Laser Transfer compared to Dye Sublimation

Comparing Laser Toner Transfer and Dye Sublimation Product Decoration Systems:
Laser Transfer Paper and Dye-Sublimation printing for product customization are two very different animals. Each has their own place in the ever-evolving world of garment and substrate decorating, each with unique advantages and drawbacks.

Here are some of the major points to consider:

Laser Transfer Paper can work with a standard laser printer, whereas dye sublimation uses a special dye-based ink and needs a dedicated inkjet printer.

In the case of a Laser Toner printing system, you can swap between CMYK and CMYW cartridge configurations so that the same laser printer can be used for both regular office printing and white or neon toner printing.

Recently, laser toner technology has also come online, that allows decorators to deploy toner based sublimation on the same laser printer for office use, white toner printing and all other uses.

A dye-sublimation printer, however must be dedicated to only sublimation and cannot be used for regular office printing.

Laser Toner can be used in a one step operation, as would be the case when printing white onto dark stationery, and also in a two step operation for heat transfer onto mugs and apparel (including dark colors!).

Dye-Sublimation always requires a two step process, where the image is first printed onto transfer paper and then transferred onto a polymer-coated substrate via heat and pressure.

Laser Toner Transfer lays on top, adhering to the surface of any color material, whereas Dye-sublimation inks permanently infuse into the chemical structure of the polymer substrate.

Sublimation is limited in that it can only attach to white or light-colored polyester or other polymer-coated products; however it forms a permanent attachment and thus it cannot be washed away.

The following table compares the advantages and limitations of the two systems:

LASER TRANSFER ADVANTAGES
Laser printer can be re-used for general office needs
Prints white directly on dark paper (one step)
Apply white on any color surface (two step)
Apply White + all colors on light or dark surface
Does not need specialty coated end products

LASER TRANSFER LIMITATIONS
Applies on top of the target surface
Shorter washability life than sublimation

SUBLIMATION ADVANTAGES
Infuses with the material, not just layered on top
Dishwasher and microwave safe
Vivid photorealistic colors
Maintains soft feel of garments
Long washability life

SUBLIMATION LIMITATIONS
Infuses only to white or light color objects
Limited to polyester or poly treated products
Printer cannot be used for anything else

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