may need to invest some time in learning how to use the equipment effectively.

So, can 70gsm Fast Dry Sublimation Paper be used for printing on plastic? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. It works great on polyester - based plastics, but not so well on other types of plastics. If you're interested in exploring sublimation printing on plastic using our Quick Dry Sub Paper or Quick Dry Sublimation Paper, we're here to help. We can provide you with more information about the paper, offer tips on the sublimation process, and guide you through the selection of suitable plastics. If you're looking to start a new project or expand your existing printing business, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always ready to have a chat and discuss how our products can meet your needs.

References:

• "Sublimation Printing: A Comprehensive Guide" by Printing Press Publications
• "Plastics and Their Properties" by Polymer Science Institute