6 FACTORS THAT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SUBLIMATION PRINTING
Mar 21, 2022
Textile manufacturers continue to have interesting new prospects because to sublimation printing. Modern printing technologies keep up with changing printing needs since the industry is expanding.
In the most recent analysis, the worldwide testing, consulting, and information services company Smithers Pira predicted that the market will grow from €6.99 billion in 2017 to €7.63 billion in 2018.Over the next five years, the global dye-sublimation printing industry is expected to achieve a total market value of €12.4 billion. Thus, in order to comprehend the future of sublimation printing, we need to closely monitor the essential elements of the industry.
More industrial and high-speed printer requirements
The market has been seeing an increase in demand for high-tech printers. Over the past five years, producers of digital printers have started to produce high-speed, more industrial, high-volume systems in response to the growing demand. Better printheads, smaller designs, and other printer parts are being made. One of the most frequent reasons for downtime, printhead nozzle clogs, is less likely with modern printheads since they include an automated circulation system and quicker print speeds. The ink and paper needs for sublimation users are also impacted by all of these developments. Therefore, superior transfer papers that operate flawlessly in high-speed mode and dye sublimation inks with quicker print rates and higher print quality are needed.
Capital expenditures and consumption costs
Both individuals looking to launch a small-scale print service company and those running large-scale textile printing may find extremely affordable wide format printers at the industrial level and entry-level dye sublimation printers at very affordable costs. For individuals who want to produce goods at an industrial scale, capital expenditure is not the primary factor that influences their purchasing decisions. The running expenses or usage for sublimation are what matter here. As a result, the expenditures of transfer paper and sublimation ink contribute significantly to the overall expense. The market's primary need is to obtain the most dependable print at the greatest level of quality and efficiency, which emphasizes the significance of sublimation ink and transfer sheets.
The printer software must set the ink consumption at optimal level and reduce unnecessary ink consumption. Additionally, another factor reducing the ink consumption is the quality of the transfer paper used in sublimation printing. In cases where coated papers are preferred, the ink should be transferred to the fabric at the highest rate possible, providing maximum productivity and efficiency.
Complex workflows and more useful software needs
Softwareis another key component that has a huge impact on printing manufacturers’ workflows and correspondingly printing manufacturers need more innovative software. Thanks to the practicalsoftware, the capacity of sublimation printers can be increased and the printer can efficiently use both the ink and material, resulting in lower consumption costs.
High quality polyester fabrics
Sublimation printing only adheres to polyester, as is common knowledge (at least 60% polyester). Polyester materials are now more practical and healthful than cotton fabrics, which were once thought to be the sole healthy alternative. Thus, recent advancements in sublimation printing and shifting trends reveal that polyester textiles are becoming more elastic, better at wicking away moisture, and antimicrobial. Certain polyester textiles, for example, have flame resistance. Because of this, these polyester materials are frequently utilized as upholstery fabric and for automobile interior upholstery. Sportswear-grade polyester textiles have changed recently as well. As an illustration, consider the glossy surface of sublimated jerseys and the unique, elastic polyester textiles made especially for exercise.
Changing the final user profile
The same report by Smithers Pira reveals that the leading sublimation printing segments used by the end user are garment industry with 77.8% (according to 2021 forecast) followed by visual communication products with 10.7%, home textile with 8.7% and technical textile with 5.7%. As tabulated, garments, sportswear, fashion and other garment products represent a majority of the market value in sublimation printing.
In the apparel sector, e-commerce, or online purchasing, has become more popular, and as a result, consumer needs and buying patterns have shifted. The value chain gets shorter and more flexible as a result of manufacturers being able to offer their goods directly through these platforms and end users being able to buy straight from the printing maker. The printing process is impacted by end users' demands for speedier production and delivery when the manufacturer employs online sales channels. Because the market is expanding daily and customized products are being offered online, producers are now trying to make more unique patterns in smaller numbers. As a result, basic requirements such the right sublimation printer, ink, and paper have evolved.
Wider application areas of sublimation printing
As a result of the Smithers Pira’s latest market data report, as we previously mentioned, sublimation printing attracts attention especially in garment fabrics, visual communication products, home textile and technical textile areas. Yet, as the report indicates, there are many sub-fields where the sublimation printing is utilized. Garment fabrics include personalized cloths, sportswear products, swimsuit and bikini, scarf and tie, socks and bags. Home textile is not limited to upholstery products; sublimation printing is also suitable for use in a wide range of areas like quilt cover set and bedding sets, wall coverings and carpets. As for the visual communication products, sublimation printing supports an extensive range ofapplications including interior and outdoor soft signage and banners, flags,retail and display products.And ultimately, sublimation printing is widely used in technical textile category including such automotive printing as seats, panels, sound absorption, bags, medical textile, and tents, sails, parasols, accessories and sports equipment.
